Brothers and Sisters

Special Brothers and Sisters
Edited by Annette Hames and Monica McCaffrey
(Jessica Kingsley)
In this useful book, children aged from 3 to 16 describe in their own words how their lives are affected by having a sick or disabled brother or sister. Each double page spread looks at a different family and, alongside each child's comments, are practical ideas on coping with the issues or feelings raised in that section. The book covers a wide range of disabilities and illnesses including ADHD, leaukaemia, cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy and the issues it covers are equally wide-ranging. For example, it talks about feeling embarrassed, feeling left out, being expected to help too much and fearing the future.
  This book deserves a place on the bookshelves of teachers, doctors and other professionals who may come into contact with children in this situation. It is also useful for parents and for children themselves, who may like to read it alone or with a supportive adult.
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Red Sky in the Morning
by Elizabeth Laird
(Macmillan Children's Books)
Everything changes when Anna's new baby brother, Ben, arrives. She adores him but he is profoundly disabled because of hydrocephalus. The book intermingles the ups and downs of adolescence with the story of her relationship with Ben and her reaction to his death at the age of 2. Told in the first person, it's a well written, strongly emotional but unsentimental book which gives a clear account of grief and the impact of a sick child on a family. Have the tissues handy.
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