Jenny's younger brother was killed in a car accident, and Jenny has to come to grips with the fact that is gone. The car that had killed Michael, had thrown Jenny and her friend into the snowbank. Her mother and younger brothers were injured, but Michael was the only one who actually succumbed to his injuries.
Mr. and Mrs. McGregor went to the Adoption Center to adopt two younger children, one who was around Jenny's Age, and then one who was a little bit younger. Their names were Hilda and Michael Jackson. Ironically, Jenny's brother name was Michael, and she was a little bit touchy with the fact that he was able to get the use of all of Michael's stuff, and then the fact that the dog took an immediate liking to him, whereas the liking to her from the dog was not there!
If you would like to see how Hilda, Jenny, Michael, Malcolm and Alex interact with each other, please read the book Home From Far, and it won't be disappointing!