Levithan, David. Fight of Our Lives, The: AIDS in America. Addl. Creator Gabriel Duckels. Knopf, 04/2026. 466pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-0-593-71092-0. GRADES 9–Adult. OUTSTANDING.
Both teens and adults will appreciate this history of the AIDS crisis in the United States because it relies on a wealth of interviews and personal stories instead of an emphasis on science and research. The authors clearly detail the depth of the crisis and calamity it caused for so many people, both patients and their friends and family members. Included are published interviews from people who have died as well as AIDS activists who are still alive, giving the narrative an immediacy and infusing a sense of passion about the fight against this disease and its stigma. The book is generally organized chronologically but jumps around somewhat in places; still, most sections are very compelling for such a long book. Both well-known figures like Ryan White and Pedro Zamora are included, as well as other activists who represent women, doctors, political figures, and all areas of the LGBTQ+ community. The book includes sections with comics, zine articles, newspaper reproductions, and other visuals; there are source notes, but no index.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool