Siblings Day Books to Reflect on Family

National Siblings Day, held every year on April 10th, is a wonderful time to appreciate your family and the people who are close to you. It’s a good time to reflect on the different experiences and memories you may have with your family, but also a good opportunity to appreciate good stories and artwork that have shaped families in modern times and throughout history. Here are nine multicultural and queer books about siblings that will warm your heart and encourage you to think about your relationship with your family. Whether it be good or bad.

Peter’s Chair

Ezra Jack Keats

This story is an adorable insight into a toddler’s reaction to change. Peter shows his frustration of having to share his things with a new baby sister, but in a gentle way that shows the presence of caring parents that let him work through his feelings. This is a perfect book to read to toddler children with newborn siblings to spend that quality time with them while also letting them know that everything is going to be okay.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Erika L. Sánchez

An absolute emotional rollercoaster of a book, this one depicts family pressure, depression, and even involves a murder mystery. Although the story mainly focuses on the aftermath of her sister's death (not a spoiler, it's in the description of the book!), our protagonist Julia finds herself learning more about her family history through the journey of understanding exactly what happened to her sister.

One Crazy Summer

Rita Williams-Garcia

For lovers of The Watsons Go to Birmingham, this historical fiction novel will leave you with all the warmest and softest feelings. There is something just so cute and heartwarming about the childlike innocence of simply wanting to take a trip to Disney world with your sisters, who you care for as if you were their mother. This purity is contrasted as it is set in such a heavy time in black American history, the 1960s.

My Sister the Serial Killer

Oyinkan Braithwaite

There is nothing I love more than a good femme fatale, but that, in combination with a powerful sisterhood set in Nigeria? I’m sold. This debut novel is a great read for anyone who loves over-the-top murder drama and just an overall fun story.

The Season of Styx Malone

Kekla Magoon

Something important to note about this book is that it's the only book I’ve ever encountered that expresses authentic middle-grade black boy joy. That means not historical fiction, not a crazy broken household or themes of abuse, and not a commentary of mental illness ignored. I am talking about little black siblings going around, doing crazy little kid nonsense, and the fact that they are black has absolutely nothing to do with it. They just… are! This delightful insight into how they just simply exist as little boys, period, is nothing but a delightful story.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Adib Khorram

While this novel’s main focus is on cultural isolation, mental illness, and young adult life crises, the behavior that Darius shows toward his younger sister is so loving and pure, that it was impossible not to add to this list. Taking place in both America and Iran, this story will have you feeling big sad by the end as you’re forced to reflect on the emotions you’re left with.

Little and Lion

Brandy Colbert

Step-siblings. One is dealing with the return of her old life while experiencing great changes in her new one, and one is managing a disorder that seems to always take precedence in the family. The twist? They both fall for the same girl. Not only do I love the diversity in race and ability, but also in sexual identity. A beautiful commentary on what it means to be family.

What is your favorite sibling rivalry or family healing literature? Have you read these books? Are you adding any to your cart right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Article Edited by Lola Lujan.