Description
In this bright and thoughtful middle-grade graphic memoir, debut cartoonist Georgina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside her autistic brother, Rob.
New house.
New school.
New best friend?
For a nervous kid who doesn't like change, it's a lot to deal with.
And that's before Gina's brother, Rob, gets involved.
From stealing Gina's treats to climbing on the neighbours' garage roof, Rob has a knack for causing chaos. Gina knows he doesn't mean it, but worries that his quirks might scare off her new friend, Callie. Then again, maybe Gina's own quirks are enough to drive Callie away!
This heartfelt and irresistible graphic memoir captures the complicated feelings that come from growing up with an autistic sibling who requires substantial support. It's a story about friendship, family, disability, and the power of Vegemite toast.
Oh Brother has been chosen for the Junior Library Guild Gold Selection.
Review
Gina has a lot going on in her life. Moving house, about to start high school, anxiety issues and living with a brother, Rob, who is non-verbal and has autism and an intellectual disability.
Making friends is difficult, but then Callie appears and she seems to like Gina for who she is. But Gina’s anxiety always questions this friendship, which makes things hard.
But Rob is her most difficult relationship. She adores him and they are close, but he doesn’t make it easy with his constant stealing and physical violence. Will she ever be able to live a normal life?
This graphic novel memoir shows how people’s lives are shaped by those around them and will help teens to explore empathy for others. It is so well done and with themes of compassion, family, high school life, autism, anxiety, and the importance of friends, it is a terrific read for lower secondary students.
