A powerful National Book Award Finalist from the acclaimed, bestselling author of Monster. “This novel is like photorealism; it paints a vivid and genuine portrait of life that will have a palpable effect on its readers.” (School Library Journal starred review)

With Harlem as its backdrop, Autobiography of My Dead Brother follows the diverging paths of best friends Rise and Jesse. When Rise becomes engulfed in gang activity and starts dealing drugs, Jesse, a budding artist, tries to make sense of the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and loss in a neighborhood plagued by drive-by shootings, vicious gangs, and an indifferent juvenile justice system.

The innovative first-person storytelling, along with cartoons and photos, pulls in readers and makes Autobiography of My Dead Brother a strong and thought-provoking choice for sharing in a classroom or at home.

“Though the story is starkly realistic, there is always hope in the gifts of Jesse the artist and C. J. the musician, of schools and churches and of caring parents.” (Kirkus)

“Touching and impactful, Autobiography cannot fail to intrigue, and hopefully influence youngsters with its poignant statement of two roads taken.” (Judges’ Citation, National Book Award)

Jesse watches his blood brother slip away, documenting their story the only way he knows how—through his art.

• Best Friends Drifting Apart: Rise was more than Jesse’s best friend—he was his brother. But as Rise is pulled toward the streets, Jesse can only watch, sketchbook in hand.
• Street Life in Harlem: A raw and honest portrait of a neighborhood defined by community and loyalty, but also plagued by the constant threat of gang violence.
• Art as a Lifeline: Told through Jesse’s powerful first-person narrative and his own comic strips and sketches that make sense of a world falling apart.
• A Story for Young Men: Tackles tough social issues like peer pressure and the difficult choices young men face when their paths diverge.