The Pain and the Great One

This book touches on the very common and relatable issues felt by most siblings at one time or another. The older sister sees her brother as nothing but a pain, yet realizes that things aren't as much as fun with out him around. The younger brother sees his sister as this great one who thinks she is so much better than he is. I love this book because it expresses that fact that there are two sides to every story and experience. It also shows that when it comes to family, sometimes we can't live with them... but can't live without them either. ( )

This is a great read for early grade school students, ages 6-10. Students will learn about many of the issues and problems that come along with having a sibling. The reader will gain an understanding of both sides of the spectrum, as the perspectives of both the brother and sister are told. I will definitely use this in my teaching because I experienced many of the same problems as a child. It is important that students learn how to cope with others, even when they do not like each other.

I like that this book deals with sibling rivalry, fairness, and then goes into perspectives, which are all themes that kids can relate to while learning a lesson. ( )

This book should be read by every child with a sibling (or siblings). I like to think of it as a Zen way of looking at things from each other's points of view. This is Judy Blume's only true "picture book" even though a couple of her others have illustrations: Tales of a 4th grade Nothing and The one in the middle is the Green Kangaroo. I have to say that Blume is one of the "great ones" herself. She has captured in this book, as in all of her books, the perfect balance between the reality of the world and the humor in all of us. ( )

This charming book addresses the issue of sibling rivalry between an eight-year old girl and her six-year old little brother. Their frustration with one another is evident in the two separate sections of the book, one for each of their points of view. What is also evident, and apparently realized by the children’s parents, is that they actually love each other and rely on each other more than they are willing to admit. The story serves as a strong introduction to the concept of perspective. ( )