My brother is away

This story, narrated by a little white girl, begins with her saying that her brother is far away and that he doesn't live with her family anymore. She misses him terribly; he used to carry her on his shoulders and read her books, and he taught her how to fly a kite. Readers don't find out where her big brother is until a classmate announces on the playground, "I saw your brother on the news . . . He did something bad." The narrator storms home, angry and confused about her situation, blaming her brother and wondering why he did what he did. Her parents are reassuring, and soon they drive very far to visit him. The girl is nervous, but when the door opens, they run together and hug. The girl notices other kids like her, and realizes that she's "not the only one whose brother is away." An author's note explains that this book is based on her childhood, when her brother was incarcerated. Her reassuring concern is evident through the minimal, carefully chosen text, and the expressive and understated illustrations in a muted palette perfectly capture the sad, confused tone. This empathetic book addresses a topic that's relevant to a significant number of children yet rarely covered in children's books.

A child lives far apart from their incarcerated older brother. The narrator peers into their older brother's empty bedroom with a despondent look. "Sometimes I stand in his quiet room and pretend he's not really gone." Grappling with the weight of his incarceration amid questions from curious classmates, the child experiences anger, embarrassment, and pain. But their bond is a strong one, and memories remind the protagonist of happier times: a contented smile as the pair snuggled up and read together, arms flung wide with joy during starlit strolls together. The juxtaposition of these different sentiments helps to illuminate the narrator's reality, particularly when they and their parents make the long drive to see the child's brother in prison. When they finally reconnect with a warm embrace, the main character realizes that other kids are also in the visiting room, reuniting with their incarcerated family members. Greenwood (who in an author's note says that she grew up with an incarcerated brother) describes these experiences in simple, poignant language ideal for a range of readers. Also noteworthy is Uribe's moving artwork; both detailed and restrained, the illustrations bolster the sensitive plot. In the author's note, Greenwood offers readers reassurance: "If someone you love is in prison, I want you to know you aren't alone, either." The child and their family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An accessible, validating narrative about the impact of incarceration within families. (Picture book. 4-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.