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Siblings
of Children with Special Needs
Featured
Books in this Category / Main
Booklist

Featured
Books
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Autism in My Family: a Journal for Siblings of
Children with ASD. Sandra Tucker, $25.95
An interactive workbook full of dynamic activities for
children with siblings on the autism spectrum. Through individualized exercises
in understanding and empathy, this book will serve to empower the child and
strengthen their sibling relationship. |
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Autism, the Invisible Cord: a
Sibling's Diary. Barbara Cain, $13.50 (novel, ages
12-18)
Meet Jenny — a teen who confides in her
diary about what it is like to live with Ezra, her younger brother with autism,
and her life with the most "wacky, exasperating, infuriating, amazing
younger brother!"
If living with Ezra weren't hard enough,
Jenny must deal with school bullies, rude classmates, and fragile friendships.
But with the promise of a summer writing program and an Ezra-inspired project,
Jenny finds the courage to be more than just "Ezra's sister, protector,
defender, and his best and only friend," and loosens the invisible cord
just enough to follow her own dreams. |
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Autism through a Sister’s Eyes: a Young
Girl’s View of Her Brother’s Autism. E. Band &
E. Hecht, $16.95 (ages 10-12)
When young people have questions about a
brother or sister with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, clear answers can be hard
to find. Written by Eve Band, PhD, a clinical psychologist, this book gives
voice to ten-year-old Emily’s story: her questions about her brother, her
search for answers about autism, and her exploration of her feelings as a
sibling of a young man with autism. Told in her voice, Emily’s story is as
uplifting as it is filled with valuable information for parents and siblings,
or any individual whose life is touched by a person with high-functioning
autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. |
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Because … Someone I Love Has Cancer: a
Kids’ Activity Book. American Cancer Society,
$13.95 (ages 6-12)
This activity book is designed to help kids
create and find bright moments in the midst of tough circumstances. |
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The Boy Who Said Nonsense. Felizia Sanzari
Chernesky, $22.99
Tate is different, and not just because he came from a
pumpkin patch. He loves numbers, especially the number eleven, and he can count
lots of things just by looking at them! But all this counting makes most people
think Tate talks nonsense. Tate never seems to mind, but his brother does. No
one seems to understand the way his mind works — until his older brother makes a
connection and helps the whole family see things from Tate’s perspective. |
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Brother: a Story of Autism. Carlton Hudgens, $16.99
(ages 11+) Graphic Novel
Bridget and Carlton are as close as any sister and
brother. But their relationship is particularly special. Carlton has autism and
is almost completely nonverbal. He’s smart, funny, creative, and loving. He has
immense challenges in speaking full sentences. Bridget’s fierce loyalty to and
compassion for her brother led to an unbreakable bond that has helped the
siblings cope with divorce and homelessness. Carlton’s devotion to his family
is loud and clear, even in his silence.
Carlton Hudgens was diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder at three years old. He didn’t speak or interact with the world around
him, except with humming and flapping arms. The diagnosis provided a label, but
not an answer. He was considered low-functioning, but all that meant was that
there was a laundry list of tasks he couldn’t do, and little recognition of
what he could. Because Carlton doesn’t speak in full sentences, Bridget has
opted to tell his story. “My brother is brilliant in every way,” Bridget says.
“He just doesn’t speak like we speak.”
By early adulthood, Bridget began to realize that the
most fulfilling part of her life was forming a deeper connection with
Carlton — an unbreakable bond that would shape brother and sister for the rest of
their lives. This is their story. |
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Brotherly Feelings:
Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Sam Frender & Dennis Dittrich, $19.95
Sam knows that his brother Eric is different from him because his
brain works differently. So, when the other children bully Eric,
it makes Sam feel protective of him. But sometimes, when Eric behaves
oddly, Sam feels embarrassed too. Sometimes, when Eric gets lots
of attention, it makes Sam feel resentful — then, when he considers
that Eric needs a lot of help and attention, it makes Sam feel guilty
for feeling resentful. There are so many different feelings Sam
experiences! |
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Brothers and Sisters. Laura Dwight, $11.95
Come and meet Zaire and Eubie, James and Chloe, and other
sets of siblings, and see all the things the do together! |
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Camp Outlook. Brenda Baker, $11.95 (novel, ages
11-15) 
Shannon is thrilled when her mom becomes pregnant. After
years of hoping and waiting, finally she will have a little brother or sister
to play with. But when her brother is born, things don't go according to plan,
and Shannon has to reconsider what 'normal' really is. |
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David's World: a Picture Book about Living with Autism. Dagmar Mueller & Verena Ballhaus, $25.95
David does not like when people are noisy; he does not
like being hugged — not even by his own brother. David does not laugh when happy
or cry when sad. He speaks his own language, which is difficult to understand
at times. And he eats the same foods almost every day. However, David is a
brilliant pianist and seems to have an amazing ability to communicate with the
family dog. And even though he is not like most children, through the eyes of
his brother we are able to see how he makes progress toward understanding his
world. |
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Everybody is Different:
a Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism.
Fiona Bleach, $17.95
Many young people have a hard time
understanding the complexities of what autism Is and why people with autism
engage in the behaviors that they do. This book gives answers to the many
questions brothers and sisters of young people on the autism spectrum have
about their siblings. In addition to explaining in basic terms the
characteristics of autism, this little book is full of helpful suggestions for
making family life more comfortable for everyone. The many illustrations make
this a warm and accessible book for young people. |
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Fasten Your Seatbelt:
a Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters. Brian
Skotko & Susan Levine, $24.50 (ages 12 and up)
With nearly 100 questions and answers on a broad range of issues, Fasten
Your Seatbelt is a complete guide to the joys and challenges
of growing up with a brother or sister who has Down syndrome. |
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I Have a Sister, My Sister Is Deaf. Jeanne
Whitehouse Peterson, $8.50 (ages 4-8)
For children ages 4-8, this lovely picture book tells the
story of a very special sister who can say more with her eyes, and body
language than most people can with words. A great book for explaining deafness
to young children. |
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Ian’s Walk: a Story about Autism. Laurie Lears & Karen Ritz, $9.99 (ages 5-8)
Julie can't wait to go to the park and feed
the ducks with her big sister, Tara. There's only one problem. Her little
brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same
reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks
he looks silly. But when he wanders off on his own, she must try to see the
world through his eyes in order to find him. |
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I’m Not Her. Janet
Gurder, $11.99 (novel, 14 +)
Tess is the exact opposite of her
beautiful, athletic sister. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one
and that’s okay — they each have their own place. Until Kristina is diagnosed
with cancer — and her picture-perfect family starts cracking. Now Tess has to
fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who
will? |
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Just Because! Rebecca Elliott, $9.99
Just Because tells of a brother's love for his
sister. He is so enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and
delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his
tale unfolds does the reader begin to realise that his sister has special
needs... and by then we just accept as he does all the wonderful things about
her.
Rebecca Elliott's heart-warming picture book is much
celebrated for its touching and sensitive approach to introducing the issue of
disability to young children through a charming celebration of sibling
friendship. |
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Leah's Voice. Lori DeMonia, illustrated by Monique Turchan, $19.95
Leah's Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs such as autism. Children who have a brother or sister with special needs may find it difficult to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when their friends aren't more understanding. Leah's Voice tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance |
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My Brother Is Autistic. Jennifer Moore-Mallinos,
illustrations by Marta Fàbrega, $10.50 (ages 3-6)
Having a sibling with autism can be hard,
especially at school. Maybe if the other kids knew more about autism
they’d stop teasing Billy and just be nice! |
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My Brother Charlie. Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete, $21.99 (ages 10-14)
Callie is very proud of her twin brother Charlie. He’s so good at so many things — swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog Harriet. Charlie is in many ways just like any other boy — and he has autism. |
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My Brother Otto. Meg Ruby, illustrated by Elisa
Pallmer, $23.99 (ages 3-5)
My Brother Otto is a child-friendly, endearing,
and fun picture book for children about the love, acceptance, and understanding
Piper has for her little brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. The book
provides explanations for Otto’s differences and quirkiness in an
easy-to-understand language, and highlights Otto’s desires for adventure and
love — just like his peers. My Brother Otto is a sweet story about a
sister and a brother who engage in common, everyday experiences in their own
unique way with the idea that kindness and understanding always win! |
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My Holly: a Story of a Brother’s Understanding and
Acceptance. Julie Leavitt Wolfe, $22.95
This is a story about a young boy named Jack, and the
feelings he’s had about his little sister who has special needs. Jack sometimes
feels sad because he wants his mom and dad to play with him, but they are busy
taking Holly to therapy or doctor’s appointments. Jack begins to understand
that his parents also try to make sure he knows he’s important and loved, and
begins to believe, just like his mom, that one day Holly will be able to do
anything she wants! |
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Noah's Garden: When Someone You Love is in the
Hospital. Mo Johnson, illustrated by Annabelle Josse, $19.00
A hospital courtyard garden — and a vivid imagination —
are a haven for a young boy as he waits for his baby sister to be well enough
to join him.
Noah and his family are living in The Children's Hospital
because his new sister, Jessica, was born with a serious medical condition.
Normal family life is suspended indefinitely for Noah, but in the true spirit
of childhood, he spends his days in the hospital garden, creating an imaginary
world, longing for the day when Jess can join him. |
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Nobody’s
Perfect. Marlee Matlin & Doug Cooney, $6.99 (novel, for
ages 9 – 12)
Megan and her school friends have been making big plans for her
birthday party. Then a new girl, Alexis, joins their class. Alexis
is smart, pretty, and rules the soccer games on the playground,
but she resists making new friends and refuses to come to Megan’s
party. While the others think the new girl may just be shy, Megan
fears that Alexis doesn’t like her because she is deaf — because
she’s not perfect. When Megan discovers that Alexis’ little brother
Justin has autism, she realizes that Alexis is embarrassed by him
and afraid of what others will think.
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The Normal One: Life with
a Difficult or Damaged Sibling. Jeanne Safer, $21.00
Psychologist Jeanne Safer, herself the sibling of a special needs
brother, examines the challenges and far-reaching effects on the lives
of children who grow up with difficult or damaged siblings. A sensitive,
personal and compassionate look at the challenges and complex lifelong
issues they face. |
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Rules.
Cynthia Lord, $9.99 (ages 10 to 14)
Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near
impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that
revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach
David the rules-from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple"
to "keep your pants on in public" in order to stop his
embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a
paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished
for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside
down and forces her to ask: What is normal?
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Russell’s
World: a Story for Kids about Autism. Charles Amenta, $13.50
Russell is a boy with autism, a great big smile and family who loves him. Step into Russell’s World with photos and stories, and see what Russell and his family do every day. |
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Same But Different: Teen Life On the Autism Express. Holly
Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete & RJ Peete, $12.99
Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism — or
when your sibling is struggling with the condition — life can be a topsy-turvy
ride. What happens when you come face-to-face with dating, parties, sports,
body changes, school, and kids who just don’t get you? Where do you turn when
your sibling with autism is the butt of jokes, the victim of misunderstood
social cues, and the one everyone thinks is weird?
Through alternating
narratives based on their own lives, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother,
RJ, who has autism, bravely and honestly reveal what it means to be a teen
living with the disorder. With insight and humor, Same But Different explores the many aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues and
feelings nobody talks about. This powerfully rendered, timely book is the only
one of its kind. It paints an important story of hope for teens and families
living with autism — and lets us see that everybody’s unique rhythm is worth
dancing to. |
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The Sandwich Kid:
a Film about Siblings & Disabilities. Created by Keri
Bowers, Featuring Jace King, $36.95 DVD format
The Sandwich Kid gives voice
to siblings of people with disabilities — those who are impacted
by daily living with a brother or sister having a developmental
or other disability. The film is narrated by 12 year old Jace King
who we first met in big brother Taylor Cross’ film, Normal People
Scare Me. Jace uses wit, charm and keen insights in the interviews
he conducts with dozens of “sibs”, ranging in age from 6 to 59.
Along the way, he shares his own struggles and challenges to building
a relationship after years of estrangement with his quirky brother.
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Sibling Stories: Reflections
on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism Spectrum. Lynne
Stern Feiges & Mary Jane Weiss, $29.50
A valuable new resource, not only for siblings, but for parents, professionals
and anyone whose life is touched by autism. |
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The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information
for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities. Edited by Don Meyer
& Emily Holl, $28.50
If you're a teenaged or adult brother or sister of
someone with a disability, then this book is expressly for you. It offers a
sense that you're not alone, tips on how to talk to your parents about plans
for your sibling, and a crash course in guardianship, medical & legal
issues, and government benefits if you're already caring for your sib. Edited
by experts in the field of disabilities and sibling relationships, The
Sibling Survival Guide focuses on the topmost concerns identified in a
survey of hundreds of siblings. The chapter authors — experienced siblings and
service providers — offer practical information and anecdotes about:
- statistics & research about siblings
- younger siblings' feelings
- impact on your life decisions
- caring for multiple generations
- aging and disability
- taking care of yourself
- getting services & advocacy
- future planning
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Siblings: the Autism Spectrum through Our Eyes. Jane
Johnson & Anne van Rensselaer, Editors, $21.95
Growing up with a sibling on the autistic spectrum can be
difficult, and the needs of a child with autism often overwhelm a family,
leaving neuro-typical children feeling overshadowed. In this book, the 'neuro-typical'
siblings get to have their say. They recount the good, the bad, and the
downright annoying in a way that all young people in a similar situation will
immediately recognise. Young siblings of all ages candidly recount how being
'the neuro-typical one' can be tiring, frustrating, and lonely, but equally
rewarding, and every story is injected with wisdom gained by young people who
often have to grow up a lot more quickly than their peers.
This book is essential reading for children and teenagers with a sibling on the
autistic spectrum, and for parents wishing to understand how autism in the
family will affect their neuro-typical child. |
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Sibshops: Workshops
for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, Revised Edition.
Don Meyer & Patricia Vadasy, $48.95
When it comes to organizing workshops
for siblings of children with special health and developmental needs,
the enormously popular Sibshop model has been used in more than
200 communities in eight countries, and the long-awaited revision
of this exemplary guide makes it easier than ever to create and
run successful, cost-effective sibling support group programs.
Sibshop programs provide opportunities
for brothers and sisters of children with special needs to obtain
peer support and education within a highly recreational context.
Organizers and families appreciate that the workshops take a wellness
approach, and the siblings who attend the workshops appreciate that
they're fun and engaging. Highly practical and user-friendly, Sibshops
is filled with straightforward instructions, photocopiable forms,
more than 100 fun games and activities, and sage guidance on how
to start, fund, and run a Sibshop.
Essential for agencies that serve families
of children with disabilities, social workers, parent-to-parent
programs, early intervention programs, developmental disability
councils, child life specialists, and parents, this guidebook offers
an inexpensive and easy-to-implement solution to addressing siblings'
needs in a way everyone can enjoy. |
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Sometimes My
Brother: Helping Kids Understand Autism Through a Sibling’s Eyes.
Angie Healy, $21.50
Three-year-old Foster talks about his older brother, Gavin, who
has autism. Sometimes My Brother shows readers the challenges
the boys face and the obstacles they overcome. Vibrant photographs
bring the reader right into their living room, school and playground.
Foster's innocent approach is perfect for teaching others what autism
is all about, and for letting other siblings of children with autism
know that they are not alone. There is a how-to section at the end
so families can create their own personalized books for sharing
their story with others.
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Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger
Syndrome. Coulter Video Productions, $21.95 DVD format
Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the
Autism Spectrum. Coulter Video Productions, $21.95 DVD
format
These DVDs are designed to help children
of different ages understand and support their siblings on the autism
spectrum. One DVD applies to siblings diagnosed with autism, and
the other applies to siblings diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.
Each DVD contains four programs; three for siblings of different
ages and developmental levels, and one for their parents. The sibling
programs are for children ages 4 to 7; ages 7 to 12 and ages 12
to adult. They explore a range of ways the kids interviewed have
learned to get along with and enjoy their brothers and sisters.
The DVDs also help parents understand the special needs of their
neurotypical children. Overall, the members of 24 families were
interviewed to create these unique videos.
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Views from Our Shoes:
Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs. Donald
Meyer (ed), $22.50 (11 and up)
The boys and girls whose essays are
featured in this collection range in age from four to eighteen. They share
their experiences as the sibling of someone with a disability--the
good and bad aspects, as well as many thoughtful observations. They
are siblings of people with a variety of special needs, including autism,
cerebral palsy, developmental delays, chronic health conditions, attention
deficit disorder, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down syndrome,
and Tourette syndrome. These personal tales introduce siblings to others like
them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences. |
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We’ll Paint the Octopus Red. Stephanie
Stuyve-Bodeen & Pam DeVito, $21.95 (Down syndrome) (ages 3-6)
Emma has big dreams for her new baby brother. But when
she learns that he has Down syndrome, she worries that he won't be able to do
many of the fun things she's imagined they'd do together. This is a reassuring
story for young children as well as parents adjusting to Down syndrome and what
it means for their relationship with their sibling or child. It concludes with
helpful questions and answers for children about Down syndrome. |
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Why Do You
Do That? A Book about Tourette Syndrome for Children and Young People.
Uttom Chowdhury & Mary Robertson, $17.95
Written specifically for siblings, friends and classmates of children
with Tourette Syndrome (TS), Why Do You Do That describes
tics and Tourette's in clear, child-friendly terms and provides
a simple explanation of the biological causes. Other chapters focus
on living with someone who has TS, associated features such as obsessive-compulsive
disorder, ADD/HD and aggression, and what siblings can do to help.
The authors also offer practical tips on how to deal with issues
such as problems at school and bullying.
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Complete
Booklist
Autism in My Family: a Journal for Siblings of Children
with ASD. Sandra Tucker, $25.95
Autism, the Invisible Cord: a Sibling's Diary. Barbara
Cain, $13.50 (novel, ages 12-18)
Autism through a Sister’s Eyes: a Young Girl’s View of
Her Brother’s Autism. E. Band & E. Hecht, $16.95 (ages 10-12)
Because... Someone I Love Has Cancer: a Kids’ Activity
Book. American Cancer Society, $13.95 (ages 6-12)
The Boy Who Said Nonsense. Felizia Sanzari Chernesky, $22.99
Brother: a Story of Autism. Carlton Hudgens, $16.99
(ages 11+) Graphic Novel
Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with
Asperger’s Syndrome. Sam Frender & Dennis Dittrich, $19.95
Brothers and Sisters. Laura Dwight, $11.95
Camp Outlook. Brenda Baker, $11.95 (novel, ages 11-15)
David's World: a Picture Book about Living with Autism.
Dagmar Mueller & Verena Ballhaus, $25.95
Everybody is Different: a Book for Young People Who Have
Brothers or Sisters with Autism. Fiona Bleach, $17.95
Fasten Your Seatbelt: a Crash Course on Down Syndrome for
Brothers and Sisters. Brian Skotko & SusanLevine, $24.50 (ages 12 +)
I Have a Sister, My Sister Is Deaf. Jeanne Whitehouse
Peterson, $8.50 (ages 4-8)
Ian’s Walk: a Story about Autism. Laurie Lears &
Karen Ritz, $9.99 (ages 5-8)
I’m Not Her. Janet Gurder, $11.99 (novel, cancer) (ages
14 +)
Just Because! Rebecca Elliott, $9.99
Leah's Voice. Lori DeMonia, illustrated by Monique
Turchan, $19.95
My Brother Is Autistic. Jennifer Moore-Mallinos,
illustrations by Marta Fàbrega, $10.50 (ages 3-6)
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My Brother Charlie. Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan
Elizabeth Peete, $21.99 (ages 10-14)
My Brother Otto. Meg Ruby, illustrated by Elisa
Pallmer, $23.99 (ages 3-5)
My Holly: a Story of a Brother’s Understanding and
Acceptance. Julie Leavitt Wolfe, $22.95
Noah's Garden: When Someone You Love is in the
Hospital. Mo Johnson, illustrated by Annabelle Josse, $19.00
Nobody’s Perfect. Marlee Matlin & Doug Cooney, $6.99
(novel, ages 9 – 12)
The Normal One: Life with a Difficult or Damaged Sibling.
Jeanne Safer, $21.00
Rules. Cynthia Lord, $9.99 (ages 10-14)
Russell’s World: a Story for Kids about Autism. Charles
Amenta, $13.50 (ages 4-8)
Same But Different: Teen Life On the Autism Express. Holly
Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete & RJ Peete, $12.99
The Sandwich Kid: a Film about Siblings &
Disabilities. Created by Keri Bowers, Featuring Jace King, $36.95 DVD format
Sibling Stories: Reflections on Life with a Brother or
Sister on the Autism Spectrum. Lynn Stern Feiges, Mary Jane Weiss & Sandra
Harris, $29.50
The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for
Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities. Edited by Don Meyer &
Emily Holl, $28.50
Siblings: the Autism Spectrum through Our Eyes. Jane
Johnson & Anne van Rensselaer, Editors, $21.95
Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special
Needs, Revised Edition. Don Meyer & Patricia Vadasy, $48.95
Sometimes My Brother: Helping Kids Understand Autism
through a Sibling’s Eyes. Angie Healy, $21.50
Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger
Syndrome. Coulter Video Productions, $21.95 DVD
Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism
Spectrum. Coulter Video Productions, $21.95 DVD
Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister
with Special Needs. Donald Meyer (ed), $22.50 (ages 11 +)
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red. Stephanie Stuyve-Bodeen
& Pam DeVito, $21.95 (Down syndrome) (ages 3-6)
Why Do You Do That? A Book about Tourette Syndrome for
Children and Young People. Uttom Chowdhury & Mary Robertson, $17.95
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