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Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends
Brothers and sisters are among the most important people in life! Yet often they are also the most trouble. Many siblings fight, argue and miss out on the close relationship that God intends. The problem is not just the surface battles but the underlying attitudes, wrong concepts and offenses. Many broken relationships never get fixed. Few enjoy the special life-long treasure that God intended. The emphasis of this book is not merely "getting along" but being best friends. It includes lots of humor, many stories and helpful insights. Every chapter has a section by each of the three authors giving the book three perspectives and three personalities. This book has sold more than 65,000 copies. It is also available in Spanish. "This painfully honest, hilarious book offers a creative look at how to build relationships between siblings." -- Beall Phillips, Vision Forum "A tool every family needs." -- Dr. Jim Logan, International Center for Biblical Counselling "Worth it's weight in gold!" -- Old Schoolhouse Magazine
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
45 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mally
15 books62 followersSarah Mally is a single young woman with a heart for girls. She is founder of Bright Lights, a discipleship ministry for young ladies, with over 200 chapters in 35 states and 5 countries. She lives in Marion, Iowa
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 20, 2013
My family often receives comments on how well my brother and I get along. Since we are in our mid and late teen years, we find that amusing. At this age we should be able to get along. The sad things is, kids aren’t expected to get along anymore. My brother and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember (sure, we’ve had our spats, but they never lasted long), but this book made me more purposeful about trying to strengthen our friendship. Since strangers often notice how well we like each other, it seems like it has worked. The principles in this book can be applied to a lot of things besides sibling relationships too.
January 17, 2025
I always read through a Christian book of some sort with my kids during our home school's morning time. We've read missionary biographies, apologetics, and devotionals together. But of all the books we've read--and I've LOVED several--this is a surprise home run, and by that I mean out of the park.
It had two strikes against it according to my normal prejudices. One, it was self-published, and two, it was by three siblings, the oldest of which was in her upper teens or twenties. Each chapter has a section by the oldest sister, the middle brother (who is also adopted), and the youngest sister.
From the very outset, I was blown away by how insightful, challenging, and encouraging these kids' observations were. And it ended up that the authors' youth (and their great sense of humor, especially Stephen's definitions) made my own children more interested in what they had to say. My kids were being discipled by people a few steps ahead of them in the journey, a nice change from someone a generation away. And I did some research into the family: far from a Duggar-like horror story, this family still ministers together and loves each other. The fruit's been proven.
I expected it to help my kids, but the material helped me, too. It has a wonderfully solid and wise grasp on applying biblical truth to real life and building you into each other. This family takes Scripture seriously--but they don't take themselves seriously! They are winsome guides.
I would recommend this to anyone with more than one child to read aloud together as a family. This book could seriously transform the way a family approaches conversations about sibling rivalry, preferring others, and having hearts to serve.
It had two strikes against it according to my normal prejudices. One, it was self-published, and two, it was by three siblings, the oldest of which was in her upper teens or twenties. Each chapter has a section by the oldest sister, the middle brother (who is also adopted), and the youngest sister.
From the very outset, I was blown away by how insightful, challenging, and encouraging these kids' observations were. And it ended up that the authors' youth (and their great sense of humor, especially Stephen's definitions) made my own children more interested in what they had to say. My kids were being discipled by people a few steps ahead of them in the journey, a nice change from someone a generation away. And I did some research into the family: far from a Duggar-like horror story, this family still ministers together and loves each other. The fruit's been proven.
I expected it to help my kids, but the material helped me, too. It has a wonderfully solid and wise grasp on applying biblical truth to real life and building you into each other. This family takes Scripture seriously--but they don't take themselves seriously! They are winsome guides.
I would recommend this to anyone with more than one child to read aloud together as a family. This book could seriously transform the way a family approaches conversations about sibling rivalry, preferring others, and having hearts to serve.
June 1, 2022
The concepts in this book were great and helpful to go through with my kids. The organization and writing styles in this book made it difficult to read aloud and discuss with my children, and at times it became cumbersome for all of us to try and distill the gems hidden within the various sections.
October 21, 2015
“Brothers and sisters are among the most important people in life, yet often they are also the most trouble.”
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends gives siblings the vision of being allies in this crazy adventure known as life. It is written by a family of two sisters and a brother out of their own experiences. They give practical advice for making sibling relationships the amazing thing they are supposed to be.
This book helped my siblings and I realize that we were on the same team. My family read it together when we kids were elementary and middle schoolers. That seems to be a good age for this book. Older kids and adults will appreciate “Stephen’s Definitions” and the comics (which were drawn by the authors’ father).
I would encourage your family to read it together. The growing up years are foundational in brother and sister relationships. Don’t waste that time!
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends gives siblings the vision of being allies in this crazy adventure known as life. It is written by a family of two sisters and a brother out of their own experiences. They give practical advice for making sibling relationships the amazing thing they are supposed to be.
This book helped my siblings and I realize that we were on the same team. My family read it together when we kids were elementary and middle schoolers. That seems to be a good age for this book. Older kids and adults will appreciate “Stephen’s Definitions” and the comics (which were drawn by the authors’ father).
I would encourage your family to read it together. The growing up years are foundational in brother and sister relationships. Don’t waste that time!
March 19, 2012
This was good, simply written, and practical. The only section of the chapters that I just didn't get was the self-examination quiz. If you just think of it as something funny to read, it's fine, but I don't really think that is helps you know how you are improving. Mostly I just took this as a reminder that being best friends is really possible. Some of the ideas in the book were really good. I thought ATTACH was too formal, but I plan on doing some more activities with my siblings.
December 19, 2023
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My recommendation:
Things to be wary of:
Think Philippians 4:8:
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Think Philippians 4:8:
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November 27, 2019
Title alone makes this book a brilliant resource. I mean, what parent doesn't want to make their sons and daughter best friends..... except that's where I got confused. I expected this to be more geared toward parents. I mean it is written by three siblings--ages 22, 16, 12 (with what I find to be obviously the parents help, but the parents took no credit). But then, the cover looks like a kids book, and there are silly illustrations throughout the book. So as a reader, I was confused. Was it for parents or for siblings?
I mean, my kids are currently, 12, 11, 7, and 6, and I want to raise them to be best friends.....or at the very least friends. And as an only child, I have absolutely NO IDEA what to do with sibling rivalry, so I felt like this would be great resource for a parent. And really, what kid would read a 250+ book about getting along with their siblings.....even with illustrations. So I thought, it must be for parents.
But it's not. It's for the siblings.
Sure, it's a quick read, but it also is written under the guise that the read WANTS to be friends with their siblings. (Again another point for gearing it toward parents.) My two youngest definitely want that....they really are best friends. But the two olders, goodness gracious, I can barely get them to want to be in the same room or sit at the same dinner table without arguing.
Also, the book is written by ministry kids. Kids who probably know the Bible better than me...a 36 year old adult who has gone to church and been involved in Bible studies my entire life..... In fact, a few times, I found myself rolling my eyes at these kids. Really, they know the Bible this well. Really? That's what they think child siblings should act like. They really came across as a picture perfect family without "real" problems.
But then, my heart felt convicted. Yes, I'm adult and maybe I "should" know more than them....but the whole reason I picked up the book is because I recognized that I don't know what they know on this topic.
Then my eyes opened to a different perspective while reading. I took it in as a parenting guide even though it might not have been meant that way. And it really was helpful. A couple of times, I caught myself thinking, we're too far gone...my kids will never think this way... But that simply isn't true. We are never too far gone. Especially with God's grace.
My kids will probably never read this book. But I do hope to utilize the points and teachings while talking to them in a much more relatable way.
I mean, my kids are currently, 12, 11, 7, and 6, and I want to raise them to be best friends.....or at the very least friends. And as an only child, I have absolutely NO IDEA what to do with sibling rivalry, so I felt like this would be great resource for a parent. And really, what kid would read a 250+ book about getting along with their siblings.....even with illustrations. So I thought, it must be for parents.
But it's not. It's for the siblings.
Sure, it's a quick read, but it also is written under the guise that the read WANTS to be friends with their siblings. (Again another point for gearing it toward parents.) My two youngest definitely want that....they really are best friends. But the two olders, goodness gracious, I can barely get them to want to be in the same room or sit at the same dinner table without arguing.
Also, the book is written by ministry kids. Kids who probably know the Bible better than me...a 36 year old adult who has gone to church and been involved in Bible studies my entire life..... In fact, a few times, I found myself rolling my eyes at these kids. Really, they know the Bible this well. Really? That's what they think child siblings should act like. They really came across as a picture perfect family without "real" problems.
But then, my heart felt convicted. Yes, I'm adult and maybe I "should" know more than them....but the whole reason I picked up the book is because I recognized that I don't know what they know on this topic.
Then my eyes opened to a different perspective while reading. I took it in as a parenting guide even though it might not have been meant that way. And it really was helpful. A couple of times, I caught myself thinking, we're too far gone...my kids will never think this way... But that simply isn't true. We are never too far gone. Especially with God's grace.
My kids will probably never read this book. But I do hope to utilize the points and teachings while talking to them in a much more relatable way.
February 19, 2024
This was a really good book, I shall re visit it in a year or so and do it again. Some practical lessons on how to get on with siblings and work together as a team to minister to others 🥰
March 18, 2011
We lost our momentum reading this book. Everything in it was good, maybe a little too good. Our kids seemed to think some of the suggestions were beyond their possible realm. I loved how it all tied back to being a good Christian. If we can serve others joyfully, we should be able to serve our own family joyfully.
January 31, 2011
Great book for helping siblings see the treasure they have in each other. Ours enjoyed actually reading different parts & felt like they could really relate to the sibling authors! We have always told our kids that their siblings will always be their best friends no matter what may happen in life. This book encourages that & so much more positive in the sibling relationship.
October 7, 2011
This book is a good book to use as a devotional with kids. There are plenty of discussion starter questions to keep you talking around the breakfast or dinner table a long time.
The book is geared more for older kids, around 8-10 through the teenage years. The advice from three sibling young adults is practical as well as their own life examples and stories were encouraging.
The book is geared more for older kids, around 8-10 through the teenage years. The advice from three sibling young adults is practical as well as their own life examples and stories were encouraging.
July 19, 2015
I appreciate the premise of this book, which is obviously that a healthy, thriving relationship between siblings is possible and, dare I say, right? Not many books address sibling relationships, so I appreciated finally finding one that was willing to say fighting and rivalry doesn't have to be the norm. My kids will be reading this soon.
February 25, 2024
I love this book! The first time I read it, I just read through it quickly, but now I am going to read it again, carefully.
If you are having problems getting along with your brothers and sisters, I higly recommend this book!
If you are having problems getting along with your brothers and sisters, I higly recommend this book!
August 26, 2010
An excellent book jam-packed full of wisdom written for kids to learn from, stories, many of which were humorous, ideas to adapt in the family, and positive role models to emulate--the Mally kids. We read this aloud as a family and it was a hit.
July 11, 2009
This is a good book. My children are to young to use it right now but we will go through it together when they are a bit older. It provides many insights and good advice. I wish it had been available when I was living at home with my siblings.
May 20, 2013
Everyone down to our 8 year old has read and enjoyed this book! Practical, great advice for getting along with siblings, with plenty of humor to keep it a light read - yet one that will impact your family.
March 24, 2014
This is written by kids and for kids, not something I knew when I started reading it. It was ok for me to read, but I think it would be ideal to have them read to themselves or for all of us to read as a family when they are a bit older.
March 17, 2015
this was such a helpful book on curbing some of the bickering in our home as well as getting our younger girls to focus on being friends. We've reread chapters as needed and that has been an encouragement and help as well too.
October 4, 2015
The kids really enjoyed this book and liked that it was actually written by kids to kids. However, it's pretty weak in the area of focusing on Jesus and how he is the only person who gives you the power to have great relationships at home. Heavy on great advice, weak on gospel.
April 22, 2009
I was reading this book aloud to my family, but haven't done it in a while, I should get back to it... But as far as we have gotten it is really good! :-)
November 8, 2007
This is an excellent book for siblings, and I plan on reading it at least once a year to keep the ideas fresh in my mind! :) I'm reading it right now for the second time...
October 8, 2008
The girls and I finally finished this book after reading 2-3 pages each morning for the last several months. It was pretty good.
January 19, 2011
I started reading this to the kids this week for obvious reasons! It is really good and I pray helpful for us all.
August 18, 2016
Great book. Written by kids for kids. Justice said, "The oldest one seems to know what's going on in my head." I highly recommend it.
August 21, 2013
So far this book looks pretty good, hope it will help with the situation we constantly deal with at our home!
November 4, 2013
Fun read. Good for older child/preteen
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14
April 21, 2014
This book gives practical, Christ centered advice on strengthening sibling relationships, and it's quite entertaining as well! My children and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it together!
April 23, 2014
This was a great book! It was well written, and the advise was really amazing! I am really excited to put this book into action! :D
September 12, 2015
I loved the comics in the book! The message is what families in America need today!! I encourage all families to read it;)
October 17, 2015
Very good writing style! Very good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews