Picture books are a great way to teach students about diversity. My Brother Charlie is a book written from a young girl’s point of view teaching readers about her brother that has autism. It is so important for students to be accepting and understanding of those that might appear different than them. Picture books like this can be used to introduce students to those differences and teach them that it is something to be celebrated. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Callie and Charlie are twins which makes them very similar. They both have curly hair and brown eyes, and love hot chocolate with marshmallows. However, even when they were very little Callie and her mother knew Charlie was different. It was difficult for him to say “I love you” and he was very quiet. They learned that Charlie had autism which makes some things more challenging for him.
Throughout the book Callie teachers readers about her brother Charlie and what it is like having a brother with autism. She explains the things that are challenging for him, and the things that are challenging when your brother is autistic. Callie also teaches readers about all the wonderful qualities of her brother and how he shows his love to his family members. This heartwarming story about siblings is a great way to teach young readers about appreciating diversity.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
In addition to teaching students about diversity, My Brother Charlie can be used as a mentor text to teach reading, writing and grammar skills. Our book companion has lessons and activities for all skills below and many more, take a look!
- Teach students to examine the author’s purpose for writing the book using the author’s note at the end of the story.
- Practice comparing and contrasting characters in the book.
- Ask students to write descriptions on the characters from the story. This is working on writing skills as well as demonstrating their understanding of the text.
- Have students write book reviews where they support their opinion of the book with specific reasons from the text.
- Teach a lesson on the different ways to make a noun plural.
- Introduce students to a variety of suffixes.
- Have a class discussion on diversity and how to make others feel accepted.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
There are so many different activities included in this book companion. Teachers love how easy it is to select the resource they want to use, print, and be ready to teach. The best part is there is so much variety you can use these activities across multiple grade levels and subject areas. You will be so happy you purchased this resource!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
- Hooway For Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
- The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
- Just Ask! By Sonia Sotomayor
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
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