Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express 12+

About this book

Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism--or when your brother or sister is struggling with the disorder--life can be challenging. It's one thing when you're a kid in grade school, and a playdate goes south due to autism in a family. Or when you're a little kid, and a vacation or holiday turns less-than-happy because of an autistic family member. But being a teen with autism can get pretty hairy--especially when you're up against dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and other kids who just don't 'get' you. In this powerful book, teenagers Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, Rodney, who has autism, share their up-close-and-personal experiences on what it means to be a teen living with autism. SAME BUT DIFFERENT, explores the funny, painful, and unexpected aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues nobody talks about. SAME BUT DIFFERENT underscores tolerance, love, and the understanding that everybody's unique drumbeat is worth dancing to.

Reviews

NAACP Image Award Winner
Dolly Gray Award Winner

"MY BROTHER CHARLIE is a wonderful story that will help readers identify with being the parent, sibling, relative, or friend of a person with autism. Anyone who reads this book will learn to live with understanding."--Bill Cosby

"MY BROTHER CHARLIE is a celebration of love and family, and the idea that the things that make us different can be the very same ones that bind us together."--Al Roker

"MY BROTHER CHARLIE brilliantly underscores a deep acceptance for those with autism-it is a remarkable and inviting book."--Suzanne and Bob Wright, Co-founders, Autism Speaks

"MY BROTHER CHARLIE will stand the test of time in the hearts of its readers. Here is a story that rejoices in what it means to be special."--Earvin "Magic" Johnson

"Families everywhere will be grateful to the Peetes for sharing their story in this beautiful and sensitive book."--Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund

"One's heart is always in the experiences had with a brother or sister. If you want to know about a person with autism, and the impact of autism on a family, this is the book to read."--NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Dan Marino, father of a son with autism

"As someone who has autism, I'm thankful for MY BROTHER CHARLIE. This is a book every family and classroom should own, whether they've been touched with autism or not."-Jason McElwain, author of THE GAME OF MY LIFE: A TRUE STORY OF CHALLENGE, TRIUMPH, AND GROWING UP AUTISTIC