Kids and Families

Sibling Rivalry

Books: Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, For Parents | Videos for Children

Books

Ages 4-8

Cameron and Me by Dorothy Joan Harris, Stoddart Kids, 1997, 32 p.
Young Cameron's older brother is upset because of all the attention Cameron is getting and wishes Cameron wasn't around. Big brother decides to run away until a new baby girl arrives. Cameron's brother realizes that his little brother will need his bigger brother to stay around for support.

Good Girl, Gracie Growler! by Hilda Offen, Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1996, 29 p.
Although Gracie's new baby brother gets a great deal of attention from adults, it doesn't bother Gracie because the baby only has eyes for her.

I Wish My Brother Was a Dog by Carol Diggory Shields, Dutton, 1997, 29p.
An older sibling imagines how much better it would be if his brother Andy were a dog instead of a baby, doing tricks and going outside when he got too noisy.

I'd Rather Have an Iguana by Heidi Stetson Mario, Charlesbridge, 1999.
When her mom brings home a new baby, a little girl thinks she would rather have an iguana until she starts to get to know her baby brother.

The Lapsnatcher by Bruce Coville, BridgeWater Books, 1997.
After he talks with an adult who was once a lapsnatcher, Jacob begins to feel differently about his new baby sister.

My Brother is from Outer Space: (The Book of Proof) by Vivian Ostrow, A. Whitman, 1996.
Alex compares his younger brother William with himself and concludes that because William is so different, he must have come from outer space to join this otherwise perfect family.

My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco, Simon & Schuster, 1994.
After losing running, climbing, throwing and burping competitions to her obnoxious older brother, a young girl makes a wish on a falling star.

The Second Princess by Hiawyn Oram and Tony Ross, Artists & Writers Guild, 1994.
The Second Princess tries to get rid of her first sister, the First Princess, until she learns that her parents love them equally.

Ages 9-12

Oh, Brother--Oh Sister!: A Sister's Guide to Getting Along by Brooks Whitney, American Girl, 1999.
A girl's guide to getting along with siblings and surviving sticky situations from teasing to tattling to sharing.

A Season of Comebacks by Kathy Mackel, Putnam, 1997, 116p.
Ten-year-old Molly competes for the attention of her father who seems to be only interested in cultivating the talent of Molly's older sister Allie, a star softball pitcher.

Will I Ever Be Older? by Eva H. Grant, Raintree Children's Books, 1981, 31p.
A younger brother comes to realize that although he often resents his older brother, his brother has sibling difficulties of his own.

For Parents

The Accidental Bond: The Power of Sibling Relationships by Susan Scarf Merrell, Times Books, 1995.

Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs by Donald J. Meyer, University of Washington Press, 1996.

101 Activities for Siblings who Squabble: Projects and Games to Entertain and Keep the Peace by Linda Williams Aber, St Martin's Griffin, 1995.

Videos for Children

I'll Fix Anthony, from a book by Judith Viorst, AIMS Media, 1991, 13 min.
Nicholas imagines the day when he'll have revenge on his older brother Anthony, who is not very nice to him.

Hey, What About Me? Kidvidz, 1987, 22 min. (ages 4-8)
Discusses children's reaction to expected babies in the family. Examines anger and resentment over lost attention and shows how some children deal with the problems adjusting to a new baby.

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