cover image Bro-Jitsu: The Martial Art of Sibling Smackdown

Bro-Jitsu: The Martial Art of Sibling Smackdown

Daniel H. Wilson, illus. by Les McClaine, Bloomsbury, $12.99 paper (160p) ISBN 978-1-59990-279-1

This small-format, tongue-in-cheek guide provides 126 martial art techniques for siblings to gain the upper-hand and drive their brothers and sisters crazy. While the Bro-Jitsu vow prohibits face hits or permanent scarring, basic offensive moves from punching (“This old-fashioned favorite never goes out of style”) to advanced maneuvers like “Stealth Butt Kick” and “Hanging Spit Fake” are readily encouraged and illustrated. Goading methods include parroting a sibling in an obnoxious voice, and “Stop Hitting Yourself” claims #1 in the list of “Top Ten Bro-Jitsu Moves.” Wilson’s matter-of-fact tone should have kids in stitches—the content less so, one hopes—and should resonate with anyone who’s ever hawked a loogie at an unsuspecting brother or sister. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)