Papua New Guinea

I have to wonder–if the AIDS crisis in Papua New Guinea is so hopeless, what difference will it make whether Aunt Sid writes a good story about it or not? What difference will it make that I’m here with her? I ask God to do something miraculous for both of us in this third world country. I ask God to use me…

After her life-changing journey to Ireland, twenty-year-old Maddie Chase feels ready for whatever she and her Aunt Sid will find on their trip to Papua New Guinea. But when she sets foot on the beautiful South Pacific island, she can’t help but notice the sense of hopelessness around her.

Through their investigative reporting, Maddie and Aunt Sid learn that this developing country is literally dying of AIDS. As Maddie delves deeper into the culture and history of the land–and develops relationships with nationals who are eager to share their lives–she finds a tangled past that could help to explain the current health crisis.

Will Maddie be able to see past the darkness to offer light to these gracious island people? Join Maddie on her latest international adventure as she learns that maybe it is possible for one person to change history.

Melody Carlson is a world traveler, a preschool teacher, a youth counselor, a political activist, and a senior editor. Her favorite role, though, is writer. In the past decade, Melody has published more than a hundred books for readers of all ages and won numerous writing awards. Melody has two grown sons and lives in central Oregon with her husband and her chocolate lab retriever. She enjoys skiing, gardening, camping, and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains of central Oregon.