SuitabookMy brother Bernadette
Jacqueline Wilson
- Reading
- You could read together and pause to discuss Bernard’s design interests, then ask what kinds of help Sara might offer. Revisit the conversation after seeing how the story handles the teasing.
- Themes
- Teasing and peer behaviour: Children mock Bernard with a nickname and shove him during the summer project. The described behaviour gives the story a clear peer-conflict element; its broader treatment is not established.
- Clothes design and self-expression: Bernard wants to design clothes, and the other children call him “Bernadette”. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- A sister’s responsibility: Sara is expected to look after Bernard and worries that intervening might make things worse. The premise raises a question about helping a sibling, but does not show whether Sara’s approach is affirmed or criticised.
- Worth knowing
- Other children call Bernard a mocking nickname and shove him. A reader may want to consider how they respond to scenes of teasing and physical mistreatment.