Books Reviews

My Brother Charlie - Book Review

By Dana Rae Apr 28, 2010, 15:15 GMT

Callie is very proud of her brother Charlie. He\'s good at so many things  --  swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett. But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet.His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any ...more

The children’s book My Brother Charlie is a lesson in love. It is beautifully written and illustrated and its message will almost make you cry. At the same time, it will uplift you for its message is the power of life. It is an instant classic, in my humble opinion.

Written by Holly Robinson Peete (you might have caught an episode of Celebrity Apprentice this season, which she is on) and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete, the story and message are based on their real-life experience with the Peetes’ son, RJ. Co-written by RJ’s twin sister Ryan, age twelve, the power of love shines through.

The book is about autism: a condition of unknown causes that manifests itself in children at an early age. Autism, even to the educator, is difficult to understand, and to have it put into simple terms in such a way is phenomenal. I am a teacher by profession and have dealt with autism on many different levels and to define it, especially to children, is a very difficult undertaking.

Peete does it very well. More than well. She surpasses autism as a “condition” and brings it on to a level that children will understand: the family and dealing with such a problem.

Because this is semi-autobiographical (Charlie is RJ and Callie is Ryan), the message is even deeper and more special.

Peete has made it her life’s mission to bring autism awareness to people. Since 2000 when her son was diagnosed with autism, she travels internationally to speak on the subject and is a board member of Autism Speaks.

The book is beautifully animated (pictures seem to leap out at you and come alive) by Shane Evans. It is a must for any children’s book collection, a classic in its time with an enduring message that affects us all, not just people associated with autism. It is a book about love and a family’s love. High recommended.

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