Oh, Brother

Oh, Brother
By Johniece Marshall Wilson

Scholastic Press
New York
1989
 
This is a realistic story of sibling rivalry between two young African-American boys who learn to overcome their character flaws. Andrew and Alex are opposites in personality and always manage to get on each other's nerves. Andrew, the older brother, likes to socialize and has a hard time keeping a part-time job. Alex, the younger brother, is athletic and a paperboy with his own bicycle. Their relationship changes for the better when a gang of boys harasses Andrew and steals the bicycle he borrowed from Alex. The fight inspires Alex take matters into his own hands, while Andrew learns how to be a more responsible person.

Noteworthy Features:

• Sibling Rivalry
• Bullying

Students will enjoy this book because they can relate to it. Most children can relate to a sibling rivalry. This makes it a good book to engage students in reading and help them enjoy reading. I would not do activities with this book. I would use this book as a method of getting students to read for the enjoyment of reading. This factor of reading is missing so often in school.