Her stepfather Alex has set up the cot in her room. Now it is hers no longer. Mum is always tired and going to appointments. All the things they use to do, they can’t do anymore.
Quinn doesn’t want a baby brother. Experiencing the behaviour of her friend Mem’s baby brother, has her believing babies are destructive and bothersome.
Quinn’s only interest now is her determination to win the Grade Five story competition consisting of three rounds.
When Mum goes to hospital to give birth prematurely, Quinn mulls over the changes that have occurred in her life, and the ones that will come with Otto’s entrance into the family.
She feels sad and resentful.
Why does she feel like that? Being a big sister should be something to celebrate.
When she is told she must part with her pet rabbit Disco, when Otto comes home due to his health, Quinn is torn.
But Otto is nothing like the other babies Quinn has seen.
He doesn’t come home with mum. He must be closely attended for weeks until he gets stronger.
During this time, Quinn spends hours reading and talking to Otto, and the shadow of her indifference dissipates as love takes its place.
For strong feelings for her brother have grown with every passing day and his coming home is anticipated with a full heart.
Some things are meant to be and others aren’t.
Quinn and her family must find strength to face the unbearable that follows.
Amongst the heartbreak, there is joy for Quinn.
This poignant story is taken from the author’s personal experiences.
The emotions projected by the characters are real and believable responses to the situations they find themselves. The story is told with great insight into the pain experienced by grief and loss.
Title: My Brother Otto
Author: Ingrid Laguna
Publisher: Text, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 3 February 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781923058729
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
