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This book is about a young boy's struggle to come to terms with the death of his uncle. It deals with grieving, discusses AIDS in an enlightened and humane way, and tactfully broaches homosexuality. Joel, the young narrator of the story, remembers how much he enjoyed his Uncle Michael's company. After Michael's "best friend," Peter, became ill with AIDS and died, Michael moved in with Joel, his mother, and his little sister. Michael had AIDS as well. Recalling Michael's illness and death, Joel is unable to sleep and goes into the tree house he and Michael built together. As the sun comes up, Joel sees the "tiger flowers" his uncle loved, and feels consoled.