My Brother Charlie
by Holly Robinson Peete (Author) Shane Evans (Illustrator)
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.
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Publishers Weekly
This mother-daughter author team base their thoughtful and moving story on their experiences living with Ryans autistic brother, RJ. Callie, a candid narrator whose twin brother is autistic, explains that Charlies brain works in a special way. She mentions the boys strong will (When Charlie wants something, nothing stops him. Even when its dangerous) and tendency to withdraw into his own world, acknowledging that there are days when its hard to be Charlies sister. Yet she also documents Charlies talents and the good times they share. Her often-silent brother has taught Callie important lessons, among them love doesnt always come from what you say. It can also come from what you "do". Throughout, Callie demonstrates maturity and loyalty: We love Charlie strong. We watch over him with the might of angels. We have to. Equally expressive, Evans' ("When Gorilla Goes Walking") mixed-media art features closeup images of the siblings and their parents and conveys the wide range of emotions all experience. The author's postscripts offer background and advice for families dealing with someone with autism. Ages 6-10. (Mar.)
Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 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
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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 America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States.
Firmly believing in education and creative development for all people, Evans has produced a unique presentation designed to share his gift with all ages, cultures, ethnic groups, and backgrounds. His presentations and workshops are specifically tailored to each audience and combine storytelling, art projects, and slide presentations from his own work and world travel.
Shane W. Evans lives in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, please visit shaneevans.com.
Ryan Elizabeth Peete and Rodney Peete, teenage twins, wrote this book with their mother Holly Robinson Peete to help share awareness about autism with other children who have been touched by it in some way. Ryan and Rodney travel with their mom speaking to teens about their experiences growing up together. The Peetes live in Beverly Hills, California.
Twins
Autism
Children's writings, American
