I Am in Here: The Journey of a Child with Autism Who Cannot Speak but Finds Her Voice [Hardcover]

Elizabeth M. Bonker (Author), Virginia G. Breen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Me

I sometimes fear
That people cannot understand
That I hear.
And I know
That they don't believe I go
To every extreme
To try to express
My need to talk.
If only they could walk
In my shoes
They would share my news:
I am in here.
And trying to speak every day
In some kind of way.


Though she cannot speak, Elizabeth Bonker writes poetry that shines a light on the hidden inner world of autism and the world around us. 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 moving forward despite the obstacles. Elizabeth's 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--with hope.

From the Back Cover

"I Am in Here is at once heartbreaking and powerfully inspirational. Elizabeth and Virginia together find their way down the mystifying corridors of autism and arrive in a place of communication through poignant and memorable poetry. It is a lesson in life, love, determination, and awe."--Tom Brokaw, NBC News

"A powerful reminder that we all face battles in life, and together we can triumph. Elizabeth's story will inspire you to be victorious in your own battle, whatever it may be."--Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmentalist and founder of Waterkeeper Alliance; author of Crimes Against Nature and Saint Francis of Assisi

"Elizabeth's beautiful poetry clearly shows that some individuals with autism who appear to be low-functioning have real abilities. Elizabeth's first words when she was able to type were 'Agony. I need to talk.'"--Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author

"Simply astonishing! Together mother and daughter walk through the bewildering maze of autism and end up producing a heartrending and wonder-filled story. Get this book."--Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and Streams of Living Water

"Many people underestimate the capacity for learning and growing in children with autism. Elizabeth was determined to communicate and express what she held deep inside. And Virginia never lost hope that her daughter would one day find her voice."--Suzanne Wright, cofounder of Autism Speaks

"Elizabeth is a true inspiration, and her beautiful poetry allows her to share her message so people notice her for who she is and not what people expect her to be."--Jenny McCarthy, president of Generation Rescue and New York Times bestselling author

"A brilliant look inside a brilliant child whose illuminating story will entertain and inform all of us who seek to grasp the dimensions of human intelligence and perseverance."--Sidney M. Baker, MD, founder of Autism360.org and Defeat Autism Now!

"A brilliant reminder that through our work we have the privilege of seeing some of the most profound examples of courage, determination, and the depth of human potential."--Dr. Theodosia Paclawskyj, PhD, BCBA, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800720717
• ISBN-13: 978-0800720711
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 50 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing November 21, 2011

By Sophie_2002

Format:Hardcover

I have two sons (one autistic, one neuro-typical) and understand what it is like to parent a child like Elizabeth. Ms. Breen is amazing in that she has maximized the potential of her two autistic children, provided a stable and loving environment for her neuro-typical child, and managed to hang on to her VC job and multiple directorships. I am not sure about her marriage as the husband gets almost no mention.
This is what I liked about the book. (My perspective is affected by reading about 50+ books and blogs about parenting autistic children). 1. The main point - nonverbal child gets a voice is inspiring for many parents. The depth of Elizabeth's poetry demonstrates how much unrecognized (and often unrealized) potential autistic kids have. 2. The account of navigating through the school system is useful as well. 3. It shows that access to resources (good school system and personal funds to hire aides, fund ABA, Soma's camp, etc.) makes an enormous difference in autistic kids' outcomes. 4. It validates the effectiveness of Soma's method by showing a reasonable outcome. (All those books telling you that ABA and GFCF diet cured kids of autism in 6-12 months are an insult to the parents with more severely affected children. )
This is what I found disappointing. 1. At times, the book is more about the mother than the child. I understand Ms. Breen's need to make her good deeds known to the world, but I bought the book to learn about Elizabeth, not her. That said, I would've liked to see more details about Elizabeth's progress, the mechanics of using the letterboard in the classroom, or even Ms. Breen's honest account of professional and marital challenges as I am sure one of those areas, if not both, had to take a hit.
In summary, the book is mis-marketed: it is sold as Elizabeth's story, but padded very heavily with Ms. Breen's adventures and loosely related stories about `how people' with much of it done in a very religious/Christian tone. Two stars.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Am in Here is inspiring October 17, 2011

By Elena Mastroianni

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I rated this book 5 stars. I read it on my Kindle. I found it profoundly moving and bought the hard cover book. Every educator, every board of education, every student from 7 th grade on up, and parents of autistic children NEED to read this book. It is inspiring, heart breaking, hopeful and a testament to the will of the children and parents who do not give up, but fight every day to find the key to unlock the door to autism. It should be a gift from every Board of Education to every teacher and administrator in every school district. I Am in Here

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Journey of Hope October 12, 2011

By Sean M. Coleman

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful book for anyone who is looking for a reason to hang on to their hope. Virginia Breen recounts her amazing journey to rescue her 13 year-old daughter Elizabeth from the tar grip of autism. The centerpiece of the book is Elizabeth's beautiful poetry. Elizabeth, who does not speak, communicates nonetheless through poetry that is both insighful and profound. Framing Elizabeth's poetry are her mother Ginnie's penetrating and often heartbreaking insights into the faith, love, hope and courage that it takes to keep fighting their battle every day.

This book is wise, funny, harrowing, practical, and, most of all, inspiring. I believe that anyone who is figthing an overwhelming battle in their lives - whether it's autism or any other physical or emotional struggle - will find this book to be a useful companion on their jouney.