Always My Brother [Hardcover]

Jean Reagan (Author), Phyllis Pollema-Cahill (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 2009 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Becky and her brother John were best buddies, telling jokes, caring for their dog Toby together, and playing soccer. John was always there to cheer her up and help her out--until he died. Becky wishes everything could go back to the way it was. When she is surprised and feels guilty about enjoying a friend's birthday party, her mom wraps reassuring arms around her and says, "Don't you think he'd want you to laugh, even now?" She gradually realizes that she can still enjoy the things that they used to do together and that the memories of John continue to make him part of their family. Always My Brother is a sensitive, realistic story about the process of grief, acceptance, and recovery. Phyllis Pollema-Cahill's lovely illustrations bring readers right into the heart of Becky's family as they struggle to move forward.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–5—Becky narrates this story about her brother's death and its effects on her and her family. She and John were "best buddies," and when he dies, she is devastated and gives up many of the things she loved doing. Finally, as she begins to adjust to her life without him, she realizes that her brother would want her to be happy in spite of his absence. The story is poignant and touching, realistic and straightforward. This is a good book to recommend to families struggling with the death of a relative or friend. While the body proportions are not always exactly right in the realistic watercolors, the facial expressions are rendered with care and precision.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD
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Review

"This is a touching story of John and his sister who loved each other and shared many interests until his death. The pictures and the text together form a tender story of loss and the journey through grief for his sister, Becky including feelings of guilt when Becky began enjoying life again.

Parents can use this inspiring story to begin discussions with children dealing with such a tragic and sudden experience or as a start to the exploration of feelings before a child experiences death.

Kids will relate to the feelings of the character and find an understanding of their own emotions as they read this story over again. Get a copy today to use as a great resource for kids when helping them to sort through the grief process. It is an excellent read and a wonderful book to share as a family. Check it out and let me know what you think." --heartfeltwords4kids, May 27, 2009

"...This is a poignant and sensitive story about a brother and sister who are best pals. When brother John dies, his sister Becky is distraught, suffering with her grief....Always My Brother teaches children how to deal with grief, acceptance and recovery in a gentle manner with kind words and tender illustrations." --Kennebec Journal, August 23, 2009

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers; 1 edition (May 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884483134
• ISBN-13: 978-0884483137
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #548,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story of love, longing and remembering, July 12, 2009

By 

Kathy Eder "Cuba buddy remembers" (LOS GATOS, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Always My Brother (Hardcover)

If you are looking for a book that will transport you to the place where longing for a loved one and loving the memories of a loved one and living in the present without forgetting the past are possible at the the same time, Jean Reagan has created this world for us.

This book can guide a child to remember that it is possible to let go and yet still remember.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well crafted to appeal to children in grades 3-6, February 21, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always My Brother (Hardcover)

"Always My Brother" is a sensitive, compassionate book about an ordinary, soccer -playing girl who misses her brother, John after his death. With her parents' love and support and her beloved dog Toby, she gradually returns to a semblance of enjoying her life. When she feels bad about this because she still misses John and does not wish to betray his memory by returning to life as normal without him, her parents remind her that he is always her brother, that he will always be with her, and that he would want her to be happy and have a normal life again. "Always My Brother" is enhanced with delicate water color illustrations that clearly portray both the everyday life before and after the death of a much-loved brother. "Always My Brother" is well crafted to appeal to children in grades 3-6.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Siblings Grieve Also, November 1, 2010

By 

Karen O. Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always My Brother (Hardcover)

A remarkable story focused on the grief of a sibling once her brother dies. So often siblings' feelings are somehow lost as the grief blanket engulfs a family. Jean opens the world of a sad family due to an unexpected change, and with a talented heartlight captures the reader to join the rollercoaster of readjustment. Hopeful and uplifting.