My Brother Is Away

Reviewed by Keesha Ceran

Review Source: Teaching for Change
Book Author: Sara Greenwood

Written by Sara Greenwood and illustrated by Luisa Uribe, My Brother is Away is about a young girl whose brother is incarcerated. The story is based on the author’s childhood experience that connects young readers with similar stories all too rarely represented in children’s books.

What stands out in this picture book is the accessibility of a young person’s emotions when experiencing the impact of familial incarceration. The young girl’s thoughts about what to say about her brother and her anger and sadness are relatable. The author’s note about the privilege her family had to travel the long distance, 500 miles, to visit her brother adds a layer that may often be left out of children’s books.

A Spanish version is also available: Mi Hermano Está Lejos

Keesha Ceran is the associate director at Teaching for Change. 

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My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood
Published by Random House Children's Books on October 11, 2022
Genres: Bilingual, Incarceration
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9780593127162
Review Source: Teaching for Change

Publisher's Synopsis: In this moving picture book, a young girl reflects on the emotions and challenges of growing up with a brother who is incarcerated. This touching story is filled with vivid illustrations and is based on the author’s childhood experiences.

An NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book • NPR Best Book of the Year • A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book

With her older brother in prison, a young girl copes with the confusing feelings his absence creates. At times she remembers the way her brother would carry her on his shoulders or how he would make up stories to tell her at bedtime. Other times she feels angry and wants to fly so far away that she can forget what happened.

When her Mama and Daddy take her on the 500-mile journey to visit him, a trip she knows not all families are able to make, the girl is excited but also nervous. But the nerves turn to joy when she sees him — everything is different, but everything is the same, too. Her brother is not home, but his love hasn’t changed.

With words that are spare, gentle, and reassuring, this picture book will help young readers with similar stories feel less alone and give other readers a window into the struggles some children face.