Autobiography of My Dead Brother

Title: Autobiography of My Dead Brother
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Publisher: Harper Collins
Year: 2005
ISBN-10: 0-06-058293-6

Autobiography of My Dead Brother by Walter Dean was a stunning combination of a graphic novel and written novella. I found the text to be equally as engaging as the artwork, the two complimented each other very well without feeling as though you were reading a grown up picture book.

The story centers on Jesse and his friendship with Rise. Jesse and Rise become very close at a young age and became blood brothers rather unceremoniously. But this would be a declaration Jesse would take very seriously through the years as their relationship evolved through the years and Rise begins to walk down a darker path. Jesse strives to stay focused on his art and staying out of the “fast life,” while Rise quickly drifts into the seductive life of drugs and gang life.

Jesse tries to understand Rise’s changing attitude toward life, but is unable to fully comprehend Rise’s transformation. In an attempt to better understand his brother Jesse begins to draw their daily life and Rise. He drafts the Rise’s “autobiography” and in the process is better able to deal with their changing relationship.