MY BROTHER CHARLIE by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, pictures by Shane W. Evans (Scholastic Press, 2010, $16.99 available now) is a joyful story told by twelve year old Ryan and her mother Holly. Charlie is Ryan’s twin and at age three he was diagnosed with Autism. This book presents a very positive look at the life of the twins and their personal achievements.
I was especially taken with the page that started; ”Charlie has autism. But autism doesn’t have Charlie. If you ever get to meet my brother, you’ll feel lucky to be his friend.”
The story is crammed full of the purest form of love–a brother and a sister. Charlie is there for her no matter what. When she falls of her bike and cries, Charlie comes to her and says simply, “I love you.” What more needs be said.
The art work is brilliant. Colorful, larger than life. What a perfect way to depict these twins.