The Heaven Shop by Deborah Ellis

published by Firzhenry and Whiteside

This book begins as a simple story of Binti Phiri and her family in Malawi where she lives with her father, brother and sister. In fact, the story feels as if its written for younger children, perhaps middle school. However, the AIDS crisis quickly thrusts Binti into an inhuman world where there aren’t even decisions to make, things just happen. Do these actions deserve judgement or forgiveness? How do I know this will never happen to me?

AIDS is a topic students do not like to discuss. Consequently, they will probably only read this book if they have to. Considering the nature of the story, that’s probably good because students will need to discuss this book!