My Brother's Story

Blackwater #1

by Allen Johnson Jr. (Illustrator)

My Brother's Story, set in the South of the 1930s, is the story of identical twin boys who are separated at a very early age. Will has grown up in a happy, well-off family near Birmingham, Alabama, while his brother, Johnny, has been living in Tennessee with their mean-spirited aunt. Will's objective is to have as much fun as possible, while Johnny must do his best to survive in an environment of neglect and abuse. In a time so very different from today, the two boys travel by steam train, flat-bottomed boat, and even biplane to find each other. Johnny is befriended by an elderly black man named Abraham Lincoln Frasier, who lives deep in a Georgia swamp near Savannah. In this dangerous but exciting wilderness of snakes and alligators, Johnny and Linc must confront and overcome and even greater danger: racial hatred. My Brother's Story is about the timeless values of goodness, generosity, and simple human dignity.

Genres: Childrens

189 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

I live on Mercer Island, Washington, near Seattle, with my wife, Jill, my filmmaker son, Ben, who is now a weekend visitor, and three dogs, Sunshine, Piccolo and Chloe.

At the age of seventy-seven, I now pursue my two passions, writing and jazz guitar.

I was born and raised outside of Birmingham, Alabama. (You can take a Southerner out of the South but you can’t take the South out of a Southerner!)

As a boy I had the good fortune of growing up with the space and freedom to be outside, have adventures, explore and get into trouble. A boy’s purpose in life is to play, and the tantalizing possibility of getting into trouble added spice to that purpose.

I was also blessed with a rich heritage of story telling from the members of my wonderful, extended Southern family. I share some of my family stories in the Blackwater Novels.

My boyhood in the South and my college years at the University of Alabama also gave me first hand experience of the good people of both races coming together with love to help each other and to confront racial hatred.

I am grateful to my Southern past for giving me the rich experiences to draw on in writing the Blackwater Novels. I consider these books to be parables on how to live. This may explain why some things work out better in the novels that they do in real life.

Allen Johnson Jr.

Reviews

[NickReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 AWESOME STARS!

You can find the full review and more about this book on my blog!

This book reminded me how much I enjoyed middle grade novels,and I still do.Even that they are light and easy books to read,they just give you so much joy,and I am so glad I read this one.Also the new edition is greatly done and so beautiful,it reminds me old style books,and it's great.Great job on that!

My Brother's Story is a children's middle grade book,and it's a wonderful story of two boys,identical twins,who were separated at a young age.They both went separate ways,with different families.Now at a certain age,they start the adventure to reunite.

I had some problems with the writing style,but to be honest I will not mention them,because I didn't even mind those.The true beauty of this novel is it's story,set on a time I was not even born,but yet so relatable.I am only nineteen but this book reminded me a lot of my childhood,the carefree years and I want to thank the author for that.At the end,that's why the books exist,to touch us,to remind us of the life and it's beauty,and I am grateful for that.

I highly recommend this book to every reader out there,especially to the middle graders,it's a novel not to miss.I really liked it,and I am sure going to give this to my child to read it.It's a treasure!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are twins really two halves of the same person, or are they just two individuals who happened to be born at the same time? And can they really read each other's minds?



There's something fascinating about twins that retain a sense of mystery and uniqueness that we singletons can't help but envy.

There's no doubt that twins share a unique closeness - while most of us spend our time in the womb in solitude, research shows that twins begin to interact with each other from as early as 16 weeks gestation. Let's face it - after nine months of cohabitation in very close quarters, it's not surprising that twins develop a strong bond!

The closeness of twins, two people as one, and particularly the idea of a psychic connection, has always fascinated people. But what happens to twins when the bond is broken by tragedy?

My Brother's Story is a tale of two red-haired brothers, Johnny and Will, separated by tragic circumstances when they are very young. Orphaned, neither knows he has a sibling. ­Each lands in a different family. Will is adopted by kind, well-off people who live on an idyllic farmstead. Johnny ends up abused and hungry and unwanted. Each boy seems to know that something is incomplete. Each is not whole.

As the story unfolds, the boys are separated further. The reader, already involved after just a few pages, is vexed. A thread of danger and suspense runs throughout. A series of Huck Finn-type adventures are faced and dealt with. But will they find each other?

Through coincidence, luck and the kindness of strangers met along the way, they just might meet again. There is reason to hope.

My Brother's Story is a beautifully written story, narrated by Johnny and Will.



It is a book that I would describe as traditional storytelling, where the author has experienced the pleasures of telling this story and the reader has revelled in reading it. Set in the 1930s along the fictional Blackwater River and Blackwater swamp, near the town of Turpentine, Georgia, and in the countryside near a very real Birmingham, Alabama, the author has expertly crafted this story from his own traditions with all of his wisdom and technique. It makes for riveting reading, for young and old alike.

"This lively, witty, and real-feeling tale of twin bothers living in parallel universes in the always-Old South will gently get under your skin and make its way into your heart."
- Jim Reed

My Brother's Story is a delightful book, beautifully bound in hard cover format, with a few illustrations between pages. It is the first book in a trilogy known as the Blackwater Novels, with The Dead House and The Nest of Snakes completing the set. I know that I will certainly be reading and reviewing the remaining books to find out what happened to the brothers.

It is books like these that propel a person into reading. There has been a huge change in the dynamics of the book market where it has been reported that we are seeing declines in adult fiction and at the same time seeing rises in the volume of juvenile fiction. Not surprisingly, a growing number of best-selling adult authors are angling to capture a slice of this booming juvenile market. The list of big-name authors who are extending their brands into children’s literature is long and growing longer: James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella, Carl Hiaasen, David Baldacci and Mr. Grisham, to name a few.

I love books. I'm a voracious reader that gets a thrill discovering new voices and talented authors. Allen Johnson Jr. is one.

"Young readers will meet fun characters whose adventures are marked by honesty, loyalty, courage, and love. Older readers will applaud a refreshing story that recalls and fosters those ideals."
- Kathryn Tucker Windham

THE AUTHOR

Recently I was fortunate to meet the author. He is as charming as his books, which he modelled after his own youth and peopled it with those he knew.

Johnson was born in 1936, in Mountain Brook, Alabama, an affluent suburb of Birmingham.



He concedes he was "a boy who grew up in privileged circumstances. It was that" he said, "that gave me the freedom of exploration."

Johnson comes from old Southern money. A great grandson of a Baptist minister, his grandfather, Crawford Johnson, Sr., purchased the exclusive franchise rights to bottle and distribute Coca-Cola in Birmingham. It was 1902.

"The company began with one employee, a mule named ‘Bird’ and a foot-powered bottling machine", he said.

It is now the third-largest Coca-Cola bottling company in North America. Johnson himself served on the Board of Directors of company for 41 years.

"Boyhood was a verb, in my day,” he says. “After chasing, wrestling and exploring in the woods, we would come in and guzzle three or four six-and-a-half ounce Co’Colas, as we call them in the South. When I was a boy, we had no problem with obesity. We didn’t have time for it. We were always on the move and needed every calorie we could get!”
– Allen Johnson Jr.

Johnson, a Mercer Island resident, drew on his Southern childhood in Alabama to create this trio of adventure novels for children.

[Ashley Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly think this book is truly phenomenal for middle schoolers, especially boys. The things these twin boys do to get into some trouble will make you laugh. You definitely feel for the longing for them to be together again, even though they were at a real young age when they were separated.

I loved Will's character, and the trouble he gets into. I also love Linc's character, and how much of a father-like figure he is for Johnny, and I can totally picture his laugher "Heee. Heee. Heee....Lawd...." :) I am totally keepsaking this book for my boy, and we will read this together.

There are controversial issues in this book that occurred during the reconstruction era. I think it's good for the kids to learn about what happened during these hard times for America.

I also think it's important for kids to connect to this book, and they totally will. I don't know how they could not. There are so many ways to connect to them: from having a loving family, or not, to having someone that looks out for them, or knowing people who stick up for other people.

Read it! I think you will like it!!!

[Mary Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable read & is reminiscent of Mark Twain’s gifted story telling style. It is set in my home town of Birmingham, Alabama and places throughout Alabama and the south & was particularly fun to be able to personally know the places he writes about in the book.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1937, the Twins Will (narrator) & Johnny (narrator) Brasher are separated when their parents are both killed in an automobile accident.

Will is kind of adopted by Frank Jennison (Vice President, L&N railroad) & Mrs. Jennison who live in Alabama & Johnny ends up in Tennessee with his Aunt Minnie (Min) Brasher & Uncle Joe Brasher.

Right up there with Harriet Beecher Stowe & Mark Twain. 3 of the greatest classical books I read as a Jr. High (MS) teen & later as an adult when I didn’t have anything else to do. Thank God for National Geographic’s, Yes sir, Yes mam, lightening bugs, cicadas, & swimming in the pond/creek with water moccasins. & weeping willow switches or belts. It’s a wonder I ever grew up, or came out alive. OK finally. Bay Rum my paternal G/P favorite. Cherry Bombs & M-80’s & last but not least me/adopted sister catching snapping turtles for our step-mom to make soup.

What exciting or not adventures will the 2 boys encounter? How were the boy’s lives different?

Will they ever be united?

School systems all over the world you better not ban this one.

A book I will cherish forever.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written delightful turn of the century teen adventure book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great adventure movie (Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn), animated cartoon, or mini TV series. A book you won’t want to put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[William Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book to read to my 6 year old son at night. He's wide-eyed about everything new he learns and I wanted a departure from super-heroes. I a hope that he will read it himself as he gets a little older. The premise of two young twins having adventures and the innocence of youth intrigued me. I wasn't disappointed.

As I read the book, memories of my own boyhood came rushing back to me. The author does a great job of describing the scenes of first time experiences and the great boredom of summertime. My favorite scenes had to do with:

- The Train: "When I stepped on the foot pedal, the bottom of the toiled flipped down, and you could see the crossties whooshing by under the train with a fine lot of noise." To me, I could hear the nostalgic clanking of the trains of the early 30's.

- Food: I grew up in the Northeast, but I felt like it could have just as easily been in the South. There are multiple scenes of home-cooked meals that made my mouth water. Heaping trays of pork chops and corn cakes are described in delicious detail.

- Nature: Every young boy or girl should have a connection with nature. "My Brother's Story" has plenty of outdoor fun. The Blackwater Swamp was filled with creatures (good and bad). It reminded me of playing in the streams and lakes that I grew up with - no shortage of birds, turtles and fish (fishing poles included).

"My Brother's Story" is a good read at any age, but ideal for the middle grade boy or girl. It has a good dose of adventure and a surprise ending, which I won't spoil for you. There are pictures for each chapter to help visualize the scenes.

[Mom2nine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This new edition is a beautiful, hardback book meant to be kept on one's shelf. Many people have already mentioned the outdoor fun. It is aimed at the same age group which would be reading the "Soup" series or Enid Blyton mysteries. There are sections which talk about race. Although it is handled in as gentle manner possible for the violence that is being discussed, there is still the fact that a black man could be pulled from his home and beaten or hung without repercussion. There is also a threatening scene, which continues this situation. The aunt which adopted Johnny is abusive. Her abusive includes episodes of telling people that they belong in hell, God will punish you, etc. No one is born a bigot, nor do children realize that some people blame God for their nastiness/violence. When you believe that it is the time to discuss this with your child is your choice.
I received this book in goodreads contest with expectation of fair/unbiased review.

[Bette Schnitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THE SOUTHERN CHARM OF THIS BOOK!
I started this book on a Friday and couldn't put it down until I finished it the next day! This is one of those books that when you start it, and you leave it for a moment....you keep thinking about it - until you pick it up again, and finally finish it! (That's my indication of a really good Book!)

Loved the nostalgia of the 1930 era, when times were a bit simpler. Loved the "Deep South" references - that only a true southerner gets, and can appreciate! Loved the Characters, especially Linc - he was my favorite! (Wish I could cook like him)
This is a great book for all ages to read. But especially the young teens, to read and learn of a time in history,
when old ways of thinking....and old timey traditions are long gone! Can't Wait to start the Next One!

[Rich Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I won this book through Goodreads and from the author so thanks to them. Now this isn't the type of book that I normally read but I think that is why I enjoyed it so much.It was a nice change of pace.It reminded me of the books I used to read on middle school and resulted in my love of reading.The story was simple buy keeps your interest and the illustrations really add to it.It amazes me to think how much the world has changed in the last 75 years from where this book takes place. The book really takes you to these times and the descriptions of the scenery are vivid.I see that more books are coming out in the future and I hope to spend some more time with Will and Johnny

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little known story about twin boys who are separated as babies and then find each other as young boys. My boys loved this book because they could relate to so much of what happened between these twin brothers.

[Skoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of brothers separated while young. One has a life of plenty,the other not. It's a story of how they found each other. I read this book in the last year or two and still think about it. When I came across it on my book shelve I had pretty good recall of the story.

[Mary Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say, if nothing else, the cover of the book won me over. I loved the story line of the boys' adventures and how they longed to be together again. My middle school age grandson is going to love this book. I know I did!

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've just finished this book...and although I agree it has it's charms...it's a little too " twee" and simplistic for my taste...
On saying that, I did find Linc's character endearing...but that's about it.
Too much like a Jack and Jill novel for me.

[Adrion Saenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty poor, but it was a quick read.