My brother Charlie: a sister's story of autism

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Author: Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete
Illustrator: Shane Evans
Publisher: New York: Scholastic Press 2010
Awards: Comstock Read Aloud Book Award Nominee (2011), Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award (2012)






Based on a true experience with an autistic family member, 10-year-old son, Holly Robinson Peete, the American national autism spokesperson collaborates with her daughter, by then-twelve-year-old Ryan Elizabeth, to author My Brother Charlie.

The picture book is an honest true-to-life introduction to autism and its day-to-day challenges. The first-person narration makes it possible for the readers to see through the eyes of the young Callie who describes what autism is and explores the inevitable problems that come along with it.

Mostly, the book relates how much the Callie’s autistic brother is adored by her and other family members, but unlike some examples in contemporary disability literature, this title will not give an idyllically joyous representation of being a different child. On the other hand, While the narrator refers to the autistic child’s strong will, talents, and his incredible emotional bond with others, she admits that “there are days when it’s hard to be Charlie’s sister.”

The attractive mixed-media illustrations, with visible brushstrokes and large-eyed characters accompanies the story and depicts both the affectionate connections in the autistic child’s African American family, as well as all tensions and angers characters are experiencing. 


For more information:
goodreads
author's website

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