Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Brothers & Sisters

Having siblings can sometimes be a double edges sword. Sure you might have a built in bestie but you could also be living with your real life frien-emie. Here are a few middle grade books that give different and entertaining perspectives on complicated sibling relationships. 

Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca

Maya and Chaya are identical twins who have always done everything together. But lately things have been tense and they can't seem to get along or be as close as they once were.

Their current topic of strife is where to go to high school. The sisters come up with a contest to settle this debate. At camp this summer they will switch places and whoever can keep the ruse going the longest gets to decide where they go to high school. What could possibly go wrong?

“A thoughtful and deeply moving story in verse.” –Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Feng-li is loving visiting California with her family on vacation. Then she learns she and her brother and sister will be staying there to go to school while her parents return home to Taiwan. Suddenly she's overwhelmed with starting a new school, learning a new language and making friends. To make things even more difficult, her siblings are constantly fighting. A series of bad choices escalates the situation leaving Feng-li to question if her family will keep it together or tear itself apart. 

Parachute Kids tackles some heavy topics and is probably most appropriate for older middle graders. It was a      
National Book Award nominee for Young People's Literature and Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature nominee for Children's Literature.

We Own the Sky by Rodman Philbrick

In 1924 orphans Davy and Jo are living with their mother's cousin, Ruth Reynard, who is a famous aviator. Davy and Jo become part of the team that supports Ruth and her fellow stunt pilots who fly through fireworks, walks on the wings of planes and more.

While these stunts seem dangerous, the real danger is what's happening in the background. When Davy and Jo cross paths with the KKK, who have recently been spewing hate toward immigrants, Blacks, Jews and Catholics, they are held captive as hostages.

“The writing and storyline show the strength and resilience of the two main characters and the other adults in their lives. It is also a realistic portrayal of the KKK and the hatred it brought to communities all over the country. Hand this to any student who loves aviation and history. The combination will keep them turning pages until the thrilling conclusion.” –School Library Connection