Chadderton, Gina: Oh Brother

A heartwarming graphic novel memoir for middle grade readers - a special book about neurodiversity and acceptance. You might be wondering who I am and why my brother doesn‘t seem to talk, puts his fingers in his ears and shakes his arms around... Gina‘s little brother Rob is a huge fan of Vegemite and Disney movies, and he hates wearing shoes. He‘s also non-verbal with severe autism. There‘s a lot going on with Gina too: she starts high school, gets her first period, and her anxiety is making it tough to find new friends. Most people at school know her as the girl who doesn‘t shave, but she strikes up a friendship with Callie, the only one who makes an effort with her. But when Rob‘s meltdowns lead to him destroying Gina and Callie‘s school project, Gina is worried that the friendship will never recover... This moving graphic novel explores Gina Chadderton‘s experiences growing up with her younger brother Rob. It is a story of friendship, family and of love - and most of all, it is a story intended for other siblings. Nuanced, empathetic, and beautifully unique. It‘s rare to see real-life experiences of autism reflected with such honesty, care and visual brilliance. - Abigail Balfe