8 brilliant children's books about siblings

Published on: 21 August 2024

Bringing Back Kay-Kay author Dev Kothari recommends sibling stories that will grip young readers.

I read somewhere recently that in some Eastern philosophies, it is said that if you are siblings in this life, it must be because you owed something to each other in a previous life. This really resonated with me – not exactly the owing-something bit, but more the having-a-past-life-connection bit.

I've always felt as if there is an innate, unspoken bond between siblings which makes their relationships extra special.

Some of my most vivid childhood memories involve my older brother, and now, as I watch my two daughters growing up together, I know they'll probably say something similar when they're older too.

When I began writing Bringing Back Kay-Kay, I didn't specifically set out to centre it around Lena and Kay-Kay's sibling relationship. It just turned out that way, perhaps because of my own life experiences. But I'm so glad that it did – writing this story allowed me to explore and share some of the beauty of sibling bonds.

As do all these fantastic stories that showcase sibling relationships in their various wonderful forms. Whether historical or contemporary, mystery or adventure, a graphic novel or a novel written in prose or verse, each of these books set in different places and cultures around the world celebrates the specialness of sibling bonds.

Being a sibling is a special thing the world over.

1. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Set in the US, this story is about 12-year-old Josh and his twin Jordan, who have basketball in their blood. Beautifully told in verse, we follow Josh as he goes through the ups and downs of life both off and on the court. Josh's relationship with his twin brother is at the very heart of this powerful story told in heart-thumping verse that lifts it up even more. I particularly loved the rhythm in the verse, and couldn't help singing-rapping-reading it out loud.

2. The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

Another verse novel – this one is set in England. With beautiful illustrations, this incredible, heartfelt tale is about 10-year-old Nate, who lives with his mum and two younger brothers, Jax, aged eight, and Dylan, who's four and thinks he's Spiderman. Nate's start to his final year in primary school isn't great. His best friend PS is put in a different class and then PS starts hanging out with Nate's nemesis, school bully Turner.

The encouraging presence of a new teacher, Mr Joshua, offers a glimmer of hope to Nate, but then Dylan is rushed into hospital and Nate's world turns upside down. I absolutely loved this powerful, uplifting and deeply moving story.

3. High-Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson

In this fast-paced, exciting mystery set in a high-rise block of flats in London, sisters Nik and Norva take the lead as two detectives. They are sassy and funny and clever and have a fantastic relationship. With a great cast of supporting characters and brilliant dialogue, I found this carefully crafted mystery refreshing and fun.

4. When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Iman Geddy

This graphic novel tells the story of Omar and his little brother Hassan who live in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. We meet Omar when he is 11 years old and has already been in the camp for seven years, waiting for the civil war in Somalia to end so he and Hassan can go back home to the family farm and try to find their mother.

We follow their poignant and moving story as they navigate the tough years in the camp. This incredibly powerful, touching and hopeful tale is the true story of Omar Mohamed's childhood in Dadaab and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

5. Twins by Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright

A graphic novel, this one is set in the US and tells the story of Maureen and Francine Carter, twins and best friends. They've always done everything together – been in the same clubs, enjoyed the same foods, partnered on school projects. But just before they start sixth grade, things start to change.

Francine becomes Fran, who's now in a different class and wants to dress differently and do different things. The twins start growing apart and there's nothing Maureen can do to stop it. Are sisters really forever? I found this story utterly delightful and heartfelt and loved that it was told in graphic form.

6. Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

This wonderful illustrated novel is about 12-year-old Jingwen, who has moved to Australia with his mum and his annoying little brother Yanghao. Already struggling to cope with the loss of their dad, Jingwen now feels completely lost in an alien-feeling place where he can't even speak the language. Not being able to keep up in school, not being able to make friends, Jingwen feels like he's landed on Mars.

One day, he decides to make all the cakes he and his dad used to, before the accident. And so Jingwen and Yanghao bake in secret – but will that make everything okay? Heartfelt, funny, and poignant, this was an absolutely wonderful read that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. And hungry too – all those delicious cakes!

7. Brother's Keeper by Julie Lee

Set in the Korean peninsula in 1950 during the war that divided the country in two, this historical novel is about 12-year-old Sora and her brother, eight-year-old Youngsoo. Sora and her family live in the northern part of the country. When war hits home, the family decide to escape to Busan, a city on the ocean at the southern tip of the peninsula – 370 miles away. Almost immediately, Sora and Youngsoo are separated from their parents.

We journey with the siblings as they make their way south across frozen rivers and through dangerous cities, past the front line. It is a gripping and emotional tale of escape and survival, which the author based in part on her mother's own experiences in North Korea. In this story filled with poignance and hope, I loved how Sora and Youngsoo's sibling bond shines through brightly.

8. The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Written in the form of diary entries that 11-year-old Viji addresses to her younger sister Rukku, this story begins with the sisters running away from home and ending up on the teeming streets of Chennai in India. Life on the streets is harsh and dangerous. Fortunately, the girls find shelter and friendship on an abandoned bridge.

With two homeless boys, Muthu and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. They make a living scavenging the city's trash heaps, finding laughter and comfort in their shared experiences. But things take a turn for the worse and Viji must decide how best to protect Rukku. This is a stirring tale showing us a glimpse into a world that often remains hidden and deserves to be read widely.

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari is available now.