My Brother's Keeper
My Brother's Keeper
Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2005
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
My Brother’s Keeper by Patricia McCormick, published in 2005, follows thirteen-year-old Toby Malone grappling with his father's sudden departure and the subsequent unraveling of his family. Toby’s older brother, Jake, once a role model, becomes secretive and struggles with substance abuse, leading Toby to feel the weight of holding his family together while coping with his own adolescent challenges. This book contains themes addressing substance abuse and familial abandonment.
Melancholic
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
851 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick receives praise for its honest portrayal of addiction and family struggles, capturing emotional depth and showcasing realistic character development. Criticisms include moments where the pace slows, potentially disengaging readers. Overall, it's deemed a compelling and emotional read, especially for young adults.
Who Should Read My Brother's Keeper?
Readers who appreciate A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer and Crank by Ellen Hopkins will find My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick compelling. This book appeals to those interested in emotionally charged, realistic portrayals of family struggles and the resilience of young adults. Ideal for teens and adults dealing with or interested in awareness of addiction and sibling dynamics.
851 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick explores themes of familial responsibility and the struggles of adolescence, reflecting McCormick's interest in social issues, which is also evident in her other works like Sold.
McCormick's background in journalism and her keen interest in social issues heavily influence her writing style and thematic choices in My Brother's Keeper, offering a realistic portrayal of contemporary issues faced by teens.
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192
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2005
YA
12-18 years
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