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 ha...
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reviews
Jan 16, 2012
Janice
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This is a great book for elementary students. Although the narrator of this book is the “sister” of the family, I love how she expresses her love for her brother, Charlie. To me, this book seemed as if the family only consisted of two people, a sister and a brother. Callie and Charlie are twins, but exceptionally different. This was an interesting read not only because I am a twin, but because it evinced that families accept and support each other regardless of any situation. In this book, Charl
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May 03, 2011
Brenna
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This is a touching story about a girl named Callie and her brother Charlie, who has autism. Callie explains how even though it can be difficult to play and communicate with her brother, she still loves him dearly. This is a wonderful book to use in a unit about differences and even disabilities. This would be a great way to help students understand what might be happening with a student in class who has autism.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—Twins Callie and Charlie More...
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—Twins Callie and Charlie More...
Apr 10, 2011
Keri
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Category: Grades K-3, Book #19
This is adorable picture book about twins growing up together, one of which has autism. The sister, Callie, talks about the joys and the challenges of having a brother with autism. This would be a great read aloud for social groups about acceptance, understanding, autism exposure, and compassion. This book could also be used as a read aloud for the class with the same objectives. Teachers could then have students make a book about their own siblings; t More...
This is adorable picture book about twins growing up together, one of which has autism. The sister, Callie, talks about the joys and the challenges of having a brother with autism. This would be a great read aloud for social groups about acceptance, understanding, autism exposure, and compassion. This book could also be used as a read aloud for the class with the same objectives. Teachers could then have students make a book about their own siblings; t More...
Mar 30, 2010
Jennifer
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Jake's Review: Mom this book reminds me of me and how I have Spina Bifida. Lots of people treat me differently because I am a little different than them and they don't understand me. (Sorry, my tears are blurring the screen) Sometimes people are really mean to me like kids treat the boy in the book. He is just like Chad at school who has autism and I like playing with him. You just have to play with him a little differently and keep away from him when he is in one of his moods. I would be Cha
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Mar 17, 2010
Tasha
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Callie and Charlie have always been together because they are twins. They have a lot in common: music, football, loving their dog, and their curly hair. But they are also very different. Charlie often seemed distant and never returned affection. Mommy was worried and took Charlie to a doctor who diagnosed him with autism. Callie wished that she could join Charlie in his mental world, that he would play more with her. Sometimes he is right there with her and enjoying it, but often he isn’t.
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Feb 23, 2010
Reason for Reading: My 9yo is autistic.
Comments: Actress Holly Robinson Peete writes this picture book along with her twelve-year-old daughter, Ryan, who is the fraternal twin of a brother with autism. The story mirrors their real life and is told from the point of view of a little girl whose brother, Charlie, is autistic. She describes how they are alike in looks and likes, then how they are different in looks and likes with the major difference being that Charlie can get very quiet a More...
Comments: Actress Holly Robinson Peete writes this picture book along with her twelve-year-old daughter, Ryan, who is the fraternal twin of a brother with autism. The story mirrors their real life and is told from the point of view of a little girl whose brother, Charlie, is autistic. She describes how they are alike in looks and likes, then how they are different in looks and likes with the major difference being that Charlie can get very quiet a More...
Sep 17, 2010
Jess
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I often have parents asking me for books with children who are autistic or who have disabilities. It's especially important that these books show that these children are still children like any other and should be treated respectfully by other children. What I liked about this book was its straightforward nature. It doesn't have a lot of flourish or elegance, but the point is clear: Charlie has autism so there are things that he does differently and he has different needs. This in no way means t
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Dec 17, 2010
Kim
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Based on real-life experiences of mother-and-daughter team Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, this is a loving tribute from fictional Callie to her twin brother, Charlie. Callie describes the ups and downs of her relationship with Charlie-- the ways he is as annoying as any other brother and the day to day issues that she faces with a sibling who has autism. The love that the two share comes across loud and clear, and as Callie says, "Charlie has autism. But autism doesn't ha
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Jun 17, 2010
Marie
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Charlie's sister narrates this story about her twin who has autism. She shares what autism is like for her brother...his limitations and his strengths. And sometimes it's hard to have a brother with autism. Still, Callie and her parents "love Charlie strong." They know Charlie is a blessing. "Charlie has autism. But autism doesn't have Charlie."
There is a page of extensive author notes at the end. This is a remarkable book to share with children so they can More...
There is a page of extensive author notes at the end. This is a remarkable book to share with children so they can More...
Jun 06, 2011
Briana
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The writing was cheesy and weird. I don't think that most young children can understand autism in general...let alone trying to understand it through particular words and phrases that she uses. I also don't think that she really explains autism well enough. It is basically a story that is based on some experiences that she and her daughter have had with an autistic child/brother. Not too much fact involved. So...I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. As a story, I suppose it is thre
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Feb 04, 2011
Charles
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Based on a true story, Callie explains what it is like to have a twin brother, Charlie, with autism. The main theme -- "Charlie has autism. But autism doesn't have Charlie" -- is echoed throughout the story as Charlie overcomes certain obstacle, or "nevers." Callie recognizes that Charlie shows his love for her in various ways, even if he doesn't come out and say it. This book is a great introduction to autism and provides a wonderful example of accepting people's differences
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Apr 26, 2010
Erica
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Charlie and his sister share something in common. They both have names that start with "C". But Charlie is a little different, he has a condition called autism. Autism causing Charlie to act differently then his sister, but he still is able to feel and love. This is an excellent story to read to the class to introduce how many children have differences. I recommend reading whether there are students with or without autism in your classroom.
Mar 18, 2010
your neighborhood librarian
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Charlie and Callie are twins, but they are not exactly alike - Charlie has autism. I have to hand it to Holly Robinson Peete: this is a well-written, well-thought-out book. Callie explains how Charlie is just like her and other kids, and how he is different. She tells us what she can expect from Charlie - his silences, his stubbornness, but also his moments of tenderness. One of the best books about children with autism I have seen for this age group.
Apr 05, 2011
Sarah
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Callie and her twin brother Charlie have always been together. But even though they have a lot in common, they are not the same. Charlie has autism and Callie explains some hard things about living with Charlie. She then goes on to share some things that are very good about Charlie. This could be a good book to share with a class that has a new autistic child in it. This is an overview, so it does simply autism.
Apr 04, 2011
Lillian
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This is a wonderful presentation of autism, from the point of view of a twin sister. This nonfiction story was written by Holly Robinson Pete and her daughter whose twin brother is autistic. This can be a great tool to open young students eyes to differences the may/may not have seen. The simple story may help them to be more accepting when encountering an autistic person in the future.
Nov 15, 2010
Heidi
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Occasionally the writing in this was a bit cheesy, but overall I think this a good book and definitely happy we added it to our collection. I especially like that the mother/daughter author team based it on their own experiences and with a loved one they know well. I believe this will be a good choice for very young children who either have an autistic sibling or have a friend who has one.
Jul 27, 2010
Shannon
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Written about Holly Robinson Peete's son who has autism from the point of view of his twin sister, this book is one of my favorites on the subject. When reading My Brother Charlie, you understand that you're reading about a specific boy with autism, a specific family dealing with autism. You're given his strengths and his weakenesses. It takes autism and makes it personal.
Jun 23, 2011
Whitney
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Honor book for the 2011 Comstock Read Aloud Book Award, an annual award for the best read aloud picture book for older children (ages 9-12).
This book is a beautiful introduction to autism. I like how honest and frank it is, but that it doesn't feel preachy. It's a little heavy for your average story time, but it is perfect for beginning the conversation on this topic.
This book is a beautiful introduction to autism. I like how honest and frank it is, but that it doesn't feel preachy. It's a little heavy for your average story time, but it is perfect for beginning the conversation on this topic.
Jan 25, 2011
Judy
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I liked this book. While I don't think this a book with mass appeal, it is very thoughtful. I used this with first and second graders and we were able to have a good discussion about autism and treating others with dignity and fairness. Themes are: love, hope, acceptance. Discussion lead kids into the idea of tolerance for others and that we are all special.
Mar 27, 2011
Brenna
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Callie describes her unusual relationship with her twin brother Charlie, who has autism. Charlie rarely shows affection, but she knows in her own way that Charlie loves her. It is touching and sweet coming from the point of view of a child. This is a good book for people looking for books about autism, differences and tolerance.
Feb 15, 2011
Michelle
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I loved this book. It is absolutely one of my favorite children's books. This books helps to educate children on Autism. This book is about a good girl and her twin brother who has autism. THe book explains how it affected the family. She also helps young children to understand how a child may act if affected by Autism.
Apr 20, 2010
Donalyn
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A twin shares her experiences growing up and sharing life with her twin brother, who has autism. The writing doesn't offer anything spectacular, but the story is a touching and important one to tell. Based on their lives, the book is written by actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter, Ryan.
Jun 04, 2010
Kendria
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i read this for autism awareness month and it was a pretty big hit with the parents...i had an autistic boy that used to come to my story time in the beginning, but now he's older and off being one of the smartest kids i know and that is why this book warms my heart so much!
Feb 21, 2010
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
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This is a very sweet picture book about siblings (one with autism and one without). It is told from the POV of the child without Autism. There aren't a lot of good books that focus on the sibling relationship and this is very tender and honest. Well done.
Mar 10, 2010
Lidra
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!! This book really brought tears to my eyes. It deals with autism. A little girl is telling the story of how her family found out that her twin brother had Autism and how they dealt with it. WOW!! What a story.
Jun 28, 2010
Pauline
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What an amazing collaboration between mother and daughter! Such a sweet story about Callie and Charlie, who are twins. Charlie just happens to have autism; so the book is told through Callie's eyes and experiences.
Great perspective!!!
Great perspective!!!
Nov 08, 2011
ReadingWench
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Excellent book for a child who has a sibling with Autism. Told from the point of view of Callie, MY BROTHER CHARLIE was written by the parents of an Autistic child. The illustrations are cute and modern.
Apr 08, 2011
Shuntia
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This is a great story about a little boy with autism named Charlie. This is a great story to read to students to show that even though people are different everyone needs to feel loved.
Aug 03, 2011
Karen
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Very good book about explaining how an autistic person behaves differently but is still a person. Perfect for K-2 to explain behavior if an autistic student is in their class.
Jul 07, 2010
Cathy
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Wonderfully written without pretense, explains autism in a honest, straightforward way. Illustrations add to the story, a good book to begin discussion with young children.
