Author: Ana Crespo

Publication Information: Charlesbridge, 2021

Intended Audience: K-3rd grade (LG - BL: 2.8)

Important Themes/Connection: Sibling relationships, Brazilian culture

Potential Concerns: N/A

Summary: Brazilian siblings Lia and Luís compare the objects they own, such as their snacks, to determine who has more, causing an argument. This book utilizes reasoning and introduces mathematical concepts such as measurement and comparison. This book highlights Brazilian culture through its illustrations and family culture. Themes of cooperation and sibling love are prominent in this story. 

Author: Judy Blume

Publication information: Dell, 1985

Intended audience: K-3 (LG, BL: 3.1)

Important themes/connection: Sibling rivalry,  jealousy

Potential concerns: N/A

Summary: This story is about two siblings, the pain, and the great one. Each perceives their sibling in the same way. They are also jealous because they think their parents love the other siblings more. They must find out who their parents love more throughout the story. This story highlights the typical sibling relationship and what every sibling goes through. 

Author: Rachel Bright

Publication information: Orchard Books, 2018

Intended audience: K-3 (LG, BL: 3.2)

Important themes/connection: Teamwork and relationships 

Potential concerns: Greed

Summary: This book is about two squirrels who wanted the last nut of the season. They start chasing it and are determined to get it. They must figure out how to get the nut when it falls into the water and work as a team. They must also work together to save themselves when they get in trouble.

Author: Mercer Mayor

Publication information: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2001

Intended audience: K-3 (LG, BL: 1.5)

Important themes/connection: Brother and sister relationship, feeling included, and responsibility 

Potential concerns: Being responsible for a younger sibling

Summary: This book is about an older brother who has to help and include his little sister. His sister wants to feel included, but she is too young, so he is responsible for helping her. Sometimes, he feels angry about his sister joining him, but she includes him when he wants to be included. 

Author: Patricia Polacco 

Publication Information: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1994

Intended Audience: K-3rd grade (LG - BL: 4.3)

Important Themes/Connection: Sibling rivalry, perseverance, family 

Potential Concerns: N/A

Summary: Sibling rivalry is highlighted between Patricia and her older brother, Richard. The siblings are constantly competing against each other, with Richard regularly excelling. Patrica becomes determined to beat him and begins challenging him in various activities. Richard unexpectedly acts in kindness towards his sister, creating a deeper connection between the two. 

Author:  Erich Kästner

Publication Information: Pushkin Press, 1949

Intended Audience: 4th-7th grade (MG - BL: 4.6)

Important Themes/Connection: Family, sibling relationships

Potential Concerns: Divorced parents and separation of the family

Summary: This story follows twin sisters who were separated at birth due to their parent’s divorce. They meet at a summer camp by chance, where they discover the truth and form a bond after initially fighting. They plot to swap places and live with the other parent to reunite their family. The story highlights the challenges the twins overcome with teamwork and resilience.

Author: Marilyn Sachs

Publication information: Dutton Juvenile, 1998

Intended audience: 4-8 grade (MG, BL: 4.4)

Important themes/connection: Jealousy, sibling rivalry 

Potential concerns: being overshadowed 

Summary: When Genevieve gets tired of her younger brother taking all the attention from her parents, she decides to throw them a party to get some attention. She also has some great achievements, but still, the attention is on her brother, who is always causing trouble for the whole family. She feels extremely frustrated because she isn’t getting any attention. 

Author: Tamera Will Wissinger

Publication Information: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013

Intended Audience: 2nd-5th grade (MG - BL: 4.2)

Important Themes/Connection: Sibling relationships, family bonding, nature

Potential Concerns: N/A

Summary: The story of Sam, his dad, and his little tag, along with his sister Lucy, is told through a novel of poems. Sam learns to understand and express his feelings about sharing his time with his dad and sister. He eventually sees the opportunity and value of including his sister in their adventure. This story highlights the joys and complexities of the family dynamic and the adaptations of family connections.