THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BENNY BROOKS by Ethan Long is a heartbreaking read, but worth every page. Long's illustrated novel is a "sort of memoir" based on Long's own childhood experiences. It is very relatable for kids with rough childhoods and would help other kids better understand the experiences others might be living through.
Fifth grader Benny Brooks is struggling to survive. His parents recently divorced so he is living with his dad, his older brother, and his little sister. They haven't seen their mother for months. Benny's father is a heavy smoker, and he has just found out that the lump discovered in his lung is cancer.
Benny is seeing a therapist and has plenty to talk about, but how can he trust a stranger. He'd like to talk about his father and how grumpy and irritable the cancer is making him. He'd like to talk about how his annoying older brother picks on him. He'd like to talk about how his mother doesn't seem to love them anymore. He'd also like to mention that it might be possible that he will fail 5th grade.
When Benny begins acting out violently, his father lectures him and grounds him, but the cancer means the punishments don't really stick. Benny feels alone most of the time as he watches his father seemingly disappear before his eyes.
At times this is not an easy book to read, but it is an example of courage and resilience that middle grade and older students need to learn about.
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