Picture Book #12

Title:  My Big Brother

Author:  Miriam Cohen

Illustrator:  Ronald Himler

Genre:  Children's Fiction 

Subgenre:  Early Reader Realistic Fiction

Themes:  family, big brothers, little brothers, military life, family struggles

Primary and Secondary Characters:  big brother, little brother, the youngest brother, and mama

Awards:  South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee 2007

Date of Publication:  2005

Publishing Company:  Star Bright Books

Summary:

This book describes a strong relationship between a little boy and his big brother.  He loves to do everything his big brother does.  They play basketball together, play the guitar together, and read.  One of their favorite pastimes is to work on big brother's car.  The boys, the youngest,  the middle boy, and the oldest, along with their mama go to church every Sunday.  The oldest brother always tells mama how beautiful she looks.  When they come back to eat lunch, the oldest brother always tells mama how delicious the food is.  One day, the older brother tells the family that he is joining the army.  Everyone is sad, but sends him off.  The older brother makes sure before he leaves, that his younger brother will take care of their youngest brother.  He agrees to take care of him, and realizes that he is the big brother now.  So, after his big brother leaves, he does the same activities with his younger brother that he used to do with his older brother.  They play basketball, keep their brother's car clean and even tell mama how beautiful she looks for church.  The young boy misses his big brother so bad and always looks at his picture.  He decides he's ready for him to be home for good.  

How it will be used in the classroom:
This would be a great book to have for those students who have experienced someone in their family leaving to the military.  This would be a great book to read around Veteran's Day, to remember those who deal with loved ones being gone and of course to honor those who serve.  I think it would also be great for students to see how important it is to be respectful of your younger or older brother.