BonHyung Jeong returns to characters met in her adorable 2021 debut, Kyle's Little Sister, in her wise and whimsical graphic novel Amy's Big Brother.
Amy's big brother is Andrew, Kyle's buddy. Amy and Andrew don't always get along. Andrew, who reads as Asian, was adopted at age one by white parents who "fell in love with [him] at first sight. But then... they got Amy." Andrew is convinced Amy is "totally aware" of the privilege she receives for being their parents' "biological" child. He's hoping to escape her manipulative crying and never-ending demands because he's finally starting middle school--where Amy can't tag along. Without her constantly needing attention, Andrew can hang out with his friends and take the first step to achieving his basketball star dreams. What he didn't prepare for is falling for new girl Hannah. Negotiating romance is a whole new ballgame. When what Andrew hoped "would be the best year ever" feels like anything but, Amy just might help by being the best sister ever.
As with Kyle's Little Sister, Jeong's enthralling, energetic, full-color panels are often worth an additional thousand words: the basketball team needs only a snapshot to show its diversity and dynamism; a besotted Andrew isn't exactly studying history in class. Jeong's multilayered, empathic artistry creates another inviting, convincing dramedy that never minimizes oversized adolescent emotions. With insight and humor, Jeong adroitly explores acceptance, belonging, and lovability--at home and at school. Sure, siblings rival, but families rule. --Terry Hong