Dr. Bill Bauer’s beautifully illustrated story helps children understand HIV, kindness, inclusion, and emotional resilience through empathy and education.
By Dr. Sami Milan
New York, N.Y. — Luce Publications, an imprint of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, is pleased to announce the publication of Born To Be Me: A Sensitive Story About a Child Living with HIV by Dr. Bill Bauer, a compassionate new children’s book designed to help young readers better understand HIV and AIDS through empathy, education, and acceptance.
Part of Dr. Bauer’s uplifting “And I’m Okay” series, the beautifully illustrated picture book introduces readers to Jayden—a joyful and courageous child living with HIV. Through Jayden’s story, children ages 4–10 learn that having HIV does not define who someone is and that every child deserves kindness, support, and understanding.
Helping Children Understand HIV Through Storytelling
In Born To Be Me, Jayden enjoys many of the same activities as other children: riding a bike, attending school, reading stories, and spending time with friends and family. Supported by doctors, teachers, classmates, and loved ones, Jayden learns how courage and compassion can help overcome fear and misunderstanding.
Written in accessible and age-appropriate language, the book gently explains how HIV is—and is not—spread, helping reduce stigma while encouraging thoughtful conversations about health, inclusion, and empathy.
Dr. Bauer approaches a sensitive topic with remarkable warmth and clarity, creating a safe and affirming reading experience for children, caregivers, educators, counselors, and librarians alike.
Addressing Fear With Education And Compassion
For decades, misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS has contributed to fear, isolation, and discrimination. Born To Be Me seeks to replace misunderstanding with accurate information presented in a calm, reassuring manner appropriate for young readers.
The story emphasizes that children living with HIV can lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives with proper medical care and support.
Equally important, the book teaches children that HIV cannot be spread through everyday interactions such as hugging, playing, sharing meals, or attending school together.
By normalizing kindness and acceptance, the book encourages children to see
beyond medical labels and recognize the shared humanity in every person.
A Valuable Resource For Families And Schools
Mental health professionals, educators, and advocates for social-emotional learning increasingly recognize the importance of helping children discuss complex topics early and honestly.
Born To Be Me serves as a valuable educational resource for:
• Parents and caregivers
• Elementary classrooms and school libraries
• School counselors and social workers
• SEL and inclusion programs
• Pediatric support settings
• Conversations about empathy, diversity, and health
The book’s reassuring tone and engaging watercolor illustrations by Maria Peña make it especially effective as both a read-aloud title and an independent learning tool.
Continuing Dr. Bauer’s Lifelong Advocacy
Dr. Bill Bauer has spent decades supporting children, families, and communities as a teacher, counselor, school administrator, disability rights advocate, and mental health educator. His work consistently emphasizes dignity, inclusion, and emotional well-being for children facing social, emotional, physical, or developmental challenges.
Through the “And I’m Okay” series, Dr. Bauer continues his mission of helping children understand differences with courage and compassion while reminding every reader that they are valued, respected, and never alone.
Available Now
Born To Be Me: A Sensitive Story About a Child Living with HIV by Dr. Bill Bauer, published by Luce Publications, is now available through Amazon here: https://a.co/d/0aGLJHMs