Half Brother
Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel, published by HarperCollins on September 27, 2011, is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of family and the bond between humans and animals. This edition spans 384 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Ben Tomlin, whose life changes dramatically when his mother brings home an eight-day-old chimpanzee named Zan, intended to be part of a groundbreaking experiment led by Ben’s father, a behavioral scientist. As Ben navigates his new role as both researcher and older brother, he becomes increasingly attached to Zan, who is raised in a human-like environment.
Readers will find a blend of action, adventure, and elements of fantasy as Ben and Zan’s relationship develops amidst the pressures of the experiment. The narrative delves into themes of family dynamics and the ethical implications of scientific endeavors, particularly when funding for the project is threatened. As Ben faces challenges at school and within his family, he must confront the reality of what it means to protect his brother from an uncertain future. This engaging story invites readers to reflect on the connections that define us and the lengths one will go to for those they love.
Official synopsis Publisher
When Ben Tomlin’s mother brings home his new “baby brother,” an eight-day-old chimpanzee, Ben is far from thrilled. His father, a renowned behavioral scientist, has uprooted the family and moved them halfway across the country, to Victoria, B.C., so he can pursue a high-profile experiment— to determine whether chimpanzees can learn human sign language.
Zan must be raised exactly like a human. He’s dressed in clothes and fed in a high chair and has a room full of toys and books. Ben is soon smitten. Joining the team of students who are helping with the experiment, Ben becomes both researcher and adored older brother.
Within months, Zan learns his first signs and becomes a media sensation. At his new school, Ben’s life seems similarly charmed as he vies for the attentions of the beautiful Jennifer— using his newly acquired scientific observational skills.
But when Project Zan unexpectedly loses its funding, Ben’s father is under huge pressure to either make the experiment succeed or abandon it—and Zan. Unable to convince his father that Zan is now part of the family, Ben must risk everything to save his baby brother from an unimaginable fate.
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