The Brother of a Hero

"The Brother of a Hero" by Ralph Henry Barbour is a coming-of-age story that follows fifteen-year-old Rodney Merrill as he enters Maple Hill Academy, the same school where his older brother, a football star, made a name for himself; immediately, Rodney is met with the challenge of establishing his own identity, separate from his brother's achievements, as he forms new friendships and navigates the social dynamics of school life in a small town bordering the Hudson River and learns about the intriguing Binner twins. The tone is lighthearted, yet it hints at the pressures and expectations Rodney faces, setting the stage for themes of self-discovery and personal growth as he tries to fit in and make his own mark.