Autobiography of My Dead Brother

<p><strong>A powerful National Book Award Finalist from the acclaimed bestselling author of <em>Monster. </em>This novel is like photorealism; it paints a vivid and genuine portrait of life that will have a palpable effect on its readers. (<em>School Library Journal</em> starred review)</strong></p><p>With Harlem as its backdrop <em>Autobiography of My Dead Brother</em> follows the diverging paths of best friends Rise and Jesse. When Rise becomes engulfed in gang activity and starts dealing drugs Jesse a budding artist tries to make sense of the complexities of friendship loyalty and loss in a neighborhood plagued by drive-by shootings vicious gangs and an indifferent juvenile justice system.<br/></p><p>The innovative first-person storytelling along with cartoons and photos pulls in readers and makes <em>Autobiography of My Dead Brother</em> a strong and thought-provoking choice for sharing in a classroom or at home.</p><p>Though the story is starkly realistic there is always hope in the gifts of Jesse the artist and C. J. the musician of schools and churches and of caring parents. (<em>Kirkus</em>)</p><p>Touching and impactful <em>Autobiography </em>cannot fail to intrigue and hopefully influence youngsters with its poignant statement of two roads taken. (Judges' Citation National Book Award)</p>