Emma's Yucky Brother: A Warmhearted, Perceptive Story about Adoption and Siblings for Kids (Ages 4-8)

I Can Read: Level 3

by Jean Little, Jennifer Plecas (Illustrator)

Emma has always wanted a little brother. Now her family is adopting Max, and Emma is sure he will be the best brother ever. But Max has his own ideas. He thinks sisters are yucky, and that Emma is the yuckiest! Is this really what having a brother is all about? In Jean Little's warmhearted, perceptive story about adoption, Emma learns that there is more to having a little brother than she had ever guessed -- and that in order to get the brother she wants, she must first learn to be the sister he needs.

Genres: Adoption, Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Chapter Books

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2001

About the author

Jean Little is a Canadian author, born in Taiwan. Her work has mainly consisted of children's literature, but she has also written two autobiographies: Little by Little and Stars Come Out Within. Little has been partially blind since birth as a result of scars on her cornea and is frequently accompanied by a guide dog.

Reviews

[CHLOE PARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the part when Max became apart of the family because he didn't have a family yet. so that was a really fun book to me . Also I read the whole series.

[Julia Dundon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma’s Yucky Brother by Jean Little can also be found under the ALA Notable Children’s Book Award List. This book was selected from the list because it covers a topic not usually discussed in children’s book. This story allows children to understand the difference between expectations and reality while making compromises that allow everyone to be happy. Emma’s Yucky Brother is about Emma, one of the main characters, always wanting a little brother. She thought having a little brother would be the most fun she would ever have. When Emma’s parents adopt a little boy named Max, Emma realizes having a little brother isn’t at all what she thought it would be. Max finds Emma yucky and Emma begins to feel the same way about him. One difficult situation leads to Emma and Max becoming closer, allowing Emma to realize in order to get Max to like her she has to be the big sister that he needs. The illustrations in this story are that of realistic art, providing accurate representations of the characters without any exaggeration. This allows readers to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, relating to a situation that many children face; struggling to get along with siblings/peers. This can be utilized in the classroom through role play. The teacher can assign each student a partner, giving them a situation where they would need to compromise with each other in order to arrive at an agreed upon conclusion.

[Ceri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is American and I am in the UK this book has really helped open up conversations with my 7 year old daughter about what things might be like when she has a little brother. It shows that things probably won't be great at first, but that things will get better. She can read it to herself as well which she likes.
Definitely recommended if you have a birth child and are looking to adopt.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite its horrible name, this is actually a very good book about loving your siblings and adoption.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first read this (in a very abbreviated version) to my son when he was about 2.5. It was the best we could find for the purpose at the time, but now that he's 4 it's a much better fit (although it did the job for 2.5 if you're needing something for that age. There's just really not a lot out there).

It's an easy reader title broken into chapters that tells the story of Emma's new 4 year old brother Max coming to live with her family from foster care. It very briefly touches on things that kids will wonder about, like why Max's foster mother doesn't keep him, but most of the book deals with the very common difference between expectation and reality when a new sibling comes home. No matter where they come from, I think the older sibling is going to experience some disappointment! I like that it doesn't make a huge deal about the foster care portion of it, but just lightly references it while focusing on how "yucky" siblings can be, with the heartwarming moment at the end that you would expect.

[Tawnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades: K to 3 Genre: Realistic Fiction
Emma’s parents are going to adopt a four year old boy named Max. At first she is sure that he will be the best little brother ever, but soon she decides that younger brothers are yucky. It doesn’t seem to help that Max doesn’t like Emma either. The two have several small confrontations until one day Max accidentally breaks one of Emma’s dolls. Afraid of what she will do, he runs away. At first Emma is angry, but then her friend Sally shows her how to fix the doll. Emma then becomes worried about Max and goes in search of him. For as simple of a book as this one is, it also shows a great range of emotion. Not all transitions are easy and this one doesn’t paint a rosy picture of adoption, but instead shows the changes that everyone has to go through as a family grows. The pen and water color illustrations add to the story and the simple character designs are charming.

[Ryan Treaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is classified as an "I can Read Book" and really makes for a good read for young children. Emma is not happy about getting a new brother and does not think she will like him. After he takes off and runs away, Emma realizes she loves him and he is part of the family. This is a really good book about family and shows the idea of adoption with Emma's new brother.

Reading Level- Early Readers
Curricular Issues- Read aloud or independent reading
Social Issues- This book relays the topic of adoption to children as well as talks about family and love.

* Really good book about love and family. Can relate to a lot of children

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Emma's Yucky Brother details the joys and trials of an older sister's experience in welcoming an adoptive younger brother into her home. The parents and social worker are portrayed positively, as is adoption in general. But Emma and her brother struggle. Sure, things are wrapped up rather easily, but it's a level 3 reader, and a great discussion starter for adoption families and others who love them. One of the best adoption books for kids that I have found. Highly recommended.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be related to some of the Children's lives because they have a sibling that gets on their nerves. Even though a younger brother or sister will pester their older sibling, this book showed that at the end of the day you will always love your brother or sister even if your sibling is adopted or a stepbrother or stepsister.

[Chloe Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's Yucky Brother is a cute chapter that talks about a young girl named Emma and her adopted brother. This book is a great book for beginner chapter book readers. I think this book would be appropriate for children at the 1st grade level. This book is an informational chapter book because it explains to the children about the whole adoption process at an appropriate level.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well told tale that somehow in so few words managed to encompass the full range of emotions involved in bringing another child into the family. Especially one like this where the situation is so unique and different. I was very impressed and would recommend this highly, especially to be used with children who are facing an adoption / foster situation in their own home.

[Tara Geske · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was kind of boring, but was really good at showing you how the adoption process works. It was almost a step by step explanation. It also showed the emotional side of adoption as well. If a kid in my class was going through this process, I would suggest they read this book and maybe it would help them feel better if they were having troubles with their new adopted sibling.

[Elizabeth Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this chapter book. Students read about a difficult topic; adoption. The story teaches students about sharing more than just material items, opening you're heart and home to new members and what its like to be an older sibling.

[Ashley Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would use this book to talk about relationships that we have with our brothers and sisters. I would also use it to talk about adoption and how children respond to it. It is a great book to give to students who are between picture and chapter books.

[Jennifer Oaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the topic of this book, adoption. It shows how a girl adjusts to having an adopted brother. She is so excited, but then when they meet he doesn't like the cookies she made and he also calls her yucky. This is Max's way of adjusting and Emma must learn to accept this.

[Cassie]

Emma's family is adopting a little boy. She's really excited to become a sister, but it isn't until her brother is living with her family does she realize how annoying brothers can be. The ending is really cute.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A special book about an older child's family adopting a new sibling... and not a baby like she suspected. How they both have to adjust to being 'siblings' and he in the new house and family. A good book to share with your child if you are adopting or even if they are trying to adjust to a sibling.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for a child (st or 2nd grade)who has or will soon have an adopted sibling.

[Cana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mommy says: Kids were bored by this book. Cana read some, Daddy read some.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Older child adoption; sibling relationship involving adoption;

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's about a family who adopts a little boy named Max. H.D.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas. Reads as a level 3 book. Emma's Yucky Brother is a story that any kids with siblings can relate to. Emma's brother is adopted, so it's also great for diversity

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book dealing with the issue of adoption. I liked that it presented the emotional considerations of each family member, as well as the child to be adopted. Wonderful!

[Teri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really bad--this just gives kids lots of ammunition and teaches them how to fight

[Amanda Fuld]

Summary: Emma's family is adopting a 4 year old boy named Max, and she couldn't be more excited to be getting a little brother. When Max comes home, Emma learns that being a big sister is going to take more work than she thought, and things don't always go how you plan for them to.

Evaluation: This book has a cute story and theme. It is relatable for a lot of kids, especially those who are getting a new sibling.

Teaching Point: This is a good book for transitional readers. It also would be beneficial to use to teach lessons about family, responsibility, and learning to get along with others.