Always My Brother
What’s inside...
Becky slowly returns to the activities she enjoyed with her big brother, John, after learning that he is still part of her family, even after his death. 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character feels about losing their brother? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What are some ways the family in the book remembers and honors their loved one?
Why is it important to support each other during tough times? How can we help friends or family who are sad?
What did the character learn by the end of the story? How did they change?
How can having memories of someone help us feel better when they’re gone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a supportive atmosphere where emotions are acknowledged and respected. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts, and share your own in return. Use examples from the book to highlight that it's okay to feel sad and miss someone. Reinforce the message that remembering loved ones can bring comfort. Remind them that it’s important to support one another, just like the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The story revolves around a young girl dealing with her brother's untimely death, showcasing her journey through grief and healing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that grief is a natural response to loss and that expressing emotions can aid in the healing process.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The protagonist's family comes together to comfort each other, highlighting how crucial family support is during tough times.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of leaning on family members for support during emotional hardships and fostering strong family bonds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite her immense grief, the main character gradually finds strength and learns to enjoy life again, embodying resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it's possible to recover and find happiness again after experiencing loss, emphasizing the strength of human spirit.
Example Lesson: Keeping Memories Alive
Explanation: The young girl keeps her brother’s memory alive by engaging in activities they used to do together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that remembering loved ones and cherishing shared moments can be a meaningful way to cope with grief.
Example Lesson: Communication of Feelings
Explanation: The protagonist learns to express her feelings about her brother’s death with her family, which helps them all heal together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to openly communicate their emotions with trusted individuals, which is crucial for emotional development and support.