Siblings

April 15, 2010
Grades 3-6 Starting with the wry subtitle and the colorful cover cartoon of two fuming kids standing back to back, this lively title uses accessible humor to approach sibling-related topics, such as birth order, privacy, jealousy, bullying, and bonding. The authors discuss each subject in a child-centered, casual, and humorous tone; tips about how to get the jealousy monster off your back, for example, are illustrated with a cartoon of a huge purple creature towering over a kids shoulder. Included are chapters about siblings with special needs, stepsibs, and bonding with older sibs (respect their privacy) and younger sibs (practice asking, not bossing). The books open design and interactive features, such as quick checklists and quizzes, help make this an effective choice for kids and grown-ups to talk and laugh about together. A final note and bibliography aimed at parents and caregivers will further aid family discussions.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)