This is a great 1st grade reader; especially if there are children who may think younger siblings are pains. The young girl in this book went throughout the entire story complaining about if it werent for her little sister how things would be so different and thought she would like it better. However, in the end she realizes its just fine having the little one around after all. ( )

If It Weren't For You is a book that perfectly depicts sibling rivalry. It is about a boy who thinks about all the good things he could do if his little brother weren't around. But at the end he realizes it would be much more boring if it weren't for him. The pictures are so cute! Great book for younger students. ( )

This book is about an older brother who is talking about what would happen if his younger brother was not around. He says if it werent for you, things would be quiet around the house, if it werent for you, I could have my own room, etc. I think this book is funny because I have an older brother and even though I am a girl, I wanted to do things with him all the time when I was younger. I think this book shows older brothers and sisters that they should be greatful that their younger sibling looks up to them and wants to do things with them. In the end, the older brother says that if it werent for his younger brother, he would be left all alone with the grown-ups.

This book is about a little boy who talks about how if it wasn't for his little brother things would be a lot better for him. For example, it would be quiet when he was trying to read. He would get the dog to himself and get to take the long way home from school. He wouldn't have to share a can of soda with anyone and he could leave the light on late at night in his room because no one would tell on him. In the end, he realizes that if it wasn't for his little brother he would be all by himself with the grown-ups which wouldn't be too much fun either. I think this book would be great to read to children who have new siblings or are about to become a sibling.

A good example of realistic fiction because it conveys family dynamics typical of many families across the world. Siblings do not always get along, and this will easily be related to students in the classroom. In this particular book, when one sibling becomes tired of her younger sister always tagging along and having to share, she complains that if it wasn't for the younger sister she would get away with everything and life would be a lot easier for her. She would be able to watch whatever television program she wants and have her very own room. She would get the front car seat and the chair at the dining room table that faces the window. Ultimately, she wouldn't have to share with anyone if it wasn't for her younger sister. However, if she didn't have that sister, she would have to be all alone with the adults in the house. This book reminds the reader of the bright side to a situation and how one perspective is not always the only way to view things.

Media: colored pencils ( )