More great reads: the best books for 13 year olds
"A hilarious yet emotional look at the true meaning of family and finding belonging, with endearing yet real characters and laughs on every page."
Warm-hearted and original, Like a Brother skilfully considers the true meaning of family in this tale of an angry, chaotic and grieving teen boy. Owais is non-too-happy when his distant cousin comes to stay, especially when Abass insists on repeatedly picking fights and causing problems. Owais is a character teen readers will instantly warm and relate to – he is full of love for his family, a zest for life and inner anxiety for what his future might look like.
Owais’ family life is particularly well evoked, they may not have much materially, but their love and guidance shines from the page. Abass has not benefited from the security Owais has and is a much more complex character. As Owais, and the reader, get to know him though, Abass’ sense of isolation and inner sadness is slowly revealed, showing a caring but scared boy who really only wants love and security.
Tackling themes such as racism, classism, masculinity, homophobia, belonging and toxic parenting, Like a Brother is an important novel with lots of discussion potential. Combined with Nathanael Lessore’s trademark warmth and wit, this is a novel not to be missed for all fans of contemporary YA literature.
This is Lessore’s best novel yet, readers who have previously enjoyed any of his other books should put this straight to the top of their “To Be Read” pile. Perfect for readers who enjoy funny books with depth. Strongly recommended.
Owais lives a chill life. He's well-liked, funny and everything's a breeze until his estranged cousin shows up. Loud, unpredictable and one bad decision away from serious trouble, Abass crashes into Owais' laidback world like a hurricane: picking fights, ruining parties, disappearing without explanation and clogging toilets in places he absolutely shouldn't.
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Owais lives a chill life. He's well-liked, funny and everything's a breeze until his estranged cousin shows up.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Like a Brother and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-14 years old
Like a Brother features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Like a Brother was written by Nathanael Lessore and published by Hot Key Books an imprint of Bonnier Books UK
Like a Brother has 321 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
