JB Terry-Smith

JB Terry-Smith was born and raised right outside of Washington in Montgomery County Maryland.  When he was a little boy Terry-Smith can remember writing out stories and articles in elementary school.  Story-telling, writing, current events were his favorite subjects.  Most recently Terry-Smith had decided that he would write a children’s book about HIV, the book is called, “I have a Secret”.  Terry-Smith decided that he would write such a book since one of his many causes is Pediatric AIDS and he himself was diagnosed with HIV in 2005.  In the future he plans on writing more books about many subjects as well.

Terry-Smith has his Associates degree in Communications and is now one year away from earning his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.  He still continues to write articles for many publications.  With his first book he aims to make children aware that there are children living with HIV, who are no different than themselves and there is no reason to be afraid of them.   

Terry-Smith currently resides in Laurel, Maryland

JB was on Maryland Gay Radio commenting on his book and the disgraceable act of a school to deny a student in due to his HIV+ status.  Listen to the interview here,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a secret is a difficult enough to cope with and understand as an adult, let alone a 6 grader! 

I Have a Secret handles this dilemma with a relatable sense of frankness, and with doing so ends up inspiring children and adults alike to be compassionate and courageous!

Love the art work too.

-       Sven Paardekooper, author of Sorry, Not Dead Yet!

 

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