Book Review: "My Brother Sammy"

Edwards, Becky. My Brother Sammy. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press, Inc. 1999.

My Brother Sammy tells a story of the relationship between two brothers from the older brother’s point of view. Sammy has autism, and does not always do things the way his brother wishes he would. His brother shares different emotions that Sammy makes him feel in different circumstances, for example he explains “I wish, in and embarrassed sort of way, that he would just join in our games.” Throughout the story he expresses emotions of being sad, lonely, and frustrated when sharing his experiences with Sammy. His mother explains to him that Sammy is "special" and he responds by saying that he does not want a special brother. Sammy responds by pointing to his brother and calling him special. This helps him see his brother Sammy in a new way and begins to participate in activities with Sammy the way he enjoys doing them. The mother accommodates for both of their needs by allowing them to ride to school together instead of taking separate buses, and encourages the older brother to participate in Sammy’s interests. In the end the older brother feels that having a special brother makes him special too!

Edwards has created a lovely book that helps address the issues that siblings may encounter when accepting a sibling with developmental disabilities. Edwards has experience working with children with special needs which allows her to realistically express feelings that a sibling may struggle with and ways that they may come to accept others that are different from them. It may have been helpful to explain that the character Sammy has autism, rather than just explain him as “special,” however, the overall message of acceptance is positive and could be helpful in encouraging acceptance and understanding in others. My Brother Sammy was awarded the Dolly Grey Children’s Literature Award for its positive representation of characters with developmental disabilities.