Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, moving memoir is great for younger comics fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 32 kid reviews
Kids say this book is highly relatable for siblings, particularly those with older or younger ones, showcasing the nuances of their relationships during a family road trip. While the narrative incorporates humor and relatable experiences, it also touches on themes of sibling rivalry and reconciliation, making it suitable for older kids while ensuring parents have little to worry about regarding inappropriate content.
- relatable experiences
- sibling rivalry
- humorous narrative
- age-appropriate
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A family road trip from San Francisco to Denver is an occasion for Raina to contemplate her rocky relationship with her younger sister, Amara. When she was younger, Raina couldn't wait to be a big sister, but, when Amara arrived, she turned out to be a cranky, grouchy baby and toddler. Now the two of them constantly get on each other's nerves, especially when they're stuck in a minivan together on a long car trip. Along the way, they learn some lessons about what it means to be a family.
Is It Any Good?
SISTERS is a funny, touching follow-up to Smile. Through big gestures and small details, it captures the comedy and drama of sibling rivalry and affection. It also touches on some serious issues (unemployment, the possibility of separation/divorce), but the story mostly emphasizes how it's possible to love somebody while enduring his or her "crazy" behavior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why graphic novels are a good form for memoir. What advantages do they have over conventional prose memoirs?
What are some of the issues that cause tension between brothers and sisters? What are good methods of trying to resolve them?
What kinds of stressful events occur on family vacations? What are good ways to ensure that all members of the family enjoy an extended road trip?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Raina Telgemeier
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : August 26, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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