My Brother Oliver

Toalson, R.L. My Brother Oliver

May 19, 2026 by Aladdin

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

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In this novel in verse, Brooks is very upset that he ruined his brother Oliver's birthday. After weeks of worsening depression, bullying at school, and more frequent outbursts at home, Oliver comes across a note his brother has written listing why he should die, with a sketch of how he would make this happen. Brooks has taken the information directly to people at school, who contact his parents in time to avert a tragedy. Brooks is feeling guilty that his brother is in treatment at Clearview instead of being at home, and even blames himself for his brother's suicidal ideation. Oliver's friends have grown apart from him, and are rather mean about turning down his birthday party invitation, and one student, Noel, bullies Oliver relentlessly. Brooks has always been the "good kid", since his older brother is very talented but also frequently has meltdowns, so keeps all of his fear and grief to himself as the family visits Oliver at Clearview in the evenings. Brooks does join choir and drops out of orchestra, which he didn't enjoy, and has some success there. He's struggling a bit himself with friendships. Rocco is still there for him, but their friend Jill has distanced herself because of the mean things middle schoolers say. The book goes back and forth between the events leading up to Oliver's crisis, and following the progress that he makes in treatment while Brooks is blaming himself. Eventually, Brooks is able to talk to his parents about why he feels guilty. Oliver is able to come home to a supportive network of friends and family, and the family starts to heal.

Strengths: There was a very helpful note at the end of the book explaining that this story was based on the author's own experience with her son's suicide attempt, and there is a trigger warning at the beginning, so readers know what to expect. Brooks is an engaging character who is frustrated by his brother's behavior, but still loves him very much. While it is hinted that Oliver is on the autism spectrum and his actions seem to clearly indicate that, it is not stated. It was fantastic to see that everyone who came in contact with Oliver and either heard him mention that he wanted to die (a bus driver), or saw the list (a friend who showed Brooks), did what they were supposed to do and contacted someone. Brooks even runs to the office to talk to an adult; it surprised me the parents weren't contacted immediately. Seeing Oliver in Clearview wasn't easy, but it was good that he was getting help. People do step up to help Brooks, but it is somewhat realistic that his parents don't pay as much attention to him while they are  navigating Oliver's treatment, but they do eventually talk and unravel why he feels so guilty. 
Weaknesses: We have a well developed program of "suicide prevention" lessons for the students in my school; the state of Ohio mandates that we deliver these. Students are told again and again that if they have ANY thoughts that another student might hurt themselves, they should immediately tell someone, so Brook's all encompassing guilt that he told on his brother and his birthday was ruined seemed odd to me. This hit a bit close to home for me; not all people with suicidal ideation exhibit noticeable clues in the same way that Oliver does. 
What I really think: This is a good choice for students who benefitted from reading Bishops'  Things You Can't Say or Morrison's Coming Up Short.