44 BCALA NEWS Volume 41, Issue 3

Summer 2014

Eric (pseudonym) was placed under protective custody in prison, due to acts of violence that had been committed against him. Eric wrote his former teacher that the main thing that keeps him going is reading the graphic novel and the personal ‘‘author” notes that were written to him in the back of the book. Another participant in the project called his former teacher to say that he keeps AIEZ by his bed and read it frequently because it was the ‘‘coolest thing he had ever done” and he was proud of having been a part of the project.

P.C.: What is the plot of AIDS in the End Zone?

K.G.: Marcus Johnson has just been named [starting] quarterback for the Marina High School Pirates. Former quarterback Brad Timmerman will do anything to depose this new rival and regain his position and popularity—including setting up Marcus with Maria Cruz, who is HIV positive. As secrets are exposed, this encounter will shake the halls of Marina High and change the lives of these students forever.

P.C.: That’s a very interesting plotline. Do you have any insight on why the teens you all worked with came up with these characters and this plotline?

K.G.: A few of the teens were from the Myrtle Beach area and they told us about an incident that happened locally regarding HIV /AIDS infected heterosexual males knowingly trying to pass HIV/AIDS on to prostitutes. Although the AIEZ plot is different from that situation, I think that incident that they heard about in the media is what made them think about the incident with Maria. As far as the characters, there was a lot of discussion among the boys regarding what types of characters they wanted in terms of race, family, socio - economic background, etc. There was a lot of give and take regarding the characters / their attire and dialogue.

P.C.: And what exactly is the central aim or goal of this title?