9 Indispensable YA Brother Stories

These Gentle Wounds, by Helene Dunbar
Gordie…well, he does not have it easy. He’s a teen suffering from severe PTSD, following terrible abuse at the hands of his father and his mother’s attempt to kill herself and her children—of which Gordie was the sole survivor. But luckily for him, he has a half-brother, Kevin, who helps protect him at school and guides him through his broken life. But as things start to return to normal, Gordie’s father resurfaces, and wants back into his life. The complex, loving bond between Gordie and Kevin is unforgettable.
Also See: Split, by Swati Avasthi

The Things a Brother Knows, by Dana Reinhardt
When Levi’s older brother Boaz returns from the war in the Middle East, something is different. Something has changed. And Boaz isn’t the only one who has changed since his tour of duty began. While he’s been away, Levi has barely made his way through high school, clinging to his older brother as a hero and putting much of his life on hold.
Why did Boaz go off to war? He seemed to have everything lined up for him, scholarships, popularity, girls…why turn his back on his friends and family, to fight in a war Levi hardly understands? After his return, Boaz decides to leave again, but this time around, Levi follows, and they take a brotherly journey you’ll just have to read about.
Also See: Personal Effects, by K.M. Kokie

The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
I mean, this is an obvious pick, right? A classic of YA literature, right here. In The Outsiders, we meet Ponyboy (Curtis), who lives with his two brothers, Darry and Sodapop. They’re all part of the same gang, the Greasers. In the very unlikely event that you haven’t read The Outsiders, I won’t spoil it for you. But the relationship between Ponyboy and Darry plays a major part in the story. Darry, in his role as de facto parent after their mom and dad’s death in an accident, is tough on Ponyboy, pushing him to have a future beyond the gang and to do better in school. And as the story progresses…well, no spoilers, kids. Pick up this classic ASAP.
Also See: Rumble Fish, by S.E. Hinton

The Demon’s Lexicon, by Sarah Rees Brennan
Brothers who are partners in demon slaying? Perhaps we’ll have to do a list of reads for Supernatural fans next. In The Demon’s Lexicon, Brennan introduces readers to Nick and his older brother, Alan, two demon slayers with a complicated family life. Their father is dead, and their mother’s quite crazy. The two have been on the run their entire life, owing to a charm their mother stole, and are incredibly loyal to one another. There are no secrets between them, except…maybe there are. Nick is forced to question everything Alan has said about their lives when *spoilers redacted*. The good news is, once you’ve finished it, you can pick up the second and third book in the trilogy.
Also See: Rot & Ruin, by Jonathan Mayberry

Stick, by Andrew Smith
In Smith’s Stick, readers meet Stark McClellan, who gets kicked around due to being born with only one ear. Luckily for Stark (or “Stick,” as people call him), he has his brother, Bosten, there to defend him. Unfortunately, while Bosten might be able to have his back in school, it’s hard for the brothers to protect each other from their abusive parents. And things get even more complicated when recently outed Bosten has to leave home, prompting Stick to embark on a quest to find him.