Holly Robinson Peete

A girl tells what it is like living with her twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy. Includes authors' note about autism.

a sister's story of autism

My brother Charlie

Sarah Sammis

I first heard of My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete is a picture book about a family of fraternal twins, one of whom has autism. The book was inspired by the Peete family's experience with having an autistic child, Ryan's fraternal brother.

Told from Callie's point of view, the book introduces Charlie positively. It's clear from the very first page that Callie and her parents love Charlie. Through the introduction Callie explains how alike she and he are and only then does she begin to explain how they are different.

Charlie's autism is only one part of what makes him different. Callie though is clear that even though Charlie needs a little more time and sometimes needs things to be quiet, he's still an important and loved member of the family.

I read this book originally because it was recommended in my Materials for Children ages 5 to 8 class. I chose it because so many of the books about autism, especially autistic children. My Brother Charlie is the most positive and realistic I've read.

My brother Charlie a sister's story of autism

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