My Brother's Hero

Both my husband and myself are educators and have had the pleasure of reading many of Adrian Fogelin's books. I felt compelled to write this review both in praise of Mrs. Fogelin's excellent stories, and in reaction the the posting below that complains of the offensive language used in My Brother's Hero. First, let's make clear what we're talking about: the terms this individual is referring to are the f-word, and two b-words (that's "fart," "butt" and "boob" - yes, I wrote them out without the asterisks...gasp!). Of course, every parent is entitled to decide what is appropriate for their child to read, however, I would be deeply saddened to think that any one would be deprived of the opportunity to experience Mrs. Fogelin's wonderful stories because of (let's say it clearly) some extremely mild language. Our children are growing up in a world in which anorexic starlets who flit in and out of rehab and forget their underwear are held up as role models; in which a University student can murder two people, compile and mail a deranged manifesto (which is later aired on national television), and then go on to murder 29 others and himself; in a country embroiled in war and fearful of an unknowable, ever-present terrorist threat; and yes, they are keenly aware of, and affected by, all of this. Adrian Fogelin's stories, which are wonderfully written, are in direct contrast to all of the 'over the top' nonsense that has become our reality. Mrs. Fogelin's books are great because they show kids that it's OK to be who they are, even if what they are is chubby, or poor, or nerdy. They are tales of normal kids, leading normal lives, having friendships, confronting their problems and, here's the kicker, making the right choices, the hard, not the glamorous or instantly-gratifying choices. And yes, the characters do occasionally say things, like 'butt' or 'fart,' but isn't that what kids actually do? So I guess in a long-winded way I'm saying that Adrian Fogelin's books are a great choice for any parent looking for something meaningful for their kids to read. The characters and situations are often funny and touching, sometimes sad or embarrassing, but always thoughtfully portrayed and in my opinion, completely appropriate for any reader of any age.

Got this book because it was on the Sunshine State Readers list for 3-5 grade. Problem: author uses language that is inappropriate for this age group. Several uses of the word "bu**" another "fa**" and several "b**b", which I find inappropriate for 8 -10 year old kids. My local public elementary school won't even stock the book. Why would Mr. Fogelin do this to an otherwise great kids book?

This book is the 3rd in a series ("Crossing Jordan", "Anna Casey's Place in the World", and "My Brother's Hero") about some kids from a North Florida neighborhood. They get a chance to spend time in the Florida Keys. The characters are terrific and very realistic! The story has things any 4th grade through early high school has experienced: The excitement and risks of adventure, the first dawnings of girl-boy relationships as well as the fun and anxiety of growing up, but don't tell the kids that! To them, it will be a great adventure story set in the colorful Florida Keys full of exotic ocean life! It has a great climax that will keep them riveted! I would recommend all the books in the series:: "Crossing Jordan", "Anna Casey's Place in the World", and "My Brother's Hero".

Adrian Fogelin has the enviable ability to spin an adventure tale in a strong character driven tale. She builds unique and fascinating child and teen characters and lets conflict build naturally with the characters and their circumstances bumping into each other. This is not the easiest way to build a plot in a young adult story--but it creates a bond between readers and characters that is seldom attained by most of today's young adult writers. "My Brother's Hero" not only has sea adventure and unique characters--it also has detailed nautical description of the Florida Keys. Adrian also captures the love/hate relationship between siblings with believability and humor. This novel is enjoyed by both boys and girls in our middle school media center. This is a good read. An adult reading it aloud with a child would find much to enjoy too.

As good as the author's award-winning CROSSING JORDAN, this book explores such serious issues as friendship, responsibility, and heroism then laces them with adventure and laugh-out-loud funny lines. The story is absorbing, and the characters will leave you hoping for a sequel.