Barry’s Sister
Buy the Book:Amazon
Published by: Atheneum
Release Date: April 30, 1992
Pages: 240
ISBN13: 978-0689315213
Synopsis
Ellen never wanted a baby brother—so how is she going to deal with one as different as Barry?
An only child whose father is away most of the time, Ellen Gray has always treasured her relationship with her mother. Then Mrs. Gray becomes pregnant, and Ellen is filled with jealousy and anger. The last thing she wants is a baby in the family, so she keeps her distance once Barry is born. But when it becomes clear that something is not right with him, Ellen finds herself drawn in. As her mother struggles to cope, Ellen becomes determined to protect Barry at all costs—and it’s costing her more than she thinks.
Add on Goodreads
Praise
Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year
“Masterfully written and well-researched, Metzger’s first novel is an affecting portrayal of a girl’s reaction to a brother born with cerebral palsy… this accomplished novel, which takes its protagonist through puberty, junior high, a quasi-crush and eventual maturity, deserves space on YA bookshelves.”
— Publishers Weekly, ★ Starred Review
"Barry’s Sister, a first novel by Lois Metzger, is a thoroughly believable novel about what happens to junior-high-school-age Ellen Gray when her brother is born with cerebral palsy… Metzger is adept at describing the rough-and-tumble of Ellen’s busy life in New York, and her vivid run-ins with her unlovable Aunt Beryl and her bitter, uncuddly grandmother. The writing is excellent.”
– The New Yorker Magazine’s Children’s Books Holiday Roundup
“While anyone with a disabled sibling will recognize the truth of Barry’s Sister, what moves Lois Metzger’s first novel beyond case history is the jaunty edge to the writing. You can’t pretend the sadness will go away, because it won’t… [Ellen Gray] accepts that everyone is ‘somewhat handicapped.’ Her empathy is hard won.”
– The New York Times Sunday Book Review
“Metzger has woven what is almost an allegory on families of children born with physical disabilities… What is particularly impressive about this book, however, is that they are all included in an effortless and natural way… [Ellen Gray] is a character that readers will take to their hearts, because her growing pains are universal.”
– School Library Journal
“The author has packed a lot into her first novel. She explores with sensitivity and considerable knowledge the evolving dynamics of a family coping with a handicapped child… the characterizations are absorbing and credible, and the story is convincing in its evocation of a family in crisis.”
– The Horn Book
“Not only does Metzger deal sensitively and accurately with the issues surrounding cerebral palsy, but she also provides insights into the complexities of family and peer relationships.”
– Booklist
“Barry’s Sister, written by Lois Metzger, is a wonderful book… Lois Metzger wrote this book from the heart. She envelops the reader into the lives of this young girl and her family. As a reader you begin to feel what Ellen feels… a must-read book for siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and professionals.”
– The Sibling Information Network Newsletter
Excerpt