Confessions of an Only Child

by Norma Klein, Richard Cuffari (Illustrator)

Between the time her baby brother is born prematurely and dies and the time the next baby is born, Antonia gradually adjusts to the idea of not being an only child.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult

Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Norma Klein was born in New York City and graduated cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College with a degree in Russian. She later received her master's degree in Slavic languages from Columbia University.

Ms. Klein began publishing short stories while attending Barnard and since then she had written novels for readers of all ages. The author got her ideas from everyday life and advised would-be writers to do the same -- to write about their experiences or things they really care about.

Ms. Klein died in 1989.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this story, a nine-year-old is not so excited about the prospect of a new sibling. Norma Klein always creates relatable, believable characters. She gets the essence of being nine.

But wow, was our culture really so dismissive of infant loss? "It was born too soon." "It died." Not "your brother" or "our son." And the mom was like, "oh I can have another one soon." A little shocking. I can well see the doctors telling a patient that, but I was surprised that the family reacted that way as well.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by "Toe" (short for Antonia)an only child who discovers, much to her chagrin, her mother is pregnant. Toe is comfortable with her predictable lifestyle and has witnessed the havoc caused by her best friend's baby sister. Will the new baby end the spaghetti and chocolate malted nights with her father? Will this mean no more cuddling with her mom on the nights her dad works late?

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember finding this in the book section at Toys 'R Us when I was 8 or 9. I absolutely loved it then, and Klein became my favorite author a couple of years later. She was one of my favorite authors throughout my childhood and early teen years. I just read this title recently with my 9-yr old son, and we both enjoyed it.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my first novels.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years.