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Oh Brother
Every kid is shaped by their family—but not every kid has a brother like Rob. In this bright and thoughtful middle grade graphic memoir, debut cartoonist Gina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside their autistic and nonverbal brother.
So much is changing in Gina Chadderton's life. Her family is moving, she's about to start middle school., and her brother Rob has just escaped out a playroom window ended up over at the new neighbor's house! This coming-of-age memoir explores Gina and Rob's lives. As a nonverbal autistic boy with an intellectual disability, Rob doesn't communicate his thoughts and feelings like most people do. Despite the difficulties that come with that, the Chadderton family has never failed to show each other kindness and love.
But as Gina begins to grapple with her own growing body and whether or not to shave her legs, she struggles with how hard it is to take care of her brother while also taking care of herself.
Compassionate, informative, and emotionally nuanced, Oh Brother is a heartfelt story about the good days and bad days that come with growing up with someone who will always need help. But more than that, it's about how you can fill even the most challenging of days with joy.
So much is changing in Gina Chadderton's life. Her family is moving, she's about to start middle school., and her brother Rob has just escaped out a playroom window ended up over at the new neighbor's house! This coming-of-age memoir explores Gina and Rob's lives. As a nonverbal autistic boy with an intellectual disability, Rob doesn't communicate his thoughts and feelings like most people do. Despite the difficulties that come with that, the Chadderton family has never failed to show each other kindness and love.
But as Gina begins to grapple with her own growing body and whether or not to shave her legs, she struggles with how hard it is to take care of her brother while also taking care of herself.
Compassionate, informative, and emotionally nuanced, Oh Brother is a heartfelt story about the good days and bad days that come with growing up with someone who will always need help. But more than that, it's about how you can fill even the most challenging of days with joy.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 10, 2026
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 8, 2025
This was a really great memoir about what it’s likely having a family member who is severely autistic; how difficult it can sometimes be if you forget to do something, how frustrating it can be to not fully grasp how they’re feeling in the moment, how worried you can sometimes be. It’s a stark, but important, look at that dynamic and I’m glad she chose to make this from her childhood point of view instead of her adult point of view like she states in the author’s note. I think it holds more weight.
I thought it was great.
I thought it was great.
February 23, 2026
This book portrays the experience of growing up with a sibling who requires lots of attention, while also trying to navigate your own social world, so honestly, empathetically, and humorously that it felt like my inner child was getting a much-needed hug. Chadderton's drawings invite the reader in and help explain all of the more idiosyncratically Australian bits while not feeling patronizing.
I cannot, honestly, express how seen this made me feel and I can't wait to recommend it to kids who I know are going through similar circumstances. The immense love that Chadderton expresses for her brother through this book is breathtaking and I already know some kids I plan to recommend the book to once we get it in.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC!
I cannot, honestly, express how seen this made me feel and I can't wait to recommend it to kids who I know are going through similar circumstances. The immense love that Chadderton expresses for her brother through this book is breathtaking and I already know some kids I plan to recommend the book to once we get it in.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC!
March 5, 2026
One of the best middle grade graphic novels I've read.
Whilst I don't have a sibling with ASD, it is still super relatable for me; the author makes it easy to empathise with all the characters, regardless of your lived experiences.
Whilst I don't have a sibling with ASD, it is still super relatable for me; the author makes it easy to empathise with all the characters, regardless of your lived experiences.
March 2, 2026
Such an amazing graphic novel. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
September 1, 2025
Awesome. This is a must-buy for middle grade graphic novel collections at public libraries. Will definitely purchase for our collection when it is released. Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Georgina and her parents move to a new house in Australia just before she starts high school. Luckily, she has a huge new room, and there's plenty of space for her father, a doctor, her mother, who works with people with disabilities, and her younger brother Rob, who has autism and is mainly nonverbal. Rob often gets into the refrigerator or Gina's room, and can't be allowed out of the house on his own, so there are lots of locks on the doors. He does get out of the house through the playroom window, and the neighbors bring him back after finding him snacking in one of their easy chairs! School is a bit rough. Gina, who likes to wear clothes from the boys' department at Target and doesn't shave her legs, is given a hard time by some of the girls in her class. She does meet a girl in band, Callie, who admires her drawings and wants to hang out. Since it's hard for her parents to drive Gina places when Rob is home, Gina invites Callie to her house. Callie is very understanding about Rob's behaviors, even when he bites her when he is agitated. Gina does a good job explaining when Rob's autism and learning differences mean for his behavior. There's a group science project that the girls work on with classmate Tom, but Rob ruins the comic about volcanoes that Gina draws. This causes some trouble at school and with Callie, but is worked out in the end. Family photos and information about the author's family since the early 2000s is included.
I appreciated that Chadderton starts this memoir with a note explaining that people with autism are treated differently now, and that customs around the world might be different as well. This is a good choice for readers who like Briglio's Thunderboom and is a better choice for modern readers than Lord's 2006 Rules.
Georgina and her parents move to a new house in Australia just before she starts high school. Luckily, she has a huge new room, and there's plenty of space for her father, a doctor, her mother, who works with people with disabilities, and her younger brother Rob, who has autism and is mainly nonverbal. Rob often gets into the refrigerator or Gina's room, and can't be allowed out of the house on his own, so there are lots of locks on the doors. He does get out of the house through the playroom window, and the neighbors bring him back after finding him snacking in one of their easy chairs! School is a bit rough. Gina, who likes to wear clothes from the boys' department at Target and doesn't shave her legs, is given a hard time by some of the girls in her class. She does meet a girl in band, Callie, who admires her drawings and wants to hang out. Since it's hard for her parents to drive Gina places when Rob is home, Gina invites Callie to her house. Callie is very understanding about Rob's behaviors, even when he bites her when he is agitated. Gina does a good job explaining when Rob's autism and learning differences mean for his behavior. There's a group science project that the girls work on with classmate Tom, but Rob ruins the comic about volcanoes that Gina draws. This causes some trouble at school and with Callie, but is worked out in the end. Family photos and information about the author's family since the early 2000s is included.
I appreciated that Chadderton starts this memoir with a note explaining that people with autism are treated differently now, and that customs around the world might be different as well. This is a good choice for readers who like Briglio's Thunderboom and is a better choice for modern readers than Lord's 2006 Rules.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The author Georgina (aka Gina) entered 8th grade, her first year in high school in Australia. Rob is Gina’s autistic and intellectually disabled younger brother who requires extensive daily support. Gina finally makes a friend named Callie in music class who is very understanding, not just with Gina’s brother’s disabilities, but also with Gina’s feelings and emotions. Having older sisters, Callie is wiser beyond her tender years.
The story basically chronicles Gina and her parents’ life living with a severely autistic person. Admittedly, it was frustrating for me to read about Rob’s outbursts and how the family dealt with his rages in their own way. It took me a while to complete the book because I felt so much tension and anxiety from the pages. There was very little lightheartedness in the story. I am aware that the author’s intention is to let people who are in similar situations (either as a person diagnosed with autism or someone living with an autistic/intellectually disabled loved one) and to feel that they are not alone. I am a teaching assistant for an autistic boy who is not quite on the same level as Rob as my student is able to gain control over his anger and angst. After reading this story, I have gained a more patience in understanding for those on the spectrum.
The illustrations were very clear with distinct lines. I can’t say I was particularly fond of the drawings. They were very geometric, as though drawn with a rule or protractor. For example, the character noses are at 80-degree angles, eyeglasses are perfect orbs, Xs are drawn for ear auricles.
This story takes place when the label of ‘autism’ was in its infancy. Today there are more resources available and more awareness and the author was able to add to the awareness.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
The story basically chronicles Gina and her parents’ life living with a severely autistic person. Admittedly, it was frustrating for me to read about Rob’s outbursts and how the family dealt with his rages in their own way. It took me a while to complete the book because I felt so much tension and anxiety from the pages. There was very little lightheartedness in the story. I am aware that the author’s intention is to let people who are in similar situations (either as a person diagnosed with autism or someone living with an autistic/intellectually disabled loved one) and to feel that they are not alone. I am a teaching assistant for an autistic boy who is not quite on the same level as Rob as my student is able to gain control over his anger and angst. After reading this story, I have gained a more patience in understanding for those on the spectrum.
The illustrations were very clear with distinct lines. I can’t say I was particularly fond of the drawings. They were very geometric, as though drawn with a rule or protractor. For example, the character noses are at 80-degree angles, eyeglasses are perfect orbs, Xs are drawn for ear auricles.
This story takes place when the label of ‘autism’ was in its infancy. Today there are more resources available and more awareness and the author was able to add to the awareness.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
August 28, 2025
This autobiographical graphic novel follows Gina, a sensitive and painfully awkward Australian girl entering high school while navigating life with her younger brother, Rob, who has autism and is nonverbal. Their family—a supportive father who’s a doctor and a mother who’s a counselor—handles Rob’s frequent tantrums with patience and love, though the stress still weighs on everyone.
Gina herself is shy, anxious, and uncomfortable meeting new people, but she finds comfort in her art and in the school band. There she meets Callie, a friendly, outgoing classmate who becomes her first real best friend. While the friendship brings her joy, Gina’s inner voice remains harsh, especially when she’s bullied at school or feels unworthy of sharing such a popular friend.
The story is cutely illustrated, full of warmth, and ends on a sweet and hopeful note. The afterword by Gina, along with real family photos and an update on Rob’s progress, add extra depth and authenticity. A heartfelt, tender read—recommended!
Gina herself is shy, anxious, and uncomfortable meeting new people, but she finds comfort in her art and in the school band. There she meets Callie, a friendly, outgoing classmate who becomes her first real best friend. While the friendship brings her joy, Gina’s inner voice remains harsh, especially when she’s bullied at school or feels unworthy of sharing such a popular friend.
The story is cutely illustrated, full of warmth, and ends on a sweet and hopeful note. The afterword by Gina, along with real family photos and an update on Rob’s progress, add extra depth and authenticity. A heartfelt, tender read—recommended!
February 14, 2026
Covering the author's eighth grade year, this graphic novel [3.5 for me!] is filled with plenty of humor and heart. Providing insight into what life was like growing up with a younger brother on the autistic spectrum, it shines a light on the experience, warts and all. It's clear throughout the narrative that Gina, the author/illustrator, loves her brother but also wishes that it was easier to communicate with him and to understand what makes him so angry at times. There are several scenes that show just how much love the two siblings share but also some of the more frustrating parts of their relationship. Even a trip to the barber shop or dentist can be quite an ordeal, and it's easy to see just how exhausting daily life can be. Gina has some anxiety issues herself and worries about not being good enough or being accepted--rightfully so since some of her school mates bully her and ridicule her for not shaving her legs. I thoroughly enjoyed this slice of life memoir and regard it as an important addition to a collection consisting of disability stories.
September 25, 2025
four and a half stars
it is so indrectibly rare to have a book like this that refers to autism as"Being autstic" not "has autism" it is so refreshing to have a book actually say it the right way.
the only bad thing is that it read as more of a guide, and not a story. there wasn't really conflict. which personally i didnt really mind it that much, but others might.
it could have been nice to say at the end of the graphic novel, like some years later the main charector found out they were autistic, just so people reading this have a actual example about how different autistic people are differnt autistic people. but i REALLY enjoyed this! it had great pace and its so nice and fun to have this book from a perspective of a sibling.
and i like how it made it clear that it was'nt just being autistic, its also another thing.
great overall though!
thanks for netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
it is so indrectibly rare to have a book like this that refers to autism as"Being autstic" not "has autism" it is so refreshing to have a book actually say it the right way.
the only bad thing is that it read as more of a guide, and not a story. there wasn't really conflict. which personally i didnt really mind it that much, but others might.
it could have been nice to say at the end of the graphic novel, like some years later the main charector found out they were autistic, just so people reading this have a actual example about how different autistic people are differnt autistic people. but i REALLY enjoyed this! it had great pace and its so nice and fun to have this book from a perspective of a sibling.
and i like how it made it clear that it was'nt just being autistic, its also another thing.
great overall though!
thanks for netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
March 21, 2026
The most delightful artwork, so much wonderful colour and detail, I felt like I was discovering some new hidden detail in every panel.
Oh Brother is a richly drawn and written memoir, with nostalgia pouring out of each page. The relationship between Gina and her family, especially her brother, was so relatable - even for someone who didn’t grow up with disability. The core message is relevant and important for all young people developing their own sense of self while navigating imperfect relationships with their siblings and parents.
While written for a middle grade audience, the storytelling feels mature and nuanced. As an adult without children in my life, this was still one of the most enjoyable and interesting graphics novels I’ve read (even among those written for adult audiences).
Can’t wait to see more from Gina!
10/10
Oh Brother is a richly drawn and written memoir, with nostalgia pouring out of each page. The relationship between Gina and her family, especially her brother, was so relatable - even for someone who didn’t grow up with disability. The core message is relevant and important for all young people developing their own sense of self while navigating imperfect relationships with their siblings and parents.
While written for a middle grade audience, the storytelling feels mature and nuanced. As an adult without children in my life, this was still one of the most enjoyable and interesting graphics novels I’ve read (even among those written for adult audiences).
Can’t wait to see more from Gina!
10/10
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Oh Brother” is a honest and vulnerable look into the author’s early high school days. Georgina takes us on a journey to the past and how it was growing up with a younger brother, who was diagnosed with autism. Rob is non-verbal and likes snacks, vegemite toasts, and anything pink. He also sometimes gets frustrated and bites and steals his sister’s snacks.
The graphic novel also explores themes of changing bodies and making new friends and anxieties that can come with all of it.
I thought it was a great and honest read and could be helpful for other siblings that may feel like nobody understands how it is growing up with someone in the household that is on the spectrum.
The graphic novel also explores themes of changing bodies and making new friends and anxieties that can come with all of it.
I thought it was a great and honest read and could be helpful for other siblings that may feel like nobody understands how it is growing up with someone in the household that is on the spectrum.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Graphic Nonfiction/Memoir
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley.
Chadderton takes readers back to her childhood and shares what it was like with a brother with autism. We see how the family copes with love and support. The author also drops hints about her own lifestyle and shares in her notes that she was diagnosed as autistic as an adult.
The illustrations capture the emotions and constant motion in their home. The school scenes were poignant at times as she was teased and dealt with serious anxiety when trying to make friends.
Well worth the read to see inside one family's journey without dropping to stereotypes.
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley.
Chadderton takes readers back to her childhood and shares what it was like with a brother with autism. We see how the family copes with love and support. The author also drops hints about her own lifestyle and shares in her notes that she was diagnosed as autistic as an adult.
The illustrations capture the emotions and constant motion in their home. The school scenes were poignant at times as she was teased and dealt with serious anxiety when trying to make friends.
Well worth the read to see inside one family's journey without dropping to stereotypes.
February 11, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!
This a a graphic novel about a girl who is growing up with her brother who is autistic in the 90s in Australia. With the exception of a few phrases and food items, the story is still highly relatable even though it is not set in the United States. While it does a great job of illustrating the difficulties that she has with her brother and his unique traits as a person with autism, a times the graphic novel lacks a plot although there are some storylines throughout.
This a a graphic novel about a girl who is growing up with her brother who is autistic in the 90s in Australia. With the exception of a few phrases and food items, the story is still highly relatable even though it is not set in the United States. While it does a great job of illustrating the difficulties that she has with her brother and his unique traits as a person with autism, a times the graphic novel lacks a plot although there are some storylines throughout.
November 11, 2025
Georgina Chadderton’s Oh Brother is a quiet explosion of emotion. It’s a messy, honest portrait of affection strained by misunderstanding.
The drawings pulse with imagery and moments of piercing warmth.
What struck me the most is the texture of emotion that runs through it. Reading it, I begin to understand anger not as hostility but as compression: all the things you can’t say, piling up until they force their way out.
It left me heavy with feeling, but ultimately, numb.
The drawings pulse with imagery and moments of piercing warmth.
What struck me the most is the texture of emotion that runs through it. Reading it, I begin to understand anger not as hostility but as compression: all the things you can’t say, piling up until they force their way out.
It left me heavy with feeling, but ultimately, numb.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This middle grade graphic novel is not a fast read. There’s so much going on that I wanted to pay attention to - including little labels and notes on every page - plus it’s somewhat heavy due to the realities of Gina’s life navigating both regular growing up stuff and the difficulties living with her severely autistic brother.
It’s honest, it’s kind, and I’m incredibly grateful to have book access to people’ stories (like this one) that give me a better lens into a life I’m not living.
It’s honest, it’s kind, and I’m incredibly grateful to have book access to people’ stories (like this one) that give me a better lens into a life I’m not living.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Graphic novel memoirs for young readers are a safe bet, and this one is an easy recommendation for readers wanting to understand people with disabilities. I like the cartoony style and the frequent asides with more information. The author's note at the end provides good information as well. This would be a strong book club choice.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!
March 26, 2026
A fantastic teaching tool for education, understanding, and advocacy. Not to mention a wonderful story highlighting the challenges of friendships, processing emotions and coming of age, combined with the additional complexity of navigating life with a loved one living with ASD. Thank you for this incredible memoir, it was a joy to read and I will be sure to recommend to others :)
December 11, 2025
This graphic novel depicts a heartfelt relationship between a young girl with anxiety and her brother who has autism. The sibling frustration feels rooted in reality with equal parts frustration and love.
February 12, 2026
an honest and thoughtfully written insight into life with a non speaking autistic sibling while managing teenage friendships, a new school and a new home. This book would be great for both kids with non speaking siblings and those who whose lives haven't been touched by disability
March 12, 2026
Simple and tender human stories about communication, insecurity and navigating one’s lot in life. It made me emotional as someone with a different brain and, at times, brimming with self doubt - even as an adult. Love that it’s honest and down to earth with quintessentially Australian touches.
October 11, 2025
I thought that this was a sensitive and thoughtful memoir of growing up with an autistic brother! Hand this to Raina-fans!!
March 11, 2026
got me crying at the end there
Read
March 16, 2026🩷🩷
March 20, 2026
This book probably has a different audience. It just wasn't for me. Sorry.
March 20, 2026
I read the preview chapter of Oh Brother last year and I said at the time that this book was going to be really important for a lot of young people (and old people) who have similar experiences, particularly with growing up with a sibling with high support needs. And I was very right. What was unexpected, but super delightful, was how seen I felt while reading it. I didn’t grow up in the same context that Rex did, but I did have a very similar high school experience and experience of growing into my body that they did.
Seeing those same experiences reflected in this book made the 27 year old me feel a lot less alone in life. I wanted to reach into the book, grab little cartoon Rexy by the shoulders, and tell her “me too!”. And also just to give little Rexy a hug. Feeling out of place in my body growing up was a really big deal to me and it’s something I’ve never seen reflected before. Even now, it feels really important to know that that wasn’t an experience that only I had, and I’m really glad this next generation of young people will get to see themselves and their experiences a lot earlier.
This is also an important book for people to grasp a better understanding of autism and intellectual disabilities and how that can present. Rex does an amazing job of explaining these diagnoses and ways in which they can best be supported. Particularly for young people with limited experience and understanding, it’s wonderful to know that through this memoir they can develop a deeper understanding.
I loved all the Australian-isms and references to Adelaide in the book. It’s a home grown novel and I loved how home grown it was allowed to feel. The part about minimum chips made me a bit teary with joy!
The physical depictions and characterisations are done exceptionally well. You’re really able to feel like you know Rex and her family and friends because there’s such powerful visualisations. Some of my favourite scenes were seeing the family’s interactions with Rob and seeing how beautifully they understand his needs. Disability is a really difficult topic to talk about and I think Rex handled it in a truly realistic way. There’s lots of love and care and fun, but it also can be extremely difficult and scary.
I’m really in awe of the way Rex was able to share her own story in this way. To meet Rex is to know that she is instantly likeable and it is so easy to feel connected to her. I think that’s part of why this book feels so wonderful, because you instantly feel connected to what’s going on.
I can't wait for more people, young and old, to discover this book and realise that they're actually not so along in the World after all.
Seeing those same experiences reflected in this book made the 27 year old me feel a lot less alone in life. I wanted to reach into the book, grab little cartoon Rexy by the shoulders, and tell her “me too!”. And also just to give little Rexy a hug. Feeling out of place in my body growing up was a really big deal to me and it’s something I’ve never seen reflected before. Even now, it feels really important to know that that wasn’t an experience that only I had, and I’m really glad this next generation of young people will get to see themselves and their experiences a lot earlier.
This is also an important book for people to grasp a better understanding of autism and intellectual disabilities and how that can present. Rex does an amazing job of explaining these diagnoses and ways in which they can best be supported. Particularly for young people with limited experience and understanding, it’s wonderful to know that through this memoir they can develop a deeper understanding.
I loved all the Australian-isms and references to Adelaide in the book. It’s a home grown novel and I loved how home grown it was allowed to feel. The part about minimum chips made me a bit teary with joy!
The physical depictions and characterisations are done exceptionally well. You’re really able to feel like you know Rex and her family and friends because there’s such powerful visualisations. Some of my favourite scenes were seeing the family’s interactions with Rob and seeing how beautifully they understand his needs. Disability is a really difficult topic to talk about and I think Rex handled it in a truly realistic way. There’s lots of love and care and fun, but it also can be extremely difficult and scary.
I’m really in awe of the way Rex was able to share her own story in this way. To meet Rex is to know that she is instantly likeable and it is so easy to feel connected to her. I think that’s part of why this book feels so wonderful, because you instantly feel connected to what’s going on.
I can't wait for more people, young and old, to discover this book and realise that they're actually not so along in the World after all.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews