Like many of Myers's novels, Autobiography of My Dead Brother was generally praised by critics for its engaging depiction of Jesse's struggles, conflicts between friends, and violent reality of life in Harlem. Francisca Goldsmith of School Library Journal comments, "This novel is like photorealism; it paints a vivid and genuine portrait of life that will have a palpable effect on its readers."

Critics noted a number of the book's strengths, including Myers's use of language and his characterizations. Writing in Booklist, Gillian Enberg notes, "What will affect readers most is Jesse's sharp, sometimes poetic first-person voice and the spirited, rhythmic dialogue of other vivid characters."

Other reviewers gave the author critical kudos for his deft handling of the novel's themes. In a review of Autobiography, as well as several other novels by Myers, Herbert Kohl of Rethinking Schools Online writes, "I realized how skillfully Myers places...