Oh Brother

Oh Brother, by Sonya Spreen Bates, tells the story of Lauren Scanlon and her family’s move to Vancouver so her first grade brother Will, who has special needs, will receive the support he needs to learn. The family has left Ash Greek, a small rural town in Saskatchewan. This story examines family roles and responsibilities and the challenges a family faces when one of their children has special needs. These are not just physical challenges but also acceptance.
Bates, in this novel, raises a number of issues. She asks her audience to examine their own beliefs. It also looks at prejudices that come out of misinformation and misunderstanding. Lauren’s new friends do not know about Will. Lauren hears their negative thoughts about individuals with exceptionalities but is afraid to speak up. Finally, she cannot take it anymore and stands by her brother. In this happening, readers are witness to what constitutes true friendship. Readers also see how hard it is to navigate middle school. A must read.