A tale as tall as Jacob: misadventures with my brother

Gr 3--6--The arrival of Samantha's little brother, Jacob, is a happy event, but as he grows, the once tranquil boy becomes increasingly destructive and has difficulty speaking. (His dialogue is rendered phonetically, with translation notes beneath panels; Samantha can understand what he says, though her parents can't always.) Jacob's parents take him to a children's hospital, where they learn that he needs surgery on his tongue and that he is exhibiting signs of either attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder. This knowledge makes Jacob's words and actions easier to understand, but his issues require no less patience to correct and endure. Young Samantha is asked to exercise great maturity to help Jacob, even as the "tiny tornado" destroys toys and hurts pets and family. Eventually, a prescription of medication for ADHD changes his behavior. Readers will turn pages anticipating what havoc Jacob will wreak next, though he also has sweet and joyful sides. This story, based on Edwards's experiences growing up, is commendable for its refusal to see Jacob through rose-colored glasses and its incorporation of Jacob's perspective--in an afterword, Edwards includes a note from the real Jacob reflecting on the importance of love and understanding in his early development. Jacob's struggles at school and his loneliness whenever Samantha seeks privacy add layers to their relationship. Layouts are smooth and colorful, often depicting gentle, domestic settings. Samantha, Jacob, and their parents are white. VERDICT This deeply empathetic, tender look at raising and loving a child with ADHD will resonate with readers, especially those whose siblings have a similar diagnosis.--Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC

Once upon a time, a quiet baby was born, and Samantha thought he was perfect--until the day he learned to crawl and her sweet, precious baby brother turned into a tiny tornado. As the years pass, Jacob struggles with his behavior, impulses, and speech, and Samantha struggles to connect with Jacob. Even after Jacob has surgery to help his speech and receives an ADHD diagnosis, Samantha finds herself increasingly frustrated and expresses guilt when she lashes out. She just wants a brother who won't destroy her toys, nearly kill her goldfish, and unintentionally hurt her when he's upset. It's not all bad, though. Jacob's fearlessness helps Samantha loosen up, and his quick thinking saves them from bullies. This fictionalized graphic-novel account told from Samantha's perspective honestly reflects the author's experiences with her real brother--"and some of those things have nothing to do with ADHD; they're just pure Jacob-ness." The paneled illustrations are the ideal format to depict their frenetic relationship. The bright colors and the characters' animated expressions showcase a simultaneously hilarious, heartbreaking, and loving sibling dynamic many readers will find familiar. Mom and Dad are heavily involved, helping Samantha navigate her feelings and giving her support as needed even as they struggle at times parenting a child with ADHD. The family presents White; there is diversity among secondary characters. (This book was reviewed digitally.) All the feelings will be felt with this engaging and genuine story of a sister and brother. (Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 3–6—The arrival of Samantha's little brother, Jacob, is a happy event, but as he grows, the once tranquil boy becomes increasingly destructive and has difficulty speaking. (His dialogue is rendered phonetically, with translation notes beneath panels; Samantha can understand what he says, though her parents can't always.) Jacob's parents take him to a children's hospital, where they learn that he needs surgery on his tongue and that he is exhibiting signs of either attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder. This knowledge makes Jacob's words and actions easier to understand, but his issues require no less patience to correct and endure. Young Samantha is asked to exercise great maturity to help Jacob, even as the "tiny tornado" destroys toys and hurts pets and family. Eventually, a prescription of medication for ADHD changes his behavior. Readers will turn pages anticipating what havoc Jacob will wreak next, though he also has sweet and joyful sides. This story, based on Edwards's experiences growing up, is commendable for its refusal to see Jacob through rose-colored glasses and its incorporation of Jacob's perspective—in an afterword, Edwards includes a note from the real Jacob reflecting on the importance of love and understanding in his early development. Jacob's struggles at school and his loneliness whenever Samantha seeks privacy add layers to their relationship. Layouts are smooth and colorful, often depicting gentle, domestic settings. Samantha, Jacob, and their parents are white. VERDICT This deeply empathetic, tender look at raising and loving a child with ADHD will resonate with readers, especially those whose siblings have a similar diagnosis.—Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC