Plot Summary

My Brother's Keeper

Patricia McCormick
Guide cover placeholder

My Brother's Keeper

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Patricia McCormick

My Brother's Keeper

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

My Brother’s Keeper by Patricia McCormick, published in 2005, follows thirteen-year-old Toby Malone grappling with his father's sudden departure and the subsequent unraveling of his family. Toby’s older brother, Jake, once a role model, becomes secretive and struggles with substance abuse, leading Toby to feel the weight of holding his family together while coping with his own adolescent challenges. This book contains themes addressing substance abuse and familial abandonment.

Melancholic

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.8

851 ratings

51%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick receives praise for its honest portrayal of addiction and family struggles, capturing emotional depth and showcasing realistic character development. Criticisms include moments where the pace slows, potentially disengaging readers. Overall, it's deemed a compelling and emotional read, especially for young adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Brother's Keeper?

Readers who appreciate A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer and Crank by Ellen Hopkins will find My Brother's Keeper by Patricia McCormick compelling. This book appeals to those interested in emotionally charged, realistic portrayals of family struggles and the resilience of young adults. Ideal for teens and adults dealing with or interested in awareness of addiction and sibling dynamics.

3.8

851 ratings

51%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!