Product Description
From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism.
"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—Twins Callie and Charlie have a lot in common, but they are also very different: Charlie has autism. Callie narrates the story, describing what autism is and exploring the issues that come along with it. The theme is of love, patience, and acceptance. Endnotes give a few basic facts for children unfamiliar with the disorder. The authors, a mother-daughter team, based this story on personal experience. Evans's bright, mixed-media illustrations skillfully depict the family's warmth and concern. Pair this with Ouisie Shapiro's Autism and Me: Sibling Stories (Albert Whitman, 2009) to raise awareness and understanding of autism. This title should have a place in most library collections.—Laura Butler, Mount Laurel Library, NJ
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From Booklist
In an honest, simple narrative, young Callie talks about how much she loves her autistic twin brother, Charlie, and how much they share. As she explains what autism is and how her family cares for Charlie, she also speaks frankly about challenges. The mixed-media illustrations, in bright, opaque colors, show the loving connections in Callie’s African American family, as well as the tension and anger. Charlie does so many things well: he plays the piano, for example. Sometimes he supports his sister, and he has an incredible bond with their dog. Still, “there are days when it’s hard to be Charlie’s sister. . . . Sometimes he can ruin the best playdates; other times he won’t speak.” Warm but never sentimental, this welcome picture book is based on the mother-and-daughter authors' experiences, and a beautiful photo of the authors’ family appears on the back cover, while a personal concluding note offers more facts. A great choice for introducing the subject of autism to young children or for starting discussion in any family dealing with disability. Grades K-3. --Hazel Rochman
From the Publisher
Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete have arranged for a percentage of the proceeds for My Brother Charlie to go to the HollyRod4Kids Foundation to help children with autism gain access to affordable treatments and therapies.
About the Author
Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of many terrific picture books, including Nobody's Gonna Turn Me Round by Doreen Rappaport, Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award winner The Way a Door Closes by Hope Anita Smith, Take it to the Hoop Magic Johnson by Quincy Troupe, The Shark series by Jean Marzollo, and When Gorilla Goes Walking by Nikki Grimes. His accolades range from being honored by First Lady Laura Bush at the 2002 National Book Festival, to The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and The Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction for Children.
A multi-talented artist and designer, Shane W. Evans has also worked as an illustrator, graphic designer and web designer for a diverse group of clients, including Nike, the FDA, the Kansas City Jazz Museum, and the Kansas City International Jazz Festival.
Evans studied at Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts. He graduated in 1993 and began traveling the world. His work is influenced by his travels to Africa, South Ameri
