I Am in Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and an autistic daughter who refuse to give up hope, who celebrate their victories, and who keep moving 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.

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.

Elizabeth M. Bonker is a thirteen-year-old young lady with autism who cannot yet speak, but who writes deeply revealing poetry, which was featured on PBS's Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. She excels in mainstream public school with an educational aide.

Virginia G. Breen is the mother of three beautiful children, two of whom are profoundly affected by autism. Besides working to heal her children, Virginia is a venture capitalist investing in high-tech companies, and she sits on both corporate and nonprofit boards. Previously she studied computer science at Harvard, business at Columbia, and eastern philosophies in Singapore. She now studies relentlessly at the School of Autism.

Elizabeth and Virginia live in northern New Jersey.

Thirteen-year-old Bonker has autism, cannot speak, and yet writes poetry to express her keen intellect and sense of humor. She is quite expressive and completely aware of her surroundings (and how people react to her), as her writing reveals. Throughout her story, Bonker’s mother, Breen, tells what it’s like for Elizabeth and another child, Charles, who also has autism, to live the fullest lives they can with their condition. Engaging, heartwarming (and heartbreaking), this mother/daughter writing team completely captures the struggles and the triumphs of living, with grit and grace, beyond a diagnosis. Readers will find themselves up close and personal, getting lots of questions answered about autism in general and how this mysterious condition changes lives every day. Bonker’s courageous spirit is contagious and will leave readers hoping and praying for a cure to come soon. (Oct.) Copyright 2011 Reed Business Information.

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