Her mom sends her off with them to have an adventure. This is Zoe's family. I see this book as being particularly meaningful for children who have relatives who are sick or have died from AIDS or any other disease. Children can get involved in helping people living with AIDS in many ways. With adult support, children can volunteer with people who need company and who want to be read to.
Children can help walk dogs, deliver meals, and provide companionship.
For children, this would be a wonderful opportunity to get to know a person whom they might not meet otherwise, and to do something that is helpful.