Between Two Brothers

by Crystal Allen

Between Two Brothers has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Young Adult, Family, Book Club

352 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Between Two Brothers" is an emotionally resonant tale that weaves a poignant narrative around family, forgiveness, and the unwavering strength of sibling bonds. Inspired by real events, this middle-grade gem stands out as a testament to the power of love and resilience.
Isaiah "Ice" Abernathy's admiration for his older brother, Seth, forms the beating heart of the story. The duo share a special bond, transitioning seamlessly from brothers to best friends. As Seth embarks on his senior year, Ice eagerly anticipates making lasting memories before his brother leaves for college. However, an unexpected turn of events propels the narrative into an exploration of regret, forgiveness, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The plot takes a poignant twist when Seth, in a rush to leave, misses a crucial event, leading to a heated argument with Ice. The tension between the brothers sets the stage for a rollercoaster of emotions, compelling the reader to delve into the complexities of their relationship. When Seth meets with an accident, the story takes a heart-wrenching turn, leaving him hospitalized and facing an uncertain recovery. Ice, gripped by fear and guilt, emerges as the unlikely hero, choosing to defy medical expectations and guide his brother through the challenging journey of rehabilitation.
The author masterfully navigates the delicate balance between realistic fiction and heartwarming inspiration, creating a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The themes of forgiveness and unconditional love are delicately threaded throughout the story,
The characters are authentically portrayed, and their emotional journey adds depth to the narrative. Ice's determination to help Seth recover becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The writing is engaging, with a perfect blend of sensitivity and relatability, capturing the essence of the middle-grade genre.
"Between Two Brothers" is a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and uplifting story that explores the transformative power of familial love. This book is a five-star masterpiece that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the strength found in the bonds between siblings.

[Tiny Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Russell Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Between Two Brothers, author Crystal Allen has crafted a lovely, heartfelt story, peppered with her signature inventive humor. No, this book is not the LOL-type that is her previous books, but the new novel, while a very serious story, does have its moments of humorous relief. Allen tells of two brothers and their unwavering bond. When one suffers a catastrophic event, the other vows to bring his brother back to life despite dire odds and predictions. This is a book—targeted at readers aged 8-12—that everyone can enjoy, gain inspiration from, and learn a lot about resilience and the enduring bond of siblings. Don’t dismiss this book as just a middle-grade novel, for it speaks to a much wider audience. This book is for kids who are dealing with catastrophe in their lives, but it also is for other kids who need to know its message. And most importantly, it is for adults who need hope, a bright spot in their lives, a chance to say to themselves, “I hope I can react like this if I ever need to.” Between Two Brothers is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry. Allen took a traumatic event that happened in her own family and turned it into an incredible story. The main character, Isaiah - Ice - has a strong bond with his other brother, Seth, but struggles to speak up for himself. A little into the narrative something happens that causes the brothers to argue and fight. Ice desperately wants to apologize but then a tragic accident leaves his older brother in a state where he can't apologize and the entire family's lives turned upside down. Allan crafted this story with such care including all the ugly realities of a situation like this, how a middle school student would see and be affected by all of it and how he might choose to respond. This might be a book that I would use for a novel study in the classroom.

[R.Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah is in Middle School and his athletic brother Seth is a senior in High School making plans to go to college. The brothers live on a small farm and the family is very close. Their father has worked at the BMP meat packing plant for many years to supplement the family's income. Although he was an excellent worker, he is laid off after a BMP speeding truck struck Seth and left him brain damaged and paralyzed.

How Isaiah, his friends, and family reacted to this tragedy is compelling. Together with Seth's therapists, his parents' lawyer. and the community as a whole, they set on a path to try to make Seth whole again. I liked this story, and I think you will too.

[Kristen Blackton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book had a really slow start, and I almost gave up, but I am mostly glad I stuck it out.
Between Two Brothers tells the story of Isaiah and his older brother Seth. The first quarter of the book establishes the close-knit bond between the brothers and their parents as well as Isaiah's struggles to overcome his shyness (social anxiety?) and make friends. Then, a tragedy happens that changes everything for the family, leading to financial, medical, and familial hardships.

What I did not like about this book had to do with the writing. Isaiah was supposed to be in middle school (14 years old), but he never read like a teenager. He was really naive about a lot of things in life, and while he does mature over the course of the novel due to the circumstances his family is catapulted into, I never really believed him as a character. He's overly obedient, overly observant, and ready to do anything to help anyone-- which are not always usual traits of teenage boys. He also just reads so young.

That being said, I think the message of this book is really important, and the author touches on tough topics. I think that this book would be a good introduction for young people into topics regarding disability, legal repercussions of decisions, and the importance of community in times of tragedy . The author's note also brings to light that this story is personal to her and her family, and I commend her for having the courage to record a story so close to her heart.

I'm glad I read it, but it wasn't my favorite. I think many kids will really like it, though.

[Rebecca Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one snuck up on me. I’ll admit it started off a little slow, and I wasn’t totally sure I’d stick with it, but I’m so glad I did. The payoff was absolutely worth it.

The story follows Ice and his older brother Seth, who are incredibly close, until an unexpected change of plans and a heartbreaking accident throw their relationship into chaos. What follows is a beautiful, emotional journey of love, guilt, and the fierce kind of hope that only family can carry.

Crystal Allen’s writing is warm and honest. She really captures what it’s like to look up to someone, to feel like you’ve lost your chance to make things right, and to hold onto love even when everything feels uncertain. I cried more than once, and by the end, I felt like I really knew Ice.

It’s a tender, powerful story about brotherhood, second chances, and believing in the people you love, even when the world says not to. If you can be patient through a slower start, the emotional depth and heart of this book absolutely shine.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eighth grader, Ice (aka Isaiah), and his older brother, Seth, adore each other and are making the most of their time together before Seth leaves for college next fall. But when Ice finds out that Seth decides to enter Texas A&M a semester early, he gets into a fight with his brother before school one morning and Seth leaves in a huff. After trying to apologize all day and hearing nothing back from Seth, Ice learns that his brother was involved in a serious car accident on his way to school that almost left Seth dead. Ice’s relationship with Seth is forever changed and all Ice wants to do is apologize to Seth for his harsh words before the accident and for Seth to get better.

This sweet story by Allen focuses on deep bond between brothers and the resilience born out of that bond. There are so many stories out there that focus on the plight of the Black community in America, but Allen’s novel dives into the strength of familial support when faced with both good and bad times. Between Two Brothers was refreshing and a perfect start to my summer reading.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A MG book is about perseverance, even when things get hard, even when you think you have nothing left to give.
👦🏾
Ice Abernathy has always looked up to his big brother, who is five years older than him. Seth is headed to college soon so Ice is soaking up as much time with him as possible, even signing up for a brothers basketball competition when Ice is not much of an athlete like his cross country star brother. But when Seth decides to leave for college early, missing the competition, the brothers have the biggest fight they’ve ever had. It’s afterwards that Ice learns his brother was in a horrific car accident, leaving him changed forever. Can he get his brother to forgive him?
👦🏾
This novel was slow to get into for me, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Allen is able to draw on real life events, while also keeping the story as fictional as possible. The bond of brotherhood is apparent on every page here. Ice is a main character readers will root for and love.

CW: job loss, car accident, hospitalization, violence, blood

3.5 ⭐️

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isaiah “Ice” Abernathy has always looked up to his older brother, Seth. More than just siblings, they’ve been best friends—inseparable and in sync. As Seth begins his senior year, Ice is determined to make the most of every moment together before college takes his brother away. But when Seth suddenly announces he’s leaving much sooner than expected—and then breaks a promise by missing a major event—it leads to a painful argument. Ice plans to apologize the next day, but tragedy strikes first: Seth is in a devastating accident, and doctors warn he may never recover. Crushed by guilt and fear, Ice refuses to give up. He’s determined to reach his brother the only way he knows how—through the powerful, unbreakable bond they share.

I really enjoyed this book about brotherhood, perseverance and determination. The author drew on realistic experiences while keeping it fictionalized. I loved the relationship between the two brothers and Seth's best friend Juan and how Ice & Juan come together to help bring back Seth. I also liked how the author addressed the fact that not all tall males are athletes. Ice is destined to be a vet. How he took care of the animals was inspiring. Definitely a book for the shelves!

[Dixie Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen's latest novel captivates readers with the focus on family love and resilience. Featuring a deep relationship between two brothers, Isaiah and Seth Abernathy, as they deal with an tragic circumstance, Allen deftly composes the family's journey to expose mistakes, misunderstandings, and ultimately love. Readers become immersed in the truths exposed during tragedy: "Always leave room for grace...Don't let anyone steal your hope....Mind over body...."

As the family faces a huge change in all their lives and injustice along the way, they also find loyalty and unwavering friendship.

This novel will remain in readers' hearts for a long while after reading. Highly recommend for a whole-class novel study for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

[Chrissy Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah “Ice” worships his brother Seth. Ice is quiet and unsure of himself. Seth is always there to encourage & support Isaiah. Seth is a senior and preparing for college. Isaiah is trying to make all his time with his brother count. Suddenly Seth announces that he got is leaving earlier to go to college. Then a Seth is in a horrible accident and the family is turned upside down. Isaiah never gives up on his brother.

I couldn’t put this one down. It made me smile & cry. I can’t wait to share this one with others!

[Terrie Schexnaider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Allen does it again! She gives her readers characters that will stay in their hearts for a long time after they finish her book. This time she writes a fictional story based on her family’s tragedy when her son experienced a life-changing event. I truly appreciate her bravery in writing this moving story that lauds the closeness of family. It has all the feels! It is on the Lone Star Reading List 2025! 👏🏻

[Thomas Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Love almost everything about this book (I'll get to the almost in a minute). I love how real the book feels. I love how well the characters are developed. I completely love how well the author unashamedly incorporates her faith into the book as part of the culture where the boys live. And how that faith helps them and the community. And that her first acknowledgement at the end is her thanks to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You go, girl.

Anyway, what did I not like? Sometimes the book felt like an Instagram commercial, almost like the author was paid to make IG seem like a good thing for all kids to be on.

[Alison James · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story that warms your heart, then wrenches it wide open, Allen writes about two teenage brothers in a small Texas town. The older one, Seth, is a local sport hero; his little brother Isiah “Ice” sees the world through the lens of his camera phone, too shy to engage. Those dynamics alone would make a fine novel, particularly with Allen’s ability to squeeze voice out of a cabbage. On the first page, here’s Ice, collecting eggs from his flock of chickens: “Mornin’, Aretha, Mariah, Rihanna, and Whitney,” I say, bending over to pet each hen before jacking all the eggs they downloaded last night.”
But this book is no ordinary novel. Based on the author’s own experience, the story takes a slam dunk from the book of life, spinning the trajectory into a whole different kind of book. The kind that rips your heart out and makes you realize how precious life is. Seth is injured in a traffic accident that leaves him in a coma.
Suddenly the little brother is the one to step up, as Ice is the only person who truly believes that Seth will be anything other than his dire prognosis. With layers of subplots involving Ice getting on the yearbook staff as a photographer, and standing down a bully, Allen keeps the pages turning. The pages of my book got a little damp from the tears that spilled – I didn’t have a chance to dry the paper because I had to keep reading.
Here is a call-out to those ALA committees… Between Two Brothers is a powerhouse of a book. I firmly believe it deserves to be nominated for a Newbery Award. Yes, it is that good.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah loves his life on the famly farm and idolizes his big brother Seth. Isaiah wants to spend as much time with Seth as possible this year before Seth heads off to college. With Seth’s encouragement, Isaiah works to overcome his shyness and tries new things. After a traumatic event, the brothers’ relationship is put to the test.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as a family with my 10 and 6 year olds. My husband and I cried multiple times throughout; what an emotional ride! I’m an SLP, so my only qualms were related to my professional knowledge of the rehab and AAC side of things (I would have loved for more SLP presence since AAC was such a critical component of this book), but for young readers this was phenomenal. Loved this!

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Maine Student Book Award nominee for 25|26.

Seth and Isaiah are the kind of brothers who are always looking out for one another. They tease each other, and love each other big.

When something terrible happens; Isaiah must come to terms with the last thing he said to Seth in anger, and together, they have to find a new normal. Full of heart and forgiveness and ultimately love, this was a fantastic story.

[Mitzi Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable story of the relationship between brothers and what can happen when promises are broken. Will forgiveness save the relationship? Great read for students experiencing making decisions that impact their lives after high school.

[Gavin Vinnacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! It had a bunch of parts that made my jaw drop! I was not expecting the many plot twists in the book. I loved how there was romance in it, even when there was disaster in it. The amount of time the book took to read was insane! It took me like a month to read!

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
The story pulled me in about 1/3 way in but it took that long for me. It has a lot of current day slang in it and I don't know how well it will age. Also, I felt the brothers' relationship dialog was forced. it just didn't flow well for me. BUT- the plot that starts 1/3 way in makes up for all of that. I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaiah (aka Ice) and his older brother have always been extremely close despite their 5-year age difference. Seth is a star cross-country runner about to graduate and head to nearby Texas A&M University on a scholarship. 13-year-old Ice is already fretting about his brother leaving so he plans to make their last year at home together one to remember.

When Ice finds out that Seth plans to accept early college admission, he's devastated. Now he and Seth have even less time together before Seth has to leave for school! Just when Ice thinks things can't get any worse, Seth is involved in a life-changing car accident. Ice is determined to bring his best friend/brother back from the new world he's living in, trapped inside his own body.

This story is sweet and touching. I needed several tissues while reading it. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers and everyone who loves middle-grade fiction!

Huge thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this wonderful book!

[Liz P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent upper middle grade level book that shows the unconditional love of a family in response to a serious accident.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by real events, this is a powerful and uplifting story about forgiveness, brotherhood, and the power of a family’s unconditional love in the aftermath of a catastrophic accident.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Crystal earlier this year and hearing how this was based on her real-life situation, I had to read it. It is an emotional journey and worth the read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ice, age 13, is very close to his older brother Seth, who is a high school senior. Seth takes great care to mentor his little brother, but Ice starts to be annoyed when Seth's focus starts to shift to going away to college. Then tragedy strikes, and everything changes.

One of the strengths of this book is how clearly we see Ice's emotions as he goes through a time of changes, some ordinary middle school stuff and others huge.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have the tissues ready. Author note tells readers that the book is inspired by the author's family.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into 2025 with this gem of a book. Loved the bond between the brothers before and after the incident. Loved the disability rep and showing how you can be disabled at any age/by any situation. It felt slow in the beginning, however, it turned into a beautiful piece of work from this author.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85
This was good. I’m wondering how our kids will like it.

[Rachel Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing. perfect read for a middle schooler.