What do you think?
Rate this book
Kinda Like Brothers
It was one thing when Jarrett's mom took care of foster babies who needed help. But this time it's different. This time the baby who needs help has an older brother -- a kid Jarrett's age named Kevon. Everyone thinks Jarrett and Kevon should be friends -- but that's not gonna happen. Not when Kevon's acting like he's better than Jarrett -- and not when Jarrett finds out Kevon's keeping some major secrets. Jarrett doesn't think it's fair that he has to share his room, his friends, and his life with some stranger. He's gotta do something about it -- but what? From award-winning author Coe Booth, Kinda Like Brothers is the story of two boys who really don't get along -- but have to find a way to figure it out.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
49 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
April 13, 2016
Just...really real and On Point. I hope that more authors like Coe Booth will wade into the (sometimes too-cozy) world of middle grade fiction. As much as kids still flock to magic orphan or manic-pixie-dream-foster-kid books (looking at you, Counting by 7s), it's wonderful to read something about the foster system that's written by someone who actually understands it.
The characters are realistically complex--they're awesome and stupid, sensitive and callous in turn, just like actual middle grade boys. The adult characters are unusually nuanced too, and it's nice to see a community center as a setting, considering that so many kids spend so much time at community centers, day camps, libraries, and other public-hanging-out places.
In short: GOOD STUFF. You should all read it.
The characters are realistically complex--they're awesome and stupid, sensitive and callous in turn, just like actual middle grade boys. The adult characters are unusually nuanced too, and it's nice to see a community center as a setting, considering that so many kids spend so much time at community centers, day camps, libraries, and other public-hanging-out places.
In short: GOOD STUFF. You should all read it.
September 10, 2015
A few kids at my library got really excited about this book. One, in particular, came up to the desk asking for readalikes, after she found it.
This is a mirror book if kids have experience taking in foster kids, living in an urban environment, or dealing with very grown-up issues at a young age.
The kid is relatable, and you feel for him, and understand that he's doing his best under the circumstances.
Decided the content is a little too mature for my suburban outreach audiences, but for 5th and 6th grade kids from similar environments, or handselling, this does fill a niche.
Read with Hold Fast, Waiting for Normal, and One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia.
This is a mirror book if kids have experience taking in foster kids, living in an urban environment, or dealing with very grown-up issues at a young age.
The kid is relatable, and you feel for him, and understand that he's doing his best under the circumstances.
Decided the content is a little too mature for my suburban outreach audiences, but for 5th and 6th grade kids from similar environments, or handselling, this does fill a niche.
Read with Hold Fast, Waiting for Normal, and One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia.
February 25, 2018
“But let me tell you guys something,” Terrance said. “In the meantime, till things change, you need to know what to do when you get stopped. Not if you get stopped. When.” ………………….Terrance was serious the whole time. He said what he was telling us was a matter of life and death, and he meant it. (Pg. 81, 82)
Started this fast book on boys for my 5th and 6th graders but see my 7th graders in the portrayals more..This is a fairly recent 2014 book about growing up as a young man with no father, a young man in need of lessons on manhood and friendship and most importantly how to succeed in school and in life. Jarrett is an only child to a mom from Ghana who has for as long as he can remember been a foster mom. His mom has undertaken the admirable task of sheltering babies for nights and weeks while the system finds them permanent placement..Jarrett is used to new kids in his house at all times but things are different when three-year old Treasure and her twelve year old brother Kevon arrive. Because he is older and because he will have to share his room Jarrett automatically resents Kevon and while Treasure is a special child who cannot express herself and cannot talk, she is cute and harmless enough—Jarrett however wants Kevon to go. The two boys besides sharing a bunkbed end up spending time together at the Youth Center as well with Kevon showing promise in basketball while Jarrett is in summer school and in danger of repeating 6th grade because of his absences and his low reading scores.. In between the plots of Jarrett and Kevon and their time with Jarrett and his mom there is their family drama—)why are they there, what happened to Treasure, why was the last number on Kevon’s cell phone 911 and where is their father?); Jarrett’s struggles with reading and focusing on doing what is needed to pass the 6th grade; Jarrett’s crush on the pretty Caprice who he can’t talk to--he feels shy around her and doubts himself because he thinks he isn’t smart enough; then there is really great and poignant mentions on police brutality, fighting, sexuality, schoolwork, girls, mental illness, fatherhood, basketball, and positive things for kids to do together like Art, step classes (dance), yoga, tennis and directing and acting in movies and fishing..I really liked the diversity of the activities mentioned in this book as real things to get kids out and experiencing new things as well as the real life consequences and actions of revenge, short sighted thinking and jealousy..I can see boys getting something from this book and hopefully it will be a hit as an easy read for boys who read reluctantly…hope this one will capture their curiosity and hold a reader’s attention..Good read.
Started this fast book on boys for my 5th and 6th graders but see my 7th graders in the portrayals more..This is a fairly recent 2014 book about growing up as a young man with no father, a young man in need of lessons on manhood and friendship and most importantly how to succeed in school and in life. Jarrett is an only child to a mom from Ghana who has for as long as he can remember been a foster mom. His mom has undertaken the admirable task of sheltering babies for nights and weeks while the system finds them permanent placement..Jarrett is used to new kids in his house at all times but things are different when three-year old Treasure and her twelve year old brother Kevon arrive. Because he is older and because he will have to share his room Jarrett automatically resents Kevon and while Treasure is a special child who cannot express herself and cannot talk, she is cute and harmless enough—Jarrett however wants Kevon to go. The two boys besides sharing a bunkbed end up spending time together at the Youth Center as well with Kevon showing promise in basketball while Jarrett is in summer school and in danger of repeating 6th grade because of his absences and his low reading scores.. In between the plots of Jarrett and Kevon and their time with Jarrett and his mom there is their family drama—)why are they there, what happened to Treasure, why was the last number on Kevon’s cell phone 911 and where is their father?); Jarrett’s struggles with reading and focusing on doing what is needed to pass the 6th grade; Jarrett’s crush on the pretty Caprice who he can’t talk to--he feels shy around her and doubts himself because he thinks he isn’t smart enough; then there is really great and poignant mentions on police brutality, fighting, sexuality, schoolwork, girls, mental illness, fatherhood, basketball, and positive things for kids to do together like Art, step classes (dance), yoga, tennis and directing and acting in movies and fishing..I really liked the diversity of the activities mentioned in this book as real things to get kids out and experiencing new things as well as the real life consequences and actions of revenge, short sighted thinking and jealousy..I can see boys getting something from this book and hopefully it will be a hit as an easy read for boys who read reluctantly…hope this one will capture their curiosity and hold a reader’s attention..Good read.
Read
July 17, 2017"Kinda Like Brothers is New York novelist Coe Booth’s first book for middle-grade readers, and it is told from the point of view of an eleven-year-old boy who has asthma. Jarrett is struggling to keep up at school and to show the other boys that though he may be smaller, he is tough. In the midst of his difficult transition from child to young man, Jarrett’s mom takes in Kevon. Kevon is a foster kid who is a lot like Jarrett except a little older, a little taller, a little more confident with girls and better at sports. Jarrett hates him. Kinda Like Brothers is a pacey, touching look at foster care from an adolescent perspective."
Read contributor Kaitlyn Plyley's full review at Disability in Kidlit.
Read contributor Kaitlyn Plyley's full review at Disability in Kidlit.
August 14, 2017
It was really cool to read a story about foster care in which none of the primary characters were abusive or evil, but things also weren't all sunshine and roses. Jarrett resents sharing his room and treats Kevon selfishly, but he genuinely loves the foster babies and goes out of his way to make them laugh. Kevon lies about his situation and acts distant and unfriendly to Jarrett, but he also dotes on his baby sister and helps Jarret out of a dangerous situation. Both boys make cruel, petty choices, but they also take risks to try to trust each other again. That's a level of nuance you don't usually see in this kind of story.
October 26, 2014
[a review copy was provided by the publisher]
Coe Booth crafted a unique story here and again made the characters matter to me. I’ve run across quite a few stories about foster children, but this was one of the only times I remember a book that looks at it from the foster family perspective. Jarrett knows all about not getting too attached to the babies that come and go. Having an older foster brother is new though, and is way more difficult. Sharing a room, his friends, and especially his mom, wears him down. Jarrett also has some troubles with school and has a shady habit of spying and eavesdropping. I was rooting for him even when I was groaning at some of his actions.
To hear a little bit about the book, check out the NPR interview. In it, Booth is asked about one of the scenes in the book that especially stood out to me – when Jarrett witnesses a counselor at the community center getting frisked by the police. There is discussion about the fact that Jarrett and the other children at the center will likely experience the same situation because of their skin color. While this isn’t the focus of the book, it certainly gives the reader much to think about.
Coe Booth is a master of realistic fiction and I look forward to reading more of her novels be they young adult, middle grade or any other age she may take on next.
Originally posted at Rich in Color http://richincolor.com/2014/09/author...
Coe Booth crafted a unique story here and again made the characters matter to me. I’ve run across quite a few stories about foster children, but this was one of the only times I remember a book that looks at it from the foster family perspective. Jarrett knows all about not getting too attached to the babies that come and go. Having an older foster brother is new though, and is way more difficult. Sharing a room, his friends, and especially his mom, wears him down. Jarrett also has some troubles with school and has a shady habit of spying and eavesdropping. I was rooting for him even when I was groaning at some of his actions.
To hear a little bit about the book, check out the NPR interview. In it, Booth is asked about one of the scenes in the book that especially stood out to me – when Jarrett witnesses a counselor at the community center getting frisked by the police. There is discussion about the fact that Jarrett and the other children at the center will likely experience the same situation because of their skin color. While this isn’t the focus of the book, it certainly gives the reader much to think about.
Coe Booth is a master of realistic fiction and I look forward to reading more of her novels be they young adult, middle grade or any other age she may take on next.
Originally posted at Rich in Color http://richincolor.com/2014/09/author...
December 29, 2014
So glad Coe Booth wrote a middle grade novel - engaging voice, interesting characters, no easy answers.
July 30, 2017
Review to come!
April 8, 2022
Coe Booth was one of my favorite authors back in my middle school days so it was refreshing to read from her again. It’s about a boy Jarrett whose mom fosters in kids. He doesn’t get too attached to them because he knows it’s only temporary. This time a little girl and her old brother, even older than 12 year old Jarrett. Jarrett struggles to adjust to Kevon and Treasure living there, especially with it being the summer. Jarrett feels like the spotlight is being taken from him. Then something happens to the both of them that changes everything. This was a GREAT book about male relationships and adapting to change. It’s a super easy read and great for pre-teens. Only reason I took a star off was because I was expecting YA. So a little too juvenile for me but a good book.
September 15, 2020
An excellent book full of well-rounded characters and an engaging plot. Booth has done a fantastic job creating a cast of strong, compassionate, complicated characters-- difficult to do when writing for young readers.
November 13, 2025
where's the rest of this book😒😢😔
October 22, 2015
4.5 stars. This was fantastic!
Eleven year-old Jarrett is pissed off, and it has nothing to do with his mother taking in more foster kids. He’s not too psyched to have to share his room with a 12-year old stranger, Kevon. Why does the newest addition to his family have to be older than him, better looking, great at basketball, and able to make new friends almost immediately?
Jarrett finds out soon enough that Kevon is less than imperfect. He has no trouble raising his voice to Jarrett’s mom when it comes to the best way to care for his younger (special needs) sister. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to escape this foster home and be back where he belongs — living with his dad on the other side of Newark. This is okay with Jarrett because he just wants his room back.
Both boys learn a lot about patience, because Kevon’s stay is not as short as either of them are prepared for. Soon Kevon is encroaching on his time at the center and with his best friend, Ennis. Jarrett decides to impart his supreme spy skills to find out the real story about Kevon and his little sister but something just isn’t adding up.
I really enjoyed reading about foster care from this angle. Jarrett is proud of what his mom does, but he also feels like she cares a bit more about all the babies coming and going than him. He’s learned to detach himself from the kids the more and more she fosters, because he’s gotten so sad when children have left their home in the past. Like his mother, he’s extremely empathetic and can’t help but feel angry at the parents who mistreat their children.
In addition to the fostering process, Kinda Like Brothers has Jarrett reacting from hearing his teachers talk poorly of his academics. He’s having a lot of trouble concentrating in school, he was absent a lot during the year because of his asthma attacks, and nothing is clicking. He’s totally frustrated because his mom doesn’t seem to be paying enough attention to his, and he’s not sure what the point of applying himself is when everything thinks he’s “dumb” anyway.
All this heaviness is sprinkled with the standard qualms of an 11-year old — the girl he desperately wants to impress, how annoying it is to remember to put on deodorant (and how equally annoying it is to be reminded to wear some by his mom), the recent changes in his best friend, and getting down all the moves for step team. I can’t forget his passion for making movie trailers either. Jarrett may have trouble believing he’s smart but you have to believe he’s going to make it through his school difficulties because the kid is charmingly ambitious. There’s nothing “stupid about that”.
Despite the young audience for this book, I love how we are given some insight into Jarrett’s mother and her own tendencies to push happiness away. There was also the stark (and all too timely) observation that kids in Jarrett’s neighborhood would regularly be targeted by the cops without having done a thing — all because of what they looked like. Certainly a moment that would elicit a ton of discussion in the classroom, in the home, and beyond.
Kinda Like Brothers was funny, smart, and explored the many meanings of family. It touched upon the not so great things we do when we are feeling threatened and how we make up for them; how we protect ourselves and the ones we love; embrace the things we do well and use them to get through the things that are still a work in progress.
(Review originally posted on: Rather Be Reading Blog
Eleven year-old Jarrett is pissed off, and it has nothing to do with his mother taking in more foster kids. He’s not too psyched to have to share his room with a 12-year old stranger, Kevon. Why does the newest addition to his family have to be older than him, better looking, great at basketball, and able to make new friends almost immediately?
Jarrett finds out soon enough that Kevon is less than imperfect. He has no trouble raising his voice to Jarrett’s mom when it comes to the best way to care for his younger (special needs) sister. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to escape this foster home and be back where he belongs — living with his dad on the other side of Newark. This is okay with Jarrett because he just wants his room back.
Both boys learn a lot about patience, because Kevon’s stay is not as short as either of them are prepared for. Soon Kevon is encroaching on his time at the center and with his best friend, Ennis. Jarrett decides to impart his supreme spy skills to find out the real story about Kevon and his little sister but something just isn’t adding up.
I really enjoyed reading about foster care from this angle. Jarrett is proud of what his mom does, but he also feels like she cares a bit more about all the babies coming and going than him. He’s learned to detach himself from the kids the more and more she fosters, because he’s gotten so sad when children have left their home in the past. Like his mother, he’s extremely empathetic and can’t help but feel angry at the parents who mistreat their children.
In addition to the fostering process, Kinda Like Brothers has Jarrett reacting from hearing his teachers talk poorly of his academics. He’s having a lot of trouble concentrating in school, he was absent a lot during the year because of his asthma attacks, and nothing is clicking. He’s totally frustrated because his mom doesn’t seem to be paying enough attention to his, and he’s not sure what the point of applying himself is when everything thinks he’s “dumb” anyway.
All this heaviness is sprinkled with the standard qualms of an 11-year old — the girl he desperately wants to impress, how annoying it is to remember to put on deodorant (and how equally annoying it is to be reminded to wear some by his mom), the recent changes in his best friend, and getting down all the moves for step team. I can’t forget his passion for making movie trailers either. Jarrett may have trouble believing he’s smart but you have to believe he’s going to make it through his school difficulties because the kid is charmingly ambitious. There’s nothing “stupid about that”.
Despite the young audience for this book, I love how we are given some insight into Jarrett’s mother and her own tendencies to push happiness away. There was also the stark (and all too timely) observation that kids in Jarrett’s neighborhood would regularly be targeted by the cops without having done a thing — all because of what they looked like. Certainly a moment that would elicit a ton of discussion in the classroom, in the home, and beyond.
Kinda Like Brothers was funny, smart, and explored the many meanings of family. It touched upon the not so great things we do when we are feeling threatened and how we make up for them; how we protect ourselves and the ones we love; embrace the things we do well and use them to get through the things that are still a work in progress.
(Review originally posted on: Rather Be Reading Blog
May 14, 2018
I read the book called kinda like brothers this book is about a kid name Jarrett. This mom takes care of kids that have a problem at home with their parents or don't have parents. Jarrett mom took in these two kids one name Kevon, and Kevin has a sister name, Izzy. Kevo went to the same school as Jarrett and Jarrett were jealous of Kevin because Kevin was better at everything and he was not. Jarrett had asthma problem so he got sick all the time and when he gets sick he skips school for about 2 to 3 weeks when he comes back to school he doesn't know much about what was going on in school. Jarret has a friend that is from Africa and he loves soccer but also they both have a hobby that they like to make movies trailer, so they make movies trailer all the time with themes that people recommended to them so they were preparing to present a hollowing movie. Jarrett was planning that the day would prefer for him to talk to the girl that he is in love with. While in school Kevon was on the basketball team and he was the best player so he One a lot of attention from girls. Even the girl that Jarrett likes so Jarrett got mad and he starts to give Kevin dirty looks and start looking into his stuff and find a phone. Jarrett finds a phone and Kevin bag and decided to go his contact and find that Kevin was trying to find his dad. One night Jarrett Kevin trying to sneak out and follow him. Jarret find out that Kevin is seen his dad, so he had an idea to tell his mom but instead he is trying to figure out why he is living with him if he has a dad. One night Jarrett saw his mom showering Kevin sister and saw that she had burn marks all over her back. He asks his mom what happened to her and he finds out that she got burn because of her dad. So Jarrett asks Kevin how it happens Kevin tell him it was an accident so Jarrett got so mad that he went and finds Kevin dad and tells him to stay away from them that they were fine without them in their life. Kevon finds out what Jarret did and then they fight.
They both got grounded for fighting and they had to spend one whole day in the same room. They both got to know each other and they became really good friends. They never fight and did a lot of things together. They even made movies together. One night their mom came home with a guy that she was talking to. The guy was cool, and he did a lot of cool kids for the kids. After two years the guy asks the kids if he could marry their mom. The kids say yes but he had to make them a promise the promise was that he would treat her better than ever. The next week Jarrett saw a man standing in the corner of their house. Every day he was standing in the same space. One day the guy came to him that was when he found out that it was Kevin dad. Jarret tries to keep it away from Kevin but Kevin find out because he saw his dad there two days later. The kids argued and Kevin ran away an Jarrett mom ask what was going on Jarrett tell him everything. They went looking for Kevin but never find him the next day he came home. He wants to go back with his father because he taught that he was better and could take care of him again. Kevon left but his sister had to stay and he refuses he would not leave without her. So, he stays they got ta visited his dad ones a week with a supervisor. After that, they live happily and they got a visit there dad anytime they won because he was better. Kevon and Jarrett became kinda like brothers again, and they share an did so many things together.
They both got grounded for fighting and they had to spend one whole day in the same room. They both got to know each other and they became really good friends. They never fight and did a lot of things together. They even made movies together. One night their mom came home with a guy that she was talking to. The guy was cool, and he did a lot of cool kids for the kids. After two years the guy asks the kids if he could marry their mom. The kids say yes but he had to make them a promise the promise was that he would treat her better than ever. The next week Jarrett saw a man standing in the corner of their house. Every day he was standing in the same space. One day the guy came to him that was when he found out that it was Kevin dad. Jarret tries to keep it away from Kevin but Kevin find out because he saw his dad there two days later. The kids argued and Kevin ran away an Jarrett mom ask what was going on Jarrett tell him everything. They went looking for Kevin but never find him the next day he came home. He wants to go back with his father because he taught that he was better and could take care of him again. Kevon left but his sister had to stay and he refuses he would not leave without her. So, he stays they got ta visited his dad ones a week with a supervisor. After that, they live happily and they got a visit there dad anytime they won because he was better. Kevon and Jarrett became kinda like brothers again, and they share an did so many things together.
February 25, 2016
***Spoiler Alert*** Did you ever have to live with foster kids that was one year older than. Kevon would always mess with Jarrett or acted better. My Genre is Realistic Fiction and in the story the characters are sad and happy because it will always go up and down with siblings or they will get into a little fight. Ill give this book 5 stars because its interesting in the beginning when the foster kids came into Jarrett's home. An how Jarrett shared a room with a stranger that he doesn't know.
First of all When Kevon moved in he would sleep in the same room as Jarrett. An after a while Kevon started going to the same school and went to the center as Jarrett and Jarrett Wasn't really happy about it. Also Kevon had a little sister Treasure and when Jarrett mom Ms. Ashby would try to take treasure a shower Kevon would get mad and talk back saying that hes suppose to do it I knew her longer than you. An Jarrett doesn't like that because Kevon is disrespecting his mom. Than when Jarrett would try to prove to Kevon that hes the bigger man but it wouldn't work. An Kevon and Jarrett did not like each other they would always get into an argument or sometimes there cool and there not. Like he would mess with his head and always start something with Jarrett and Jarrett would always be so curious and ask Kevon questions that would annoy him or its none of his business. Next is that Jarrett was nosy and Kevon would always have something or would go somewhere unknown.
In addition could see the author made good tension by how Kevon and Jarrett were with each other and how they acted. Like how Jarrett would always wanna be nosy Kevon wasn't cool with that. Than Jarrett also didn't like how Kevon talked to Jarrett's mom. "Hey that's my mom your talking to me look Ivdon't know you and you cant talk to my mom like that"," Jarrett said. " An What are you gonna do about it kid", Kevon said. Also how they're cool than there not. But yet Jarrett doesn't know to much of why there living with the and he's a curious person he likes east dropping and ends up hearing crazy things.
I was surprised when Kevon's dad came to the block party. The reason Kevon's dad came was because of Jarret texted the owner " Tell my dad to come get me" "Come now!". Paco is the owner of a store that lives by his dad and that's friends with Kevon's dad. Also who told him and when Kevon's dad actually came he was wearing an army jacket and he was yelling "Give me my kids back" "You cant just take my kids" screaming. Then When Treasure seen him she started crying and Jarret's mom grabbed her and covered her and Terrence came over to protect them. Eventually the police came and grabbed them and pulled them back to the corner and the police waited for him to walk away.
In conclusion, I'll give this book 5 stars because it shows how siblings live and act with each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have siblings to see how it feels and acts. Then this shows how living with a stranger and not liking them to liking them to liking them again and also shows how to not talk about peoples personal things of someone. Also to not touch anything that's not yours.
First of all When Kevon moved in he would sleep in the same room as Jarrett. An after a while Kevon started going to the same school and went to the center as Jarrett and Jarrett Wasn't really happy about it. Also Kevon had a little sister Treasure and when Jarrett mom Ms. Ashby would try to take treasure a shower Kevon would get mad and talk back saying that hes suppose to do it I knew her longer than you. An Jarrett doesn't like that because Kevon is disrespecting his mom. Than when Jarrett would try to prove to Kevon that hes the bigger man but it wouldn't work. An Kevon and Jarrett did not like each other they would always get into an argument or sometimes there cool and there not. Like he would mess with his head and always start something with Jarrett and Jarrett would always be so curious and ask Kevon questions that would annoy him or its none of his business. Next is that Jarrett was nosy and Kevon would always have something or would go somewhere unknown.
In addition could see the author made good tension by how Kevon and Jarrett were with each other and how they acted. Like how Jarrett would always wanna be nosy Kevon wasn't cool with that. Than Jarrett also didn't like how Kevon talked to Jarrett's mom. "Hey that's my mom your talking to me look Ivdon't know you and you cant talk to my mom like that"," Jarrett said. " An What are you gonna do about it kid", Kevon said. Also how they're cool than there not. But yet Jarrett doesn't know to much of why there living with the and he's a curious person he likes east dropping and ends up hearing crazy things.
I was surprised when Kevon's dad came to the block party. The reason Kevon's dad came was because of Jarret texted the owner " Tell my dad to come get me" "Come now!". Paco is the owner of a store that lives by his dad and that's friends with Kevon's dad. Also who told him and when Kevon's dad actually came he was wearing an army jacket and he was yelling "Give me my kids back" "You cant just take my kids" screaming. Then When Treasure seen him she started crying and Jarret's mom grabbed her and covered her and Terrence came over to protect them. Eventually the police came and grabbed them and pulled them back to the corner and the police waited for him to walk away.
In conclusion, I'll give this book 5 stars because it shows how siblings live and act with each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have siblings to see how it feels and acts. Then this shows how living with a stranger and not liking them to liking them to liking them again and also shows how to not talk about peoples personal things of someone. Also to not touch anything that's not yours.
September 11, 2016
Kinda like brothers is about a boy name Jarrett and when his mother takes in a twelve year old foster boy, Jarrett is forced to share his room and his friends with the new boy. Even though Jarrett didn't like him because he thought he was better then him so that caused a problem during half of the story. But Everyone thinks that Jarrett and Kevon should be friends because they live with each other but that's not gonna happen. Not when Kevon's acting like he's better than Jarrett and not when Jarrett finds out Kevon's keeping some major secrets from Jarrett. Jarrett has to share his room with someone he dosent like, and he's really mad that he doesn't get to find out what chain of events brought the children to his family. Kevon is very protective of Treasure, but the boys slowly make an uneasy try to get along with each other.
The setting in Kinda like brothers is in New York at a foster home. Jarrett's mother has a guy she like and he stays with her his name is Terrence, who is very kind to the kids that stay there, but he wishes that Jarrett's mother would stop taking in foster children and go back to college. Witch was a problem for her because she like taking kids who need help in. Also Jarrett is not doing so well in school and is has to go to summer school and he must pass before he can be promoted into the 6th grade. But the problem is that he feels that his mother should spend more time with him than with the baby. So he feels though that he needs more attention from his mom. Eventually, the social worker comes and talks to Kevon, who is very upset. Jarrett finds out that Kevon's mother is dead, his father is missing and has mental problems that interfere with his ability to care for the children.
plot is that Jarrett doesn't pass 5th grade, he gets to go to a special all boys school in the fall.Terrence sometimes argues with Jarrett's mother, which concerns Kevon, but the two never fight. Terrence instructs the boys about the fact that they may some day be pulled over by the police just because they are black, and tells them how they should act.
The setting in Kinda like brothers is in New York at a foster home. Jarrett's mother has a guy she like and he stays with her his name is Terrence, who is very kind to the kids that stay there, but he wishes that Jarrett's mother would stop taking in foster children and go back to college. Witch was a problem for her because she like taking kids who need help in. Also Jarrett is not doing so well in school and is has to go to summer school and he must pass before he can be promoted into the 6th grade. But the problem is that he feels that his mother should spend more time with him than with the baby. So he feels though that he needs more attention from his mom. Eventually, the social worker comes and talks to Kevon, who is very upset. Jarrett finds out that Kevon's mother is dead, his father is missing and has mental problems that interfere with his ability to care for the children.
plot is that Jarrett doesn't pass 5th grade, he gets to go to a special all boys school in the fall.Terrence sometimes argues with Jarrett's mother, which concerns Kevon, but the two never fight. Terrence instructs the boys about the fact that they may some day be pulled over by the police just because they are black, and tells them how they should act.
October 11, 2016
Jarrett Crawford is 11 years old living in Newark, New Jersey with his mom. He is used to having babies around his house since his mom is a foster mother, but it was too much for Jarrett when the next baby expected to come into their home would have an older brother with her, just a year older than Jarrett, who would have to sleep in Jarrett’s room. The two strangers soon turn to enemies, but that doesn’t stop Jarrett’s curiosity about Kevon’s situation prior to his living there. Jarrett did had his own share of spying and eavesdropping, but when things didn’t add up, he did his own research to get to the bottom of things, which did not end well.
I liked the fact that Jarrett and Kevon’s relationship throughout the story continued to recover from all the little bumps and obstacles endured. Every time they fought, argued, or just had some sort of disagreement, they always bounced back up and their friend-enemy relationship was back to normal. Besides the sense of them just being kids and not really focusing on holding grudges as much as things like homework and video games, it still shows that they both, somewhat, made an effort with each other to progress their up-and-down relationship into a friendship. I learned that sometimes change is good from Jarrett because he went from not liking Kevon to being a little more comfortable with him not just in terms of living with him but interacting with him.
I did not like that the babies were present throughout the story. They did not seem to important or relevant to the story. Especially “Rafa” and “Hugo” they just came and left. The babies were a good idea to imply that Jarrett’s mom took care of kids a lot, but there really wasn’t need for them in the story.
I would recommend this book to any small kid with a sibling or any kid getting a new addition to their family, whether it is a younger sibling or a step-sibling or a cousin. It’s scenarios seem to relate more to younger kids mostly because there is a sense of immaturity in the story that can be noticed just from the conflict itself. Jarrett just not liking Kevon from the beginning without knowing him was immature, and spying on him was even worse.
I liked the fact that Jarrett and Kevon’s relationship throughout the story continued to recover from all the little bumps and obstacles endured. Every time they fought, argued, or just had some sort of disagreement, they always bounced back up and their friend-enemy relationship was back to normal. Besides the sense of them just being kids and not really focusing on holding grudges as much as things like homework and video games, it still shows that they both, somewhat, made an effort with each other to progress their up-and-down relationship into a friendship. I learned that sometimes change is good from Jarrett because he went from not liking Kevon to being a little more comfortable with him not just in terms of living with him but interacting with him.
I did not like that the babies were present throughout the story. They did not seem to important or relevant to the story. Especially “Rafa” and “Hugo” they just came and left. The babies were a good idea to imply that Jarrett’s mom took care of kids a lot, but there really wasn’t need for them in the story.
I would recommend this book to any small kid with a sibling or any kid getting a new addition to their family, whether it is a younger sibling or a step-sibling or a cousin. It’s scenarios seem to relate more to younger kids mostly because there is a sense of immaturity in the story that can be noticed just from the conflict itself. Jarrett just not liking Kevon from the beginning without knowing him was immature, and spying on him was even worse.
Read
March 23, 2018Kinda Like Brothers is a realistic-fiction novel set in Newark, New Jersey, this novel is about Jarrett´s mom taking in a foster Baby who has an older brother who has to live with Jarrett. Jarrett dose not like the brother, Kevon because he is better than him at many things and he feels that Kevon is disrespectful to his Mother. Kevon and Jarrett fight many times until Jarrett calls kevon´s dad who has mental disabilities and tells him where his kids are. Kevons dad shows up to a block party and tries to take his kids but fails in doing so. In the end Jarrett regrets his action and Kevon and his sister ends up staying in his house while his father is being put back on medicine. This book is a Character vs. Character because it is mainly about Kevon and Jarrett´s conflict. The other conflict in this novel is Jarrett thinking that the teachers in the school are wanting him to fail and him going to summer school which is a character vs. self conflict. The main character Jarrett changes very much throughout the novel, as he relises that he needs to accept that Kevon will live with him and help him through it. He also grows academically and learns he has to try to succeed. Kevon grows because he learns to let go of his father because he is not safe to be around and to let his sister into others care. Jarrett's mom takes a break from fostering babies so she can connect more with her family. The theme of this Novel is to accept when things are not going good for you and to try and help other people. The author was writing from Jarrett's perspective so he used basic vocabulary and a lot of slang. The authors tone was very dramatic and fast paced. I would recommend this book because it is very interest piquing. The author dose this well. The author is sometimes limited in vocabulary and while not usually this book is slow sometimes. I would give this book 5 stars.
Read
August 29, 2014Talk about a compelling set-up! Eleven-year-old Jarrett is struggling through summer school and has to help with the foster babies his mom takes in. Then his mom starts taking care of a new baby...and this one has a twelve-year-old brother, Kevon. Suddenly, Jarrett has to share his room with Kevon, this slightly older boy who's better than he is at everything. I love the way Coe Booth sets up the relationship between these two boys so that readers completely understand why Kevon pushes Jarrett's buttons so much and Jarrett feels jealous and angry, but we also see how much Kevon is hurting, and how Jarrett's spying could end up being disastrous. This book has a lot of great suspense and tackles a lot of big issues, so it's a page turner that will lead to productive conversations. However, it tackles those issues gently, so that even sensitive middle grade readers will be able to engage with the story. Coe Booth also balances the heavier parts of the story with humor and positive relationships between likable characters. I am so glad that she wrote a book for younger readers, and I love Jarrett and his story!
February 13, 2018
This book is about Jarrett mom taking in a boy named Kevon and his little sister Treasure, and Kevon and Jarrett are close in age and they both share a room. They both don't trust each other so throughout the book they learn how to get along, and now they call each other brothers. I would recommend this book because it's shows that two people that don't know each other can grow and be brothers. Asthma plays a big part into the Climax and his experiences, and it's explains some of Jarrett’s difficulties at school. Jarrett finds having asthma very annoying. I can relate to his asthma because my mom was diagnosed with asthma when she was around 11 years old, and she felt how Jarrett feel about it. How he feels about it is that he don't want people at school knowing that he has asthma, and that's how my mom was she was hiding that she had asthma. I like the book like it's shows that two strangers can learn to trust each other and even become brothers.
April 20, 2017
The Boo's review (9)... This was one of the Battle books for school. I liked everything about it. If I could give it more stars I would. The story was really awesome because 1.). I liked how they used summer school and test results to build up suspense. 2.) Most of all, I think that the chapters ended really well and made you want to read more. 3.) I liked that the names in the books were different than what you usually see (mom note...yeah! Diversity) and I thought they were creative.
My favorite part of the book was the ending because it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I liked how the 2 boys didn't get along but then learned to get along. I could relate to the boys in the story because they would get really mad and didn't know what to do (break things, hit each other, argue). I recommend this book to everyone!!!
My favorite part of the book was the ending because it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I liked how the 2 boys didn't get along but then learned to get along. I could relate to the boys in the story because they would get really mad and didn't know what to do (break things, hit each other, argue). I recommend this book to everyone!!!
January 14, 2018
I requested this book for my kids thinking it was a picture book it was tough reading a chapter book to a 5 year old and 4 month old was difficult but we got through it. I loved bronxwood & tyrell so I knew this book was good..... It dealt with alot of problems
That I'm sure ALL KIDS GO THROUGH
EDUCATION
HOME SICK
FOSTER PARENTING
SECRETS
GROWING UP TOO FAST
SHY
ABUSE [Poor babies]
HEARTBREAK
SEXUAL IDENTITY
INTERPERSONAL relationships
Abandonment.
I really like the setting of the book too I wish they had places like the center when I was growing up or places like that for my son now that's FREE.....JARETTE was a good kid, he got in trouble too much but Kevon was barely held accountable. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE a part II where the boys are close , getting ready for Terrance & Kimma wedding Kevon dad comes back around & Jarette finishes school with flying colors.
That I'm sure ALL KIDS GO THROUGH
EDUCATION
HOME SICK
FOSTER PARENTING
SECRETS
GROWING UP TOO FAST
SHY
ABUSE [Poor babies]
HEARTBREAK
SEXUAL IDENTITY
INTERPERSONAL relationships
Abandonment.
I really like the setting of the book too I wish they had places like the center when I was growing up or places like that for my son now that's FREE.....JARETTE was a good kid, he got in trouble too much but Kevon was barely held accountable. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE a part II where the boys are close , getting ready for Terrance & Kimma wedding Kevon dad comes back around & Jarette finishes school with flying colors.
September 23, 2017
It was one thing when Jarrett's mom took care of foster babies who needed help. But this time it's different. This time the baby who needs help has an older brother -- a kid Jarrett's age named Kevon. Everyone thinks Jarrett and Kevon should be friends -- but that's not gonna happen. Not when Kevon's acting like he's better than Jarrett -- and not when Jarrett finds out Kevon's keeping some major secrets. Jarrett doesn't think it's fair that he has to share his room, his friends, and his life with some stranger. He's gotta do something about it -- but what? From award-winning author Coe Booth, KINDA LIKE BROTHERS is the story of two boys who really don't get along -- but have to find a way to figure it out. (less)
Read
August 21, 2020A well written middle grade novel realistically portraying foster care. The story is told by Jarrett, whose mother is a foster parent who takes in babies but then one day also accepts placement of Kevon, a boy around Jarrett's age. Jarrett and Kevon both act quite awful to one another (though I couldn't help sympathizing with Kevon much more) but it's so achingly real. It was a little heavy for my 9 year old, but my 7 year old loved it. And I loved reading it to them to give them a glimpse of what it could be like to have foster siblings in your home. A fresh original story that helps deliver and teach empathy. A great worthwhile book.
June 23, 2016
This is a great read for students looking for an urban story but aren't quite ready for the grittiness of Walter Dean Myers or Jason Reynolds. Jarrett is failing sixth grade and will mostly likely have to repeat, and his mom pays more attention to the babies they foster than she does to him. When one of those babies comes with a brother Jarrett's age, things get even worse. So many issues in this one are handled in ways that are appropriate for middle-grade kiddos: education, friendship, African-American males and police, foster care, mental health, sexual identity, parenting, and domestic violence. There's no swearing (that I can remember) and only a few scenes of minor violence.
March 14, 2017
I liked the style of writing of this book. It definitely gave me the sense that a twelve year old boy was writing it. The characters were strong; it was easy to picture them as people I might know. The ways that the main character chose to deal with (or not) his problems seemed like choices a real person might make. I was disappointed at the end to see such easy resolution to the main problems between Jarrett and Kevon and really no resolution at all to the secondary problem between Jarrett and his mom. Jarrett's challenges with his mother were legitimate and his difficulty facing them sincere, but nothing came of it. A good read for middle grades, especially boys.
Read
December 20, 2017I liked the style of writing of this book. It definitely gave me the sense that a twelve year old boy was writing it. The characters were strong; it was easy to picture them as people I might know. The ways that the main character chose to deal with (or not) his problems seemed like choices a real person might make. I was disappointed at the end to see such easy resolution to the main problems between Jarrett and Kevon and really no resolution at all to the secondary problem between Jarrett and his mom. Jarrett's challenges with his mother were legitimate and his difficulty facing them sincere, but nothing came of it. A good read for middle grades, especially boys.
February 6, 2015
Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth is a book about a kid named Jarret who has to live with another kid his age named Kevin. Jarret's mother takes care of foster babies but, this time is different this baby has a older brother named Kevin. Kevin seems to be okay at first, until he starts getting in Jarret's face. Jarret know's he has to do something about it and fast.
I personally enjoyed this book. There was a lot of conflict and I was always guessing what was about to happen. Finally Kevin and Jarret acted a lot like me and my brother Matthew.
I personally enjoyed this book. There was a lot of conflict and I was always guessing what was about to happen. Finally Kevin and Jarret acted a lot like me and my brother Matthew.
April 24, 2015
As usual Coe Booth is able to tell the story through the eyes of the main character in intricate detail. The dialogue that takes place between characters throughout the story is authentic, which may appeal to younger readers. Kinda Like Brothers also touches on issues and experiences that many other children's books shy away from, leaving room for thought provoking discussions. I highly recommend this book, especially for those working with inner-city youth, and even more for the youth themselves.
December 4, 2016
One of the main reasons I didn't read a lot of "age-appropriate" stuff when I was growing up was how often kids in books got to focus on one thing at a time while the rest of their world stood still. This is pretty much the opposite of that in every perfect way. I want to say more about why I loved this soon, but for now I'll link to the review that brought me to it. (So far, gradually making my way through the DisabilityInKidLit.com Honor Roll is a highly effective post-election self care plan.)
September 23, 2016
Timely and provocative, Booth writes characters who are both flawed and appealing. Students will identify with Jarrett's struggle to balance what he "should" do with his emotions and need to fit in. It's also a realistic and heartbreaking look at the realities of race in this country. This is an important book for students to read--all our students. Author Grace Lin is right--kids need both mirrors and windows on their bookshelves. This book works as either, depending on the reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews