Cootie Dragons

THE COOTIE DRAGONS was written to help children to better understand HIV & AIDS. The AIDS virus is a health problem that has been identified as "Public Enemy Number One." Children hear about AIDS, just as we all do. But the real question is, just how much do they understand? Before printing THE COOTIE DRAGONS, I gathered twenty students & asked them one by one to tell me what they knew about AIDS. Just as I expected they knew very little & were very confused about the subject. I gave each of the students a rough draft of THE COOTIE DRAGONS to take home with them & read. Three days later I met with the same group of children & asked them again what they knew about AIDS. Their knowledge level had improved one hundred percent. Basic health education should be started as early as possible, in keeping with parental & community standards. It is very important that middle school students (those entering their teens) learn to protect themselves from the AIDS virus. Children must also be taught values & responsibility, as well as skills to help them resist peer pressure that might lead to risky behavior. These skills can be reinforced by religious & community groups. However, final responsibility rests with the parents. As a parent, I encourage you to read THE COOTIE DRAGONS, & discuss the book with your children.Toussant, Eliza is the author of 'Cootie Dragons' with ISBN 9780963058324 and ISBN 0963058320.