When Charley Met Emma
Written by Amy Webb
Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard
Beaming Books, 2019, 32 pp (unpaged)
ISBN: 9781506448725

Beginning with the cover, this story demonstrates how some members of our community are often overlooked or marginalized, especially those with visible physical disabilities. Many stories depict someone in a wheelchair in the pictures or as a background character but rarely does a story engage with the topic of visible disabilities. This story begins with Charley who likes to do many things, both alone and with friends. Sometimes he is made fun of by his friends because he enjoys spending time alone. A phrase that his mother taught him helps him handle those situations. “Different isn’t weird, sad, bad, or strange. Different is different. And different is OK!” He sees a girl at the playground who looks different and many thoughts go through his head that are unkind and show a lack of understanding. The words that come out of his mouth are not kind but his mother tries to teach him that his words are hurtful. He gets to know Emma and realizes they have a lot in common, including a love of drawing. Charley draws with his hands and Emma draws and writes with her feet because she does not have hands. When it is time to part ways, Charley tells his mom that he had a great time making a new friend. They have their differences but they also are the same.

Written by a mother whose daughter has a condition similar to that of Emma, the authentic experience of the author makes the book ring true, describing the ways children with and without disabilities interact. The story demonstrates practical ways of interacting with children with disabilities and treating them with kindness. This story introduces readers to situations where individuals might have the same initial thoughts as Charley, and say things that are hurtful because they don’t know better. People might not know what to say that would be appropriate or how to handle an initial interaction with someone with physical differences who does not want to be treated differently than anyone else. This story helps readers recognize that thoughts like Charley’s are normal and figure out how to move forward past those thoughts in a compassionate and inclusive way. When we can see past the physical differences, we realize that we are the same in so many ways. Differences aren’t sad, bad, or strange. Different is different and that is okay.

I was introduced to this story by the mother of an amazing child who was born with Apert Syndrome which causes deformities of the skull, hands, and feet. She is constantly concerned about how people will treat her child when they first see him. She has read this book at his school to help classmates understand how to interact with her son. Once they get to know him, they realize how thoughtful, vibrant, caring, and funny he is and how he loves to play and have fun just like other children. This book can help create acceptance and care for children with disabilities so they are loved as the wonderful people they are and supported in the positive impact they can have on their community and society.

The illustrations fit the clear message of the book. They are rendered with minimal muted colors which allow the reader to focus on the expressions on Charley and Emma’s faces. The sparse pen and ink drawings convey the emotional journey Charley goes through in meeting Emma, learning about her disability, and becoming her friend. At the end of the book, there is a guide included for parents and caregivers. It gives examples of how to foster friendships with children of all different abilities by educating and teaching, reinforcing kindness, finding common ground, and emphasizing different abilities.

Winner of the 2019 Forward INDIES bronze medal, this book also has several sequels. In Awesomely Emma (2020), Emma stands up for herself and helps to teach advocacy for others. In Emma’s Awesome Summer Camp Adventure (2024), Emma attends her first accessible camp where children of all abilities can thrive. Both books emphasize the need for understanding and inclusion for all.

Several titles are natural book pairs. In the same way that Emma is saddened by the initial misunderstandings and reactions of Charley, Auggie in We’re All Wonders (R. J. Palacio, 2017) is saddened by the reactions of others when they point or laugh or say mean things. As the story progresses, he shows that he likes and does the same things other children do, but sometimes people only see how he is different. Auggie imagines a world where people can change the way they see each other and look with kindness. In It’s Okay to be Different (Todd Parr, 2001) differences are shown in a colorful and abstract way, demonstrating that it is okay to be different from others in so many ways. Parr explains that each person is important and special because of who each is. A final book pair reflects the way Charley and Emma realize how they are alike and so differences move into the background of their friendship. What Happened to You? (James Catchpole and Karen George, 2023) demonstrates the same kind of emotional bonding when Joe, who is missing a leg, responds to the many questions of curious children with “Do you need to know?” They realize that playing together is more important than answering repeated questions about Joe’s missing limb. These books not only help children see that we need to treat everyone with love and kindness whatever their abilities or disabilities, but also help those who feel different to know that differences make them unique and special.

Amy Webb is a mother of three daughters, one of whom has special needs. Amy advocates for special needs children through her blogs, books, and interviews. In addition to being an author and mother, she is an artist and lives in Ohio. More information and links to her blogs can be found on her website.

Merrilee Liddiard draws the illustrations to beautifully demonstrate the simple and playful interactions among children. She was raised in a home filled with creativity and loves creating things with children in mind, especially dolls. She loves to travel, visit museums, read, and do things for her three children. More information about her creative projects can be found on her website.

Angela Carlile, Bellville, Texas

© 2024 by Angela Carlile