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My Brother Charlie
Callie is very proud of her brother Charlie. He's good at so many things — swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett. But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet. His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any other boy — except he has autism.
In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.
In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2010
20 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Holly Robinson Peete
7 books36 followersHolly Elizabeth Robinson Peete is an American actress and singer. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Judy Hoffs on the Fox TV police drama 21 Jump Street, Vanessa Russell on the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and Dr. Malena Ellis on the NBC/WB sitcom For Your Love. After graduating from high school, Peete entered Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She majored in psychology and French, and could speak four languages. During her time as an undergraduate, she spent a year abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After she graduated in 1986, she considered attending graduate school and perhaps working in languages for the U.S. State Department. However, her love of acting contributed to her decision to give an acting career a chance for a few months first. Within a short time, Peete found roles on a television series and in two films, and thoughts of graduate school were left behind.
Currently, she is one of the five co-hosts of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk, which premiered on October 18, 2010. Peete's children's book, "My Brother Charlie", won her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in March of 2011
Currently, she is one of the five co-hosts of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk, which premiered on October 18, 2010. Peete's children's book, "My Brother Charlie", won her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in March of 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
February 26, 2021
this might take the cake for most outrageously ableist depiction of an autistic kid in a picture book that I've read... the author's note, which reinforces that violence, also name drops Autism Speaks, which is notorious for advocating for eugenics against autistic people... that pretty much tells you all you need to know about how harmful this is
January 11, 2018
Amazing book that explains how it feels to be the twin sister of an autistic boy. It is very well done and shows how a family manages life and love in a difficult situation. Lots of great points could be used in discussion with an elementary class. Colorful and touching illustrations express the love Charlie and his family feel for each other. I really enjoyed this book and I think all elementary kids will love it! Highly recommended Grades 2-5.
November 13, 2017
My Brother Charlie is a picture book about a girl whose brother has autism. She explains how they are the same in some ways but also different. She gives examples like “ I️ love cuddling and snuggles from mommy but Charlie doesn’t.” The author uses simple examples like this to show the experiences you might encounter with a child with autism. The sister also explains how it is hard to be his sister sometimes. This is a great book to read with younger children who knows someone with autism or who has an autistic sibling.
February 27, 2017
Source: Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, Chapter 9
My Brother Charlie is a realistic fiction picture book about a set of twins. It is written in first person narrative from the perspective of Ryan Elizabeth Peete and provides the viewpoint of a girl whose twin brother, Charlie, has autism. It shows the reader how having a sibling with autism not only impacts the family, but can bring joy and love to it.
This book provides a window into the life of what it may be like to have autism or have a sibling with autism. One can see that while Charlie has autism, he is like a typical child in many ways—he loves hot chocolate, hates math, and swims well. However, the reader is also able to see some of the struggles the family faces: Charlie ruins his sister’s playdates and sometimes won’t look, speak or play with her. While there are times that are difficult, this book also captures the love between siblings.
This is a timeless theme that many readers would be able to relate to or gain more insight into. The characters resemble real people and face problems that are realistic. My Brother Charlie would be appropriate f0r primary students and would be great for students read to gain empathy. They can learn how children with disabilities have many things in common with them. Students would be able to make connections and would enjoy the colorful, detailed illustrations.
My Brother Charlie is a realistic fiction picture book about a set of twins. It is written in first person narrative from the perspective of Ryan Elizabeth Peete and provides the viewpoint of a girl whose twin brother, Charlie, has autism. It shows the reader how having a sibling with autism not only impacts the family, but can bring joy and love to it.
This book provides a window into the life of what it may be like to have autism or have a sibling with autism. One can see that while Charlie has autism, he is like a typical child in many ways—he loves hot chocolate, hates math, and swims well. However, the reader is also able to see some of the struggles the family faces: Charlie ruins his sister’s playdates and sometimes won’t look, speak or play with her. While there are times that are difficult, this book also captures the love between siblings.
This is a timeless theme that many readers would be able to relate to or gain more insight into. The characters resemble real people and face problems that are realistic. My Brother Charlie would be appropriate f0r primary students and would be great for students read to gain empathy. They can learn how children with disabilities have many things in common with them. Students would be able to make connections and would enjoy the colorful, detailed illustrations.
September 28, 2024
This is one of those books people write when they think they understand autism but don't have a clue. Not because they don't live with it - I'm sure the author has some knowledge of what it looks like from the outside. But you don't get it from the inside and it shows.
And people really need to quit thinking talking about Autism Speaks as a positive resource for those who are on the spectrum. Please, as a person with autism, no.
I really didn't like this book, which is a shame because I wanted to. It's hard to have a sibling with autism. But everything about this book hits me wrong. There are better books out there. I'd avoid this one.
I'm giving 2 stars for trying to address a serious topic, even if the conclusions weren't great.
And people really need to quit thinking talking about Autism Speaks as a positive resource for those who are on the spectrum. Please, as a person with autism, no.
I really didn't like this book, which is a shame because I wanted to. It's hard to have a sibling with autism. But everything about this book hits me wrong. There are better books out there. I'd avoid this one.
I'm giving 2 stars for trying to address a serious topic, even if the conclusions weren't great.
February 13, 2015
This was a very powerful and inspirational book. I loved the story from cover to cover. I recommend it for everyone. It is an eye opener for how siblings may feel about a disorder, but the love that is shared never leaves.
March 20, 2017
I read this to my son's kindergarten class. The story is told by Charlie's twin sister, Callie. She explains ways in which she and Charlie are alike and unalike, "Charlie is like any other boy -- and he has autism." The students were engaged while learning about Charlie and autism. A wonderful resource and introduction to ASD.
April 26, 2021
This book is a Realistic Fiction story. This book is about the author's brother Charlie and how he has autism. The book brings awareness to autism and shares some of the things Charlie goes through as a person with autism. The author talks about the things that Charlie does well and also highlights some things that can frustrate Charlie and make him shut down.
I would use this book in my future classroom as a way to bring awareness to Autism and how it can impact our peers. I would use this book as a piece to a discussion. I would have students think about ways they can help students with autism and make sure students know that it is not something to be afraid of ashamed of. I would use this in a 3rd grade classroom setting. The book is easy to follow and read along with. I would also use this book as a way for students to brain storm ways to support their peers with autism. I would let students think of ways they can help students with autism. Sometimes students don't communicate well when they have autism, so I would allow students to talk about ways they could communicate with their peers and make them feel valued in the classroom.
I would use this book in my future classroom as a way to bring awareness to Autism and how it can impact our peers. I would use this book as a piece to a discussion. I would have students think about ways they can help students with autism and make sure students know that it is not something to be afraid of ashamed of. I would use this in a 3rd grade classroom setting. The book is easy to follow and read along with. I would also use this book as a way for students to brain storm ways to support their peers with autism. I would let students think of ways they can help students with autism. Sometimes students don't communicate well when they have autism, so I would allow students to talk about ways they could communicate with their peers and make them feel valued in the classroom.
September 30, 2025
•The key themes of this book include acceptance, autism, inclusiveness, sibling relationships, understanding differences, and promoting positive relationships.
•Audience: 3-8 years old
•The reason I showed this book is because it is so heartwarming. It is a positive way to incorporate an introduction to those that are different. I like this book because it promotes empathy and understanding through the eyes of siblings. I would always look at relationships between siblings as the first people to give good or bad criticism. In this sense it promotes a positive, loving, and nurturing relationship between the siblings. In the process it teaches children social emotional learning. It introduces understanding of feelings and emotions.
•I would use this book in my future classroom by building inclusive attitudes, developing social emotional milestones, and building basic understanding about the world and the different people in it. I would provide activities that promote inclusiveness, togetherness, tenderness, hope, and love.
•Audience: 3-8 years old
•The reason I showed this book is because it is so heartwarming. It is a positive way to incorporate an introduction to those that are different. I like this book because it promotes empathy and understanding through the eyes of siblings. I would always look at relationships between siblings as the first people to give good or bad criticism. In this sense it promotes a positive, loving, and nurturing relationship between the siblings. In the process it teaches children social emotional learning. It introduces understanding of feelings and emotions.
•I would use this book in my future classroom by building inclusive attitudes, developing social emotional milestones, and building basic understanding about the world and the different people in it. I would provide activities that promote inclusiveness, togetherness, tenderness, hope, and love.
December 4, 2025
I discovered this book on the Disability and Inclusion wakelet provided to us in this week's module. This book received the NAACP Award for Outstanding Literacy Work for children. This book follows the story of Callie and her twin brother Charlie who has autism. She highlights Charlie's strengths such as his knowledge of American presidents and his piano skills. She also describes some of the struggles Charlie faces on a daily basis that may not be struggles that other people face in their day to day lives. Overall, she describes their relationship as siblings as positive and heartfelt despite their differences.
This book portrays themes such as love, acceptance, patience, and kindness. I feel that this book does a great job of describing the day to day life of someone with autism. Also, I love how this book does not try to categorize Charlie as someone different, rather someone with strengths and challenges faced with day in and day out just like everyone else does. Going back to our conversation in our previous class, discussing the "Respectful Representations of Disability" article we read, we discussed how there are not many children's books representing children with disabilities without categorizing them from outside of their peers. Channeling it to students without disabilities saying how they should treat students with disabilities. This showcases these children being automatically placed on the outside instead of going through the perspective of children with disabilities face day in and day out. This book did exactly that which I appreciated and enjoyed and wished there was more of.
I would recommend this book for younger grades such as (K-5th grade). I feel that this is a great book to show younger children what students with disabilities face each day and how they are not so different from them. As these children could have children with disabilities in their classrooms. I would recommend this as a read aloud and also a whole group SEL lesson on how students can show acceptance and kindness in their classroom for children with disabilities.
This book portrays themes such as love, acceptance, patience, and kindness. I feel that this book does a great job of describing the day to day life of someone with autism. Also, I love how this book does not try to categorize Charlie as someone different, rather someone with strengths and challenges faced with day in and day out just like everyone else does. Going back to our conversation in our previous class, discussing the "Respectful Representations of Disability" article we read, we discussed how there are not many children's books representing children with disabilities without categorizing them from outside of their peers. Channeling it to students without disabilities saying how they should treat students with disabilities. This showcases these children being automatically placed on the outside instead of going through the perspective of children with disabilities face day in and day out. This book did exactly that which I appreciated and enjoyed and wished there was more of.
I would recommend this book for younger grades such as (K-5th grade). I feel that this is a great book to show younger children what students with disabilities face each day and how they are not so different from them. As these children could have children with disabilities in their classrooms. I would recommend this as a read aloud and also a whole group SEL lesson on how students can show acceptance and kindness in their classroom for children with disabilities.
March 1, 2018
I listened to the audio version on YouTube and it's basically someone just reading it to me, and as they are flipping to the next page I can see all the images on it. I like to read/listen to books this way because it helps me to understand and pay attention to the things I would probably pass up or use a different tone to. I like this book, it's on a twin brother who has Autism and she describes the differences between them although they are twins. The book is about Charlie- the brother, but it is the sister who is talking about his autism. I like how she makes Charlie seem so loving, although it is in a different form that how other people show their love. He loves differently, and she knows that. This teaches children on a different type of child and also that it is always okay to be different.
November 2, 2021
My Brother Charlie is told from the viewpoint of a sister of a brother with autism. Through her story we see the challenges and blessings of having a brother with autism the wide range of feelings a sibling can experience. This book is probably more of a window into the experience than then a mirror as the main character is the sister telling the story. Though it is a detailed description of many of the challenges ASD children face, the challenges are presented in positive ways as things they are good at and share with people. While this is mainly about her brother, it is simple enough that the traits are common to many ASD children.
This might make a good book to introduce the concept of ASD to siblings after a diagnosis of their brother or sister.
This might make a good book to introduce the concept of ASD to siblings after a diagnosis of their brother or sister.
September 26, 2019
My Brother Charlie caught my eye because of its focus on Autism. It delves into both the ups and downs of the disorder from the perspective of Callie a young girl who's twin brother Charlie was born with Autism. As they grow up, the symptoms become more noticeable and although there are hardships that come along with them, Callie's unconditional love for Charlie never wavers. I enjoyed this book because it gives children the opportunity to understand Autism from a relatable perspective. It intertwines common behaviors that they will more than likely come across throughout their educational careers (words getting locked inside him) and allows them to become familiar and accepting to them. It's not only a great story about Autism but it's really touches on the importance of family, celebrating differences, and finding joy in life. This book a Comstock Read Aloud Book Award Nominee (2011), Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award (2012), could be incorporated in any classroom as an introduction to Autism Awareness.
February 24, 2018
This book is about a set of twins who are one boy and one girl, the boy Charlie happens to be autistic it is told from the sisters point of view about dealing with an autistic brother. Charlie and Callie are the same age but differnt in many ways.
I loved this book, i would definitely recommend this boom for a classroom that will have an autistic child enter the classroom or thier home. This boom though I would say that this book will be best for for a child who is maybe 8 or older. I would say that this book explains the daily life of a child with autism, or a brief look. It shows that Charlie likes certain things and he obesses over them, he may not talk to you very well. Also he has many things that he needs didfernt in life, adjustments with noise and sensory issues. But I would definitely say this book will be great for any child 8 and older.
I loved this book, i would definitely recommend this boom for a classroom that will have an autistic child enter the classroom or thier home. This boom though I would say that this book will be best for for a child who is maybe 8 or older. I would say that this book explains the daily life of a child with autism, or a brief look. It shows that Charlie likes certain things and he obesses over them, he may not talk to you very well. Also he has many things that he needs didfernt in life, adjustments with noise and sensory issues. But I would definitely say this book will be great for any child 8 and older.
August 19, 2019
A sister tells about her special relationship with her twin autistic brother.
The authors' notes are heart-wrenching and thought provoking.
The authors' notes are heart-wrenching and thought provoking.
October 2, 2020
This book made me tear up! It's a great conversation starter for children with autism.
April 13, 2024
Made me cry. Loved it!
November 22, 2017
My Brother Charlie is written by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, along with illustrations by Shane W. Evans. Narrating the story is Charlie’s twin sister Callie who tells us all about her special bond with her brother. Charlie has a hard time expressing himself with words and eventually doctors diagnosed him with autism. Callie speaks very highly of him as he shares some of the same interests, he plays with her and all the extra special things about him. I thought this book is a good story for early readers because it presents the impact of having a family with a disability has on everyone around. The struggles Callie and her family face are what brings the family closer together as they care for and protect Charlie to make sure he knows he is loved.
October 2, 2019
This book is about twins named Callie and Charlie. While they have a lot in common, they are also very different. As they grow older Charlie’s family noticed that he was struggling. They found out that Charlie has autism. Callie talks about the struggles of being his sister but also of the joy that comes from it. She explains all the different things that Charlie is good at. My favorite, and the most impactful, line in the book is when Callie says, “I have learned from Charlie that love doesn’t always come from what you say, it can also come from what you do”. It is a powerful and beautifully written book.
In a classroom this can be used to teach acceptance. Typically children with autism show emotions, make friends, and act differently than most children. However, as this book shows, they have amazing strengths as well. I think this book is good for elementary grades to get them familiar with the idea of autism because there’s a good chance they will have a student with autism in a class at some point.
In a classroom this can be used to teach acceptance. Typically children with autism show emotions, make friends, and act differently than most children. However, as this book shows, they have amazing strengths as well. I think this book is good for elementary grades to get them familiar with the idea of autism because there’s a good chance they will have a student with autism in a class at some point.
December 8, 2021
This story is absolutely full of diversity. It would be a great book to have in a classroom library because it can serve as a window for some kids or mirror for others. This Dolly Gray Award winner has a theme of love, patience, and acceptance. Children could certainly learn a lot from this story. The authors Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete did a great job telling their children's story.
August 26, 2019
The story, My Brother Charlie, is written from a sisters perspective. Her brother has autism and she shares his differences with the reader. She also shares inside things, things that make her brother fun and special. She does get honest and she shares with the reader about how she gets frustrated with Charlie sometimes but explains that she loves him no matter what. I like how this book identifies some of the characteristics of a person with autism to familiarize the reader. I think this book is beautifully written and I think it would be useful in family and school settings to read.
August 31, 2019
Fantastic book, I enjoyed the book and how it talks about autism. How they handle their situation and how the brother thrived further than any doctors expectations.
May 2, 2018
This book is amazing! I loved it because it talks about differences in people even if they are a set of twins. It shines the light on children with autism. It is also based on a true story. I feel children ages 5+ can learn a lot from this book. It shows diversity through the disability charlie has and that the illustrations are people of color.
April 21, 2021
My Brother Charlie written by Holly and Ryan Pete and illustrated by Shane Evans is a wonderful picture book that won the Dolly Gray Award. Holly and Ryan Pete are both cultural insiders because Holly is the mom of twins and one of them does have autism and Ryan is the other twin that doesn't have autism. This book can be used to inform young students about what autism is and people with autism. The story is in first-person and is told by Charlie's twin sister Callie. The theme of this book I think is people with autism are like everyone else and autism doesn't define who a person is. The illustrations and spreads are all very well done and they make the book even more enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend reading this book!
August 26, 2022
2/5 ⭐⭐ Missed Opportunity
My Brother Charlie is about Callie and her twin brother, Charlie. She tells us about his autism and what it's like to have an autistic sibling. I've heard about how bad this picture book is, but this might be one of the worst picture books about autism. We'll go over the pros, cons, and autistic representation. Let's get into it, shall we?
Pros: The only pro I'm thinking of is that Charlie is an autistic person of color. But that doesn't excuse inadequate representation. In fact, it's important for stories about autistic people of color, especially ones intended for younger children, to provide accurate information about autism. And the author failed to do that. I'll go into more detail about this in the cons and autistic representation section.
Cons: There are multiple elephants in the room regarding this book. The illustrations are average at best, and at times, the characters can look awkward at worst. Also, the book emphasizes how important it is to communicate in words. Or, saying "I love you" is the best thing you could do. If not, it's a tragedy! Callie even mentioned that Charlie could "ruin the best playdates." She also said that Charlie might seem far away on the same page because he doesn't like eye contact, doesn't talk, or doesn't play very often. Autistic people have a harder time with eye contact because it's uncomfortable. For me, it's because I get distracted easily. Besides, you don't have to look into someone's eyes to listen to them.
Another thing that autistic people struggle with is finding the right words for situations. We often have to think harder about what we want to say, which isn't bad. However, My Brother Charlie makes it seem like it could make it harder for your neurotypical siblings. And now, the biggest problem I have with this book: The autistic representation.
The Representation: I'll start by saying this. Like Charlie, I'm an autistic person of color. The only difference is that I'm a girl, and he's a boy. So you can imagine the disappointment I had with this book. It wasn't very educational as to what autism is. We don't know exactly what his autism looks like, but we can assume he has higher support needs. This is contradictory because one of the illustrations shows him hanging off the monkey bars. Typically, autistic people with higher support needs have poor motor skills. This was implied by Charlie having difficulties with tying shoelaces. I don't know if that was a mistake on the illustrator's part or what! It doesn't go over his sensory issues or how that makes Callie feel.
We also don't know much about his special interest. We know he knows all of the US president's names and likes playing the itsy-bitsy spider on the piano. And we know that he has a unique way with animals. But that's about it! And the autistic traits we know about him are made to make him look bad, like him having difficulties with eye contact or being quiet. The sad thing about this is that the author's autistic son, RJ, inspired this book. You'd think that the author would execute the message better than this. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Just Right for You: A story about Autism by Meline Heyworth is a much better book to introduce younger kids to autism. Especially younger autistic kids. It doesn't make autistic traits look bad; it makes autistic kids feel good about themselves by saying that their brains work just right for them! But My Brother Charlie makes kids feel like they ruin things because of how their brains work, which isn't true.
Conclusion: Overall, My Brother Charlie was a massive disappointment as an autistic girl of color. It played this tragic narrative, implying that Charlie's differences are wrong and "ruin the best playdates." If your neurotypical child wants to learn more about autism, and your autistic child wants to do that, this book isn't for them. Please, read any other picture book about autism to your child or loved one. Thank you for reading, and God bless!
My Brother Charlie is about Callie and her twin brother, Charlie. She tells us about his autism and what it's like to have an autistic sibling. I've heard about how bad this picture book is, but this might be one of the worst picture books about autism. We'll go over the pros, cons, and autistic representation. Let's get into it, shall we?
Pros: The only pro I'm thinking of is that Charlie is an autistic person of color. But that doesn't excuse inadequate representation. In fact, it's important for stories about autistic people of color, especially ones intended for younger children, to provide accurate information about autism. And the author failed to do that. I'll go into more detail about this in the cons and autistic representation section.
Cons: There are multiple elephants in the room regarding this book. The illustrations are average at best, and at times, the characters can look awkward at worst. Also, the book emphasizes how important it is to communicate in words. Or, saying "I love you" is the best thing you could do. If not, it's a tragedy! Callie even mentioned that Charlie could "ruin the best playdates." She also said that Charlie might seem far away on the same page because he doesn't like eye contact, doesn't talk, or doesn't play very often. Autistic people have a harder time with eye contact because it's uncomfortable. For me, it's because I get distracted easily. Besides, you don't have to look into someone's eyes to listen to them.
Another thing that autistic people struggle with is finding the right words for situations. We often have to think harder about what we want to say, which isn't bad. However, My Brother Charlie makes it seem like it could make it harder for your neurotypical siblings. And now, the biggest problem I have with this book: The autistic representation.
The Representation: I'll start by saying this. Like Charlie, I'm an autistic person of color. The only difference is that I'm a girl, and he's a boy. So you can imagine the disappointment I had with this book. It wasn't very educational as to what autism is. We don't know exactly what his autism looks like, but we can assume he has higher support needs. This is contradictory because one of the illustrations shows him hanging off the monkey bars. Typically, autistic people with higher support needs have poor motor skills. This was implied by Charlie having difficulties with tying shoelaces. I don't know if that was a mistake on the illustrator's part or what! It doesn't go over his sensory issues or how that makes Callie feel.
We also don't know much about his special interest. We know he knows all of the US president's names and likes playing the itsy-bitsy spider on the piano. And we know that he has a unique way with animals. But that's about it! And the autistic traits we know about him are made to make him look bad, like him having difficulties with eye contact or being quiet. The sad thing about this is that the author's autistic son, RJ, inspired this book. You'd think that the author would execute the message better than this. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Just Right for You: A story about Autism by Meline Heyworth is a much better book to introduce younger kids to autism. Especially younger autistic kids. It doesn't make autistic traits look bad; it makes autistic kids feel good about themselves by saying that their brains work just right for them! But My Brother Charlie makes kids feel like they ruin things because of how their brains work, which isn't true.
Conclusion: Overall, My Brother Charlie was a massive disappointment as an autistic girl of color. It played this tragic narrative, implying that Charlie's differences are wrong and "ruin the best playdates." If your neurotypical child wants to learn more about autism, and your autistic child wants to do that, this book isn't for them. Please, read any other picture book about autism to your child or loved one. Thank you for reading, and God bless!
June 19, 2020
I found this book by searching for books that won the NAACP Imagelitr Award for outstanding literary awards. I read the online version on Youtube. This book explains some of the characteristics of autism by talking about the differences between a set of twins; Callie and Charlie. Callie explains how Charlie is good at some things like swimming, running, and playing with their dog, but he often gets quiet and stays to himself. Callie explains how Charlie's diagnosis made her their mommy sad because Doctors said that Charlie would never say, " I love You." But, Callie explains that even though Charlie has autism, his disability does not define him. This is a good book for teachers to use as a mentor text to teach students about autism and to talk about how important it is to look for things we have in common with other people – even when they may seem different from us.
February 28, 2019
This book is a sweet perspective on living with a family member who has Autism. Told from the perspective of his older sister, the stories follows Charlie and Callie as the navigate the ways that they are different. Callie reflects on how she wants her brother to say "I love you" but understands he can't unlock the words.
This book is the winner of 2012 Dolly Gray Award and is an approachable depiction of autism for elementary students. Teachers could use this story to teach compare and contrast and show the ways that Charlie and Callie are similar or different. Teachers could also teach this story to address how we can respond to differences in the class. It would need careful thought and consideration of how to bring this book into class if a student had autism but with reflection and planning, teachers could find a way to use it for a social emotional lesson.
This book is the winner of 2012 Dolly Gray Award and is an approachable depiction of autism for elementary students. Teachers could use this story to teach compare and contrast and show the ways that Charlie and Callie are similar or different. Teachers could also teach this story to address how we can respond to differences in the class. It would need careful thought and consideration of how to bring this book into class if a student had autism but with reflection and planning, teachers could find a way to use it for a social emotional lesson.
February 16, 2022
What I like about this book is Charlie’s sister never gave up on him when the Doctor said that he would never say I love you! Because he has autism he is different from his twin sister but she treats him in a loving kind manner. Charlie ends up saying I love you! Really really good read!
March 8, 2018
I found this book on the The Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award list. It is about a boy named Charlie who has autism. His big sister tells us about all the things that are hard for him like making friends and expressing how he feels. Then, she explains all the ways that he is perfect and can do well. He knows the names of all the American presidents and airplanes. He is stellar at the piano. This book is contemporary as it deals with a present day prominent disability, and how the child and their family deals with is. All students can connect to this text as it relates to things that someone is good/bad at. It is a multicultural, diverse text as the students are African American and obviously a disability is involved. My students love reading about children with disabilities and how to include them. I would certainly make this part of my contemporary realistic/inclusion area of my class library. The graphics are appropriate to understand abstract concepts in the story, but this is mostly a chapter book with text primarily. The non-print text was easily to listen to and follow, with great readers reading the parts, helping you to connect with the characters.
April 22, 2015
1. Text to self is my connection for this book. This story makes me think of three students that I work with on a daily basis who are at different areas on the spectrum. Reading this text in relation to Charlie and how he fits in his family, gave me a true appreciation of the way these students fit into our school with their friends and classmates. Each one has special talents and strengths that they bring to a group. Individually they struggle with some of the simple daily tasks, but when they are able to tap into an area of expertise for them, they really shine. My second text to self connection is through the growth of my own understanding and compassion as a parent with a special needs child. This story makes me think of my son who had cerebral palsy as his disability. He passed away last year with severe pneumonia. My son was unable to speak or walk. He ate through a feeding tube into his stomach. Understanding that love doesn't always come from what is said was a point that Charlie's sister claims as a family is necessary to do right by Charlie. I truly can relate with that. My son Matthew could never speak words to tell us those things, but we did right by him and he knew we loved him and that he loved us. In my life as a parent, you do whatever you can to watch over your children and protect them from dangers in the world. Some lessons are learned while you are going through it, but it makes you stronger.
2. This text uses the multiple perspectives of the family members of a child with autism. Coming from the twin sister who is telling the story, she is able to identify how family, friends, and others relate with him. She is his voice for many things. They are the same in so many respects, but Charlie also has his special things that he can do despite his lack of emotion. He plays the piano, knows all the names of American Presidents, and has a mind that tests the common everyday things like paper clips. The value of Charlie as a member of the family far outweighs the problems or issues that come with his autism. His sister sees this value in him and shows him unconditional love and understanding. She considers "Charlie Blessings" as the list of things that she feels blessed to have Charlie for in her life to share. He likes people for what they really are. The family shows Charlie
3. Questions in relationship to Bloom's Taxonomy
Remembering: Can you tell three things that Charlie could do very well?
Understanding: Explain what the author means by "Charlie Blessings."
Applying: Using what you know, how would you construct a game for Charlie? In a jigsaw puzzle, what would each of the pieces represent for someone like Charlie?
Analyzing: What evidence can you find that Charlie is different from his sister?
Evaluating: What did you like the best? Why was it better in the way the family viewed Charlie?
Creating: What inferences can you make about siblings to children with autism? What inferences can you make about parents of children with autism?
2. This text uses the multiple perspectives of the family members of a child with autism. Coming from the twin sister who is telling the story, she is able to identify how family, friends, and others relate with him. She is his voice for many things. They are the same in so many respects, but Charlie also has his special things that he can do despite his lack of emotion. He plays the piano, knows all the names of American Presidents, and has a mind that tests the common everyday things like paper clips. The value of Charlie as a member of the family far outweighs the problems or issues that come with his autism. His sister sees this value in him and shows him unconditional love and understanding. She considers "Charlie Blessings" as the list of things that she feels blessed to have Charlie for in her life to share. He likes people for what they really are. The family shows Charlie
3. Questions in relationship to Bloom's Taxonomy
Remembering: Can you tell three things that Charlie could do very well?
Understanding: Explain what the author means by "Charlie Blessings."
Applying: Using what you know, how would you construct a game for Charlie? In a jigsaw puzzle, what would each of the pieces represent for someone like Charlie?
Analyzing: What evidence can you find that Charlie is different from his sister?
Evaluating: What did you like the best? Why was it better in the way the family viewed Charlie?
Creating: What inferences can you make about siblings to children with autism? What inferences can you make about parents of children with autism?
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