Brothers Below Zero (Is it too late to be friends?)

Tim lives in the shadow of his younger brother. John Henry is taller, in better shape, a star at sports, and an excellent student. But Tim has a special relationship with his great aunt Winnie, who the rest of the family write off as being eccentric. Great Aunt Winnie opens Tim's world to a new talent, one that John Henry doesn't share. As a result, Tim emerges from John Henry's shadow and begins to blossom. Readers may be, or remember being, in a sibling's shadow when it came to things like schoolwork and sports. They may even remember only being known as "X's brother/sister". While John Henry was a petty character, he was not totally cold hearted and the brothers ended up growing closer, as many siblings do. Readers may also remember a special relationship with an elderly relative, and how that relative took the time to listen and understand them. Mr. Seidler is realistic about the fact that time with an elderly relative is short and precious, and readers will be able to relate to the feelings Tim had at Great Aunt Winnie's passing.