My Sister Rosa

Starred review from September 19, 2016
When 17-year-old Che and his family move from Bangkok to New York City, his biggest concern isn’t adjusting to a new country or making friends: it’s his 10-year-old sister, Rosa. Originally from Australia, Che’s family never stays in one place for long, constantly on the move due to his parents’ work, but Rosa’s dangerous and calculating behavior is a terrifying constant. His parents brush off her actions, but Che is certain that manipulative Rosa is a diagnosable psychopath with a complete lack of empathy. While keeping a vigilant eye on Rosa, Che navigates life in N.Y.C., embarking on new relationships and going against his parents’ wishes to pursue boxing more seriously. Larbalestier (Razorhurst) offers a chilling contemplation on human morality—Che’s physical sparring in the ring has nothing on his go-arounds with Rosa, as they debate what it means to be truthful or “good”—while incorporating sharp commentary on privilege, faith, gender identity, and race. The tension of wondering where and how Rosa will strike next will keep readers riveted from start to finish. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.

"Do you think I'm the devil?"Seventeen-year-old Che thinks his 10-year-old sister, Rosa, might be worse than that. Rosa lies and manipulates others, steals, and tortures bugs--all for her own entertainment and curiosity--and her extreme behavior is increasing. Che's parents don't believe his claims about Rosa, so when they move to New York City, he has one goal: protect the city from his psychopathic little sister. As Che presents his research on sociopathy and personality disorders via conversations with Rosa, readers witness her malicious behavior, threats, and lies firsthand. Not one to shy away from tough subject matter, Larbalestier addresses issues related to gender, sexual orientation, religion, identity, and race with tact. Though narrated by an Australian white male, diversity abounds in the novel, effortlessly sharing the pages with the riveting plot as it builds to a frightening climax. Che is in love with his "very dark-skinned" boxing mate, a girl named Sojourner (who also happens to have two moms). In a particularly brilliant set piece, Leilani, who's part Korean and a lesbian, and Elon, an androgynous black character, force Che to contemplate his interracial relationship by addressing the fetishization of black women. This dark thriller is the 1956 film The Bad Seed meets 2016; readers will be simultaneously terrified when Rosa's present and afraid to let her out of their sight. (Thriller. 14 & up) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-When Che is forced to move from Australia to the United States, he has two things on his mind: find a new boxing gym and keep the world safe from his sister Rosa. For almost as long as she's been alive, Che has known that something is not right with her. Callous, indifferent, fascinated by pain, she is a threat to all those around her, whether or not her parents see it. When their lives collide with old family friends, Che struggles to keep Rosa in line at the same time as he's experiencing his first love. A tense, thrilling rumination on the psychology of evil, this work manages to keep a suspenseful tone while also showcasing a burgeoning romantic relationship. There are also a wide variety of nuanced and complex diverse characters in Che's New York City neighborhood. Rosa is a truly chilling figure, seemingly unpredictable in her violence yet methodical in her manipulations of those around her. VERDICT While the sexual content and sadistic main character make it a better choice for older readers, the book is a worthwhile selection for YA collections.-Erinn Black Salge, Saint Peter's Prep, Jersey City, NJ

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2016
Grades 9-12 Don't let her dimples, golden ringlets, and preternatural knack for mathematics fool you: Rosa, 10, is a ticking bomb, and Che, her older brother and sole confidant, is the only one who knows it. Since moving from Bangkok to New York City for their parents' latest business venture, Rosa's symptoms ( charisma, callousness, and disinhibition on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist) and mounting interest in extreme manipulation have only intensified. But after Rosa's intimate connection with a family friend turns potentially lethal, Che resolves to expose her for what she is. Yet, in confronting Rosa's sinister tendencies, Che not only comes face-to-face with his family's dark past but also a few grim secrets of his own. While Larbalestier's agenda is at times too ambitious in its scopeattempts to tackle religion, race, gender, and social class are frequent and can feel forcedreaders are sure to relish Che's first-person narrative, flecked with self-deprecating humor, conflicted compassion, fiery female leads, and a walloping dose of romance. A captivating exploration of family, fate, and the fight to outrun them.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)