Brave Like my Brother by Marc Tyler Nobleman - ESSENTIAL

Nobleman, Marc Tyler Brave Like my Brother, 112 pages.  Scholastic Press, JUNE 2016.  $16.  Content: G.

Charlie’s older brother Joe is headed off to the battlefields of World War II.  While Joe is not there any more to protect Charlie from the local bullies, the brothers can still support each other through their letters.  Charlie tells Joe about doings at home (though we don’t read many of Charlie’s letters) and Joe pours out what he can get past the censors about the war, including a secret mission meant to draw away the Nazi’s attention from the real battle. 

I was sucked into the narrative and was shocked to reach the end of the book.  While Joe’s life is on danger, the circumstances are presented realistically without resorting gratuitous violence, language or content, making this accessible to a younger audience.

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher