There's a Little Bit of Me in Jamey Book

Brian, whose younger brother Jamey has leukemia, feels frightened, confused, and neglected by his parents; but he finds some comfort when he donates bone marrow to his brother. ...

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-- This is a work of fiction designed to carry a message rather than tell a story. Amadeo states in a foreword, ``Young cancer patients as well as their siblings, parents, and friends need to be reassured that feelings of fear, confusion, and anger are normal reactions to the disease.'' This book succeeds in that it may help accomplish that goal. Brian's younger brother has leukemia. Brian's jealousy, loneliness, and fear are adequately described, and are made more immediate through the use of a first-person narrative. Brian is eventually called upon for a bone marrow transplant, which helps Jamey to recover, at least for the moment. The story is resolved in as satisfactory a way as possible without offering unrealistic optimism: Jamey is better, for now, and Brian feels proud of the part he has played in Jamey's recovery. Like the writing style, the illustrations are subdued and unobtrusive. A full-page picture faces every page of text; the work is done in pencil, bordered with a soft, deep blue. This well-done book will be of somewhat limited general interest, but it may be a good choice for children in families who are facing serious illness. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL