Brothers and Sisters

In three perceptive profiles, the enduring bond among siblings emerges through this recording of intense feelings--jealousy, protectiveness, helpfulness, bickering. Whether the protagonist is the oldest, youngest or middle child, boy or girl, black or white, the book cites more positive than negative emotions. Rosenberg ( Being Adopted ) succeeds in capturing habitual expressions (``Who cares!''; ``I want to do it'') that demonstrate the significance of birth order. How parents try to even things out is especially well-documented, as when a four-year-old can't understand why he's not invited to his older brother's friends' birthday parties: mother takes him out for a treat. Though Ancona's photographs frequently look staged, there is nothing artificial about these relationships--presented in a no-holds-barred fashion, fights and all. Ages 4-9. (Oct.)