CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Bad Sister

by Charise Mericle Harper

CCBC Review:

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. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Rory Lucey

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13) Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats: Biography, Autobiography and Memoir Graphic Novel Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects: Autobiography/Memoir Behavior Bullying and Teasing Families Guilt and Remorse Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Siblings
Diversity subject: Cognitive/Neurological
On CCBC Booklist: Bullying, Teasing, Relational Aggression and School Violence

Publishers: First Second, Roaring Brook
Publish Year: 2021
Pages: 230
ISBN: 9781250219053
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Harper

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.

Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.