Sibling Relationships

Brothers Bobby Gene and Caleb represent the best parts of sibling relationships during childhood.

Bobby Gene and Caleb are brothers who are just one year apart in age. They share a bedroom and are best friends. Their relationship is strong and they are devoted to each other, despite the fact that the relationship is tested over the course of the summer. Their roles in the relationship are slightly different, mainly because of the age difference and their personality differences, but they withstand the test of time and their relationship remains intact at the end of the novel.

Some aspects of this relationship between Bobby Gene and Caleb seem typical, with Bobby Gene taking the lead. For example, Caleb says Bobby Gene has taught him about fighting, and he calls on that information when he faces the possibility of getting into a fight. Caleb also tends...