She looked into my eyes and blinked hers slowly and deliberately, like a stroke victim, to show me that although she couldn't speak, she understood what I was saying to her. I stroked her hair softly. 'I know you're in there, honey,' I told her. 'We'll get you out.'" Despite the horror of seeing fifteen-month-old Elizabeth slip away into autism, her mother knew that her bright little girl was still in there. When Elizabeth eventually learned to communicate, first by using a letterboard and later by typing, the poetry she wrote became proof of a glorious, life-affirming victory for this young girl and her family. I Am in Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and daughter who refuse to give up hope, who celebrate their victories, and who keep trying to move forward despite the obstacles. Although she cannot speak, Elizabeth writes poetry that shines a light on the inner world of autism and the world around us. That poetry and her mother's stirring storytelling combine in this inspirational book to proclaim that there is always a reason to take the next step forward--with hope.
About the AuthorElizabeth M. Bonker is a teen with autism who cannot speak but who writes deeply revealing poetry, which was featured on PBS's
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly.
Virginia G. Breen is the mother of three children, two of whom are profoundly affected by autism. She has spread Elizabeth's message of hope on television with PBS, Fox News, and
The 700 Club, and through a TEDMED talk at the Kennedy Center.
Visit www.iaminherebook.com for more.
Book InformationISBN 9780800723330
Author Elizabeth M. BonkerFormat Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Revell, a division of Baker Publishing GroupPublisher Baker Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 347g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 140mm * 15mm