Customer Reviews

Always My Brother

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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.

"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.

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.

Always my Brother looks at the issue of death within a family, geared towards younger children, probably ages 7-11. The details of the story are a bit on the vague side. Becky and her brother John played soccer and walked home together, sharing special moments. We then learn that John died, yet don't really learn what happens. The story follows the process of grieving and slowly allowing one's life to return to normal.

While I wish there were more details, the other side of this is that is allows each reader to relate with their own experiences. Overall, children learn it's okay to grieve and miss someone, but also that it's okay to go on with your own life at your own pace. It's nice to have another resource for children who deal with loss, and with the easy to follow story and nice artwork, Always My Brother proves to be a helpful book.

As a school counselor, I will include this in my library for children and families. It is a lovely story written by a mom that knows the pain and sees the grief in her own daughter. It will be a story that opens the door for discussion with children about their loss or the loss experiences by a friend of theirs. This is a gift to children.