Same But Different

November 30, 2015
The Peetes (My Brother Charlie) revisit the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this time in a novel featuring fictionalized versions of twin teenagers Ryan Elizabeth and RJ Peete, coauthors with their mother. Fifteen-year-old Callie loves her brother Charlie, yet after years of constant supervision, “Team Charlie” meetings, and explanations to teachers, she is eager to escape the “The Charlie Show” when she begins 10th grade while Charlie repeats ninth. Though Charlie is similarly happy to be away from his sister, he needs her love and attention as he navigates a world of mean-spirited friends and dating mishaps, as well as the loss of a favorite pet. The Peetes excel in representing the multiple adjustments needed to accommodate ASD, from the cacophony of sounds, smells, and colors that agitate Charlie to the way a simple dinner must be arranged to avoid an outburst. Told in the alternating voices of Charlie and Callie, the short vignettes are rife with saccharine motivational sayings (“Even though I have autism, autism doesn’t have me”), which detract from an otherwise thoughtful presentation of autism’s impact on a family. Ages 12–up.

December 15, 2015
Sometimes it takes a family to tell a story. This is the case in this new book from twins Ryan and R.J. Peete, whose mother, actor Holly Robinson Peete, bookends their tales of how autism affects the personal and familial lives of teenagers. The twins reintroduce the characters of Charlie and Callie, the fictional alter egos the Peetes introduced in the picture book My Brother Charlie, illustrated by Shane W. Evans (2010), now 15. Readers see how Charlie navigates not only repeating ninth grade, particularly having to stay in special ed while Callie advances to 10th grade, but the treacheries of making "so-called friends" who try to take advantage of him, as well as puberty and dating. Callie also negotiates puberty as well as the guilt, rage, and exhaustion knotted in the "why me?" of being "the normal twin." Charlie and Callie narrate in alternating first-person, present-tense chapters that effectively convey their disparate perspectives, even on such shared events as the death of Charlie's dog, Toby. Readers will also appreciate that Robinson Peete addresses the very real concern of how autism might affect Charlie/R.J. as a young African-American man whose behavior could be easily--and lethally--misinterpreted by others, as has happened to people of color with disabilities. Ultimately, what readers take away from this solid book is the abiding sense of love that bonds and binds the twins to each other as they tell their multifaceted truths about living with this little-understood condition. (resources) (Fiction. 12-16)

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September 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-In this book that's told in alternating narratives and uses pseudonyms, two twins-one with autism (Charlie) and one without (Callie)-share stories of growing up. Courageously honest, their tales illustrate that autism is not an isolated condition but that it affects everyone in the family. The real heart of the work is in the narratives of Charlie and Callie; their authentic, open thoughts and discussions on autism will resonate with readers. Charlie's narrative reveals that he wants to be treated like any other "normal" kid, make friends, and have a social life. But his actions also show how autism impedes some of his decision-making, ability to read nonverbal clues, and tendency to act impulsively. He finds solace in video games, sports statistics, and solitude. Callie is an outgoing, popular athlete and a constant protector when it comes to Charlie. But watching over her brother is a challenge. Her sincerity about how she wishes Charlie was "normal" and how grating it has been to constantly look out for him shows how deeply autism has shaped their relationship. Bookending the two narratives is Peete's account of learning of her son's autism and his accomplishments in spite of the disorder. The last chapter is a plea for more research and advocacy on behalf of children with autism. Acknowledgements and a resource guide are also included. VERDICT A powerful and honest look at autism and a solid choice for most libraries that serve middle school students.-Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2017
Alternating the perspectives of autistic teen Charlie and his typically developing twin, Callie, this book highlights the complexities of life on the spectrum. While the narratives strain for teenage authenticity, the siblings' struggles (and also their love for each other) ring true. A follow-up to the picture book My Brother Charlie, this novel is also based on the Peete family. Websites.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)