Being Charley

5-Star Review from Readers' Favorite: 


One spring morning Mama Goose started laying her eggs. She sat on her five eggs for twenty-eight days and Father Goose protected the nest when she went to eat or take a walk. Once the eggs hatched, Mama Goose took her goslings to the pond to learn to swim. All of them jumped into the water except one who felt the water was too cold on his webbed feet. Mama Goose named him Charley and he was different from the other four goslings. Charley had autism. Mama Goose noticed Charley's differences and asked Gus to watch over him while teaching the other goslings how to honk. Charley worked hard to honk like his brothers and sisters. The same thing happened while teaching the goslings how to fly. Charley did not want to leave his home to practice flying. Charley found new friends with whom he was comfortable. His family flock told Charley they would be back to visit him every spring and fall when they migrated and Charley knew his family would always be a part of his life.



Being Charley: Embracing Differences by Dr. Morghan Bosch and Dr. Karen Bosch is a beautiful story about a Canada goose who is different and it conveys the messages of understanding and accepting differences. The author's concept makes autism understandable for young readers with Leyla Caralivanos' wonderful illustrations that give life to the story. It is a good book to help children understand the importance of accepting others for what they are and teaching them understanding and awareness in a good way. The Discussion Questions at the end of the book make it a perfect storybook to use in classrooms and school clubs for interactive sessions to discuss Charley, the story, and its themes. 



Charley invites the reader into his world of autism. Charley sighs,” Being different is not easy!’’ Charley’s siblings like to swim, but the water can be so cold. Honking is loud and hurts Charley’s ears. Flying is fun but Charley prefers to do it upside down because the sun is so bright.  Being Charley: Embracing Differences is a story about Charley, a goose, who has autism. The authors' goal in writing the story is for readers to embrace the uniqueness of individual differences. The story has a theme: Together, we can be different and still belong.  This heartwarming and powerful book breeches many important topics such as acceptance, friendships, kindness,  family, inclusion, and diversity. 


“Charleys” are often misunderstood. These authors captured the real struggles of an autistic child such as their sensitivity to noise; adjusting to change in surroundings and making friends and learning how to develop friendships. 

 

-Dr. Linda Scott, Teacher, principal and school administrator

 This book is a lovely example of how, in today’s current state of affairs, it is so important for each of us to recognize our individual differences and the unique gifts we have to offer.  I hope we never forget to take time to learn from those around us. 

 - Jan Garner, Director of special education 

 Thank you for writing this book and bringing hope to so many families who have their own version of Charley at home. In a day and age where the focus of “special needs” is frequently on the deficits and difficulties, this book celebrates the strengths and passions of a special little goose.  His love for the night sky establishes a passion for the unique patterns he sees in the stars.  His ingenuity and creativity lead him to find an unconventional and innovative way to fly to avoid the sun’s bright glare.  Although he may be a little different from his peers, he eventually finds his perfect place in the world. Ultimately, Charley finds that which we all want for our own children – happiness. 

 

-Meghan Roberson, MSEd, SLP/CCC, BCBA-LBA board certified behavior analyst, speech-language pathologist


Being Charley:  Embracing Differences is a delightful tale that reminds us we are all unique, and our value in life is not measured by our abilities.  Charley is different- not less.  My youngest child, Maxwell, like Charley, has autism. He, too, does not like it if it is too noisy, scratchy, or bright.  He, too, has a big brother and sister that adore him ad also get agitated with him at times. He, too, has a family that will always care for him whether near or far. 

 

-Susan Maxwell Bane, MD, PhD.