As the older of two siblings, Charise enjoys certain forms of power over her brother, Daniel: the power to play tricks; the power to win at games; the power to lie, fool, blame, boss, and dare. It’s clear she often feels lonely, unheard, and perhaps less loved by her parents, who seem to view her as the instigator, the antagonist, the one who ought to know better. But despite feeling guilty, she just can’t seem to stop being mean. For his part, Daniel is friendly, trusting, and forgiving—until the day Charise knocks out his front tooth with a golf club while the two are playing hockey in the front yard. The event inspires a change of heart for Charise, who resolves to repair the siblings’ relationship and to consider Daniel a partner rather than a rival. The author’s gratitude to and affection for her younger brother are evident in this unflinching portrayal of a contentious sibling relationship; despite Charise’s self-condemnation, a close reading of this graphic memoir reveals a conflicted girl who is hurting in her own way. (Ages 8-12)

This middle grade graphic memoir by Charise Mericle Harper, featuring illustrations by Rory Lucey, follows a young girl who undergoes a crisis of conscience, realizing that she is a “bad sister.”

Meet Charise.

She’s energetic, helpful, a model pet owner and full of inventions.

But she’s also a bad sister. When she goes too far and breaks little brother Daniel’s tooth, can she redeem herself? Is an accident really an accident if you could have stopped it?

But most importantly... What does it mean to be a good sister?