Slim's father, a charismatic actor named Mack, is dying of AIDS. Slim andMack's companion, Larry, help care for Mack. Soon Slim joins a support groupfor family members who live with people who have AIDS. There she meets Isaiah, who believes their parents can be cured by the Miracle Man in the "HungryValley" north of Los Angeles. Slim believes only what she sees: that herfather and others are dying and no one is trying to stop it. But Isaiah'sfaith in miracles rubs off on Slim, and with their family and friends theyjourney into the mountains to find their own moment of magic.

"Nelson's sensitive portrayals of the three members of the McGranahan householddraw the reader into this story...This social issue, brought painfully home, iswhat gives the story its amazing power." "--The Horn Book Magazine, " (starred review)

" A gripping story, which includes a healthy dose of humor....This special bookshould find a wide audience." "--School Library Journal, " (starredreview)

"Paced in such a way as to allow the reader to share in, rather than bebombarded by, heart-breaking moments." "--Publishers Weekly, " (starredreview)

"A tender, respectful story of the strength of love in the face of death."
"--The Bulletin, " (recommended)