Sisters giggle and argue with their siblings. They share, support, compete and love. Childhood hugs and squabbles can help forge a bond that lasts a lifetime. As the 19th century poet Christina Rosetti put it: “There is no friend like a sister in calm or stormy weather.” These books explore that complex, often delightful, sometimes challenging role.
Tots–age 7
Chooch Helped
By Andrea Rogers
Illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz
Levine Querido, 2024, $18.99
Like many older sisters, Sissy grows impatient with 2-year-old Chooch. He wants to help but often only slows the process or messes up. Together, author and illustrator – both members of the Cherokee Nation – paint a tender portrait of a contemporary Cherokee family. Sister and brother learn that their relationship can be mutually beneficial and supportive, sometimes in unexpected ways. This book won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 2025, for stunning collage art by first-time illustrator Rebecca Lee Rogers.
Our Roof Is Blue
By Sara Echenique
Illustrated by Ashley Vargas
Charlesbridge, 2023, $17.99
Sara Echenique drew upon memories of the hurricanes of her youth in Puerto Rico for this endearing sibling tale. When a storm damages their home, the first-person narrator sees her brother change from imaginative storytellerto mute, fearful child. Over time, with kindness and patience, she helps him reengage with life. Lush illustrations and a surprise ending honor their bond and the blue tarp that was their roof for months.
Preteens
More to the Story
By Hena Khan
HarperCollins, 2019, $17.99
In her moving acknowledgements, Maryland author Hena Khan names belovedclassic Little Women as the inspiration for this lively novel of four Pakistani American sisters in contemporary Atlanta. Like Jo March, 13-year-old Jameela Mirza is fiercely dedicated to her writing. She yearns to pen an award-winning article – a desire she sometimes prioritizes over family and new friend Ali. Khan beautifully develops the sisters as distinct personalities. There is glamorous Maryam, bratty Aleeza and gentle Bisma, whose cancer diagnosis dramatically impacts the family’s decisions and dynamics. But it is flawed, impetuous Jameela whom we take to our hearts and root for.
The Braid Girls
By Sherri Winston
Little, Brown, 2023, $16.99
Maggie’s world is upended when half sister Callie moves in. She’s sure Callie will interfere with her summer plans with BFF Daija. The two friends hope to start a hair-braiding business called Braid Girls. Callie, though, is dealing with very different feelings and hopes. She’s mourning her recently deceased mother and trying to find her place in her new home. Narrated by each girl in alternating chapters, the novel allows access to the thoughts and emotions of each and fosters understanding of all perspectives. The three finally begin to connect when threatened by another girl-operated braiding business. Readers will cheer the moment they all become as close as sisters.
The Zuzu Secret
By Miriam Chernick
Charlesbridge, 2025, $17.99
A 12-year-old sister and older brother harbor secrets in this compelling first novel by Maryland author Miriam Chernick. Josie is hiding a rescued bearded dragon, Zuzu, in their Silver Spring home, in violation of her father’s no-pets rule. And Abe plans to see a Baltimore Orioles game on his own, despite a genetic disorder that requires careful monitoring. When Abe takes off on a bus, Josie follows, desperate to protect him from possible harm. Little do they know that Abe’s quest may also affect Zuzu’s safety. Alternating first-person point of view throughout enhances empathy for both characters. And details about Prader-Willi syndrome and bearded dragons add vivid layers to this beautifully written sibling story.
Teens
Far From the Tree
By Robin Benway
HarperTeen, 2017, $17.99
This powerful novel, winner of a National Book Award, plumbs the connections and complications of family. In their teens, Grace, Maya and Joaquin discover that they are siblings. As babies, the girls were adopted and raised in different families; their older brother has long been part of the foster care system. Now, they are on a mission: to find the mother who gave them up. Along the way, they learn much about themselves, one another and the parents who adopted them. And in one another, the sisters and brother find trust, support and laughter.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, DC and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker. maryquattlebaum.com
