Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. New York, NY: Graphix.

Raina wanted a sister.  She wished, begged and pleaded with her parents.  Once she finally got her wish, she discovered it was not exactly as she had imagined.  Babies are no fun, toddlers are unpredictable, and as they get older they just get more annoying.  Add to that new brother will and the room they share just got a lot more crowded.  The story follows Raina, her siblings and her mom as they travel a full week by van from California to Colorado for a family reunion.  Due to work, or so they are told, dad will be flying in to meet them in Colorado at the end of the week.  When they arrive at the reunion, Raina discovers that her older cousin she was looking forward to spending time with is all grown up and not interested in hanging out with her.  Throughout the story we get flashbacks of dad losing his job, Christmas where Raina receives her beloved Walkman, their bad luck with pets, and discover how a snake ended up in the van!  On the drive home from Colorado, mom reveals that the true reason dad is not traveling with them is because they agreed they needed to spend some time apart.  Raina and Amara wonder if it will lead to divorce.  After some car trouble and the reemergence of the snake, the family seems to have overcome their problems and are enjoying each other’s company on their trip home.  Named one of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2015-2016, this book is a big hit with girls in grades 4 and up, fans of graphic novels, and anyone who has experienced sibling rivalry.

Lesson Plans for Use With Sisters

Author Interview with Raina Telgemeier