Kieran is not happy. His cousin Bon from the aunt that his mother barely talks to, is suddenly in his life - going to his school, living at his grandmother's house and taking his stuff. To make matters worse, he is not a "fly under the radar" boy but stands out with his weird hair and his matter-of-fact/no filter way of talking. All Keiran wants is to fit in with his cool mates at school, so basically he ignores him, and worse, when Bon is picked on at school, Kieran joins in!
It is only through the intervention of their joint mysterious friend Julia ( who seems to be hiding a lot of secrets) that Kieran begins to see what a lousy ( other brother) i.e. cousin he really is.
Liked how it was directly from Kieran's point of view and how you could understand him feeling put out by all the sudden changes in his life.
Could be for 5-6 students who are mature enough to understand Kieran's thought processes and what the author is trying to achieve with them. ( )

The story of a bullies follower. An awkward look at the relationships that children have at school. Guilt. ( )

Eleven year old Kieran's easy world is challenged by the arrival of his cousin Bon. Neglected bu his mother, who has problems of her own, Bon is taken in by his and Kieran's grandmother and attends Kieran's school. More concerned about keeping in with the cool guys, Kieran participates in the bullying and isolation of Bon who he sees as ruining everything for him.
Simon French has masterfully captured the friendships, interactions, problem solving, tensions and challenges that occupy young people on the brink of adolescence. Set in an Australian country town, young readers will easily identify with the everyday as well as the playing out of interactions with family and friends.
The characters are strongly described and insightfully represented; the story line is engaging and strong and immerses the reader from the start. Just as in life, not everything is resolved at the end, but the conclusion is satisfying.
Other Brother is among the Australian Children's Book of the Year short-list for 2012 and deservedly so.
As a teacher-librarian I recommend this book for Year 6 upwards. ( )

I loved this book. The two central characters, Kieran and Bon, were exquisitely crafted - very believeable. Kieran is happy living with his family until Bon, his cousin, arrives. It is clear that Bon is different and I enjoyed the slow development of the relationship between them. Both boys go on a journey and both find things they never expected. There is a twist at the end that actually made me gasp out loud, and then get a little teary. I will probably read some of French's back catalogue on the strength of this book. Recommended for ages 12 and up ( )

When Kieran’s cousin turns up unexpectedly to live with their Grandmother, Kieran is not happy. Kieran is trying to fit in with the cool kids and Bon is a bit odd so his presence is unwelcome. When the cool kids start bullying Bon, Kieran has some hard decisions to make.
Despite dealing with a number of issues – bullying, fitting in, child abduction, this book is an enjoyable read suitable for children aged 10 and up who enjoy books that make them think. ( )