Bad Sister

Bad Sister

Charise Mericle Harper

Rory Lucey, Illustrator

First Second, July, 2021

240 Pages

Grades 2-5

Graphic Novel

Charise wants very badly to be a good sister to her brother Daniel, but something always seems to go wrong and her own desires seem to get the better of her. Charise and Daniel have the run of their 1970's neighborhood. Charise always has the best, though sometimes dangerous, ideas for games that, although fun, always seem to go wrong. As much as she she loves her brother and wants to be a good role model and leader she finds it hard to share or give up being the boss. Even the family pet becomes a battleground as Charise is determined to prove that the cat loves her more. The worst happens when the siblings are playing outside and Charise accidentally his Daniel in the mouth with a golf club, breaking one of his teeth. Is Charise really a bad sister? Can this relationship be mended and this guilt-ridden sib find redemption?

Harper, of Fashion Kitty fame, among other books, is the latest to pen an autobiographical graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of the trend begun by Raina Telgemeier. There are similarities to Raina's Sisters, yet this title seems to be for a slightly younger audience. All big sisters will relate to Charise's struggle to be kind to her young brother, yet not able to control the nasty impulses. I could certainly relate to this story. An unfortunate swing with a crocket mallet involving my younger brother and myself still haunts me. Through it all, we see Charise's earnestness and desire to be good and readers will respond. The story, though set in the 1970's and featuring kids with freedom, will still resonate with readers who will find the setting interesting, not alienating. Lucey's full-color illustrations are appealing and add to the the mood and plot of the tale. A quick and easy read that will find a ready, willing and broad audience with no siblings required.