Oh, Brother! by Nikki Grimes

Illustrated by Mike Benny.32 p., HarperCollins, 2008. The arrival of a step-sibling can bring with it complicated feelings. Xavier doesn't mind it when his Mami dates - he goes with them, the only child, or has one-on-one time with his soon-to-be stepfather. But when his stepdad brings his son, Chris, Xavier immediately begins to worry that Chris will steal Mami. As time goes on, Chris is so perfect - washing dishes, doing homework perfectly, even getting to bed before bedtime - that Xavier feels as if Chris is making him look bad. Eventually, he confronts Chris about this, and to his surprise, discovers that Chris feels that if he isn't perfect, his dad might leave him, just as his mother did. Hearing this, Xavier's reaction to Chris becomes more complex, both welcoming and resentful. But their conversation has opened the way for Chris to sympathize with Xavier, and soon the boys develop a real connection. Finally, Xavier feels that they're truly brothers. When Xavier's Mami and stepdad have a baby daughter at the end of the story, Xavier has learned that there's always room in his family for someone new. The gouache illustrations parallel Xavier's perspectives, moving from metaphorical to realistic as the story goes on. This story offers empathy with the fears and resentments kids may feel in relation to their step-siblings, along with hope that genuine connection with a step-sibling is possible Ages 5-10