Additional information
by Kristine Barnett (Author)
Kristine Barnett's son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein's, a photographic memory, and he taught himself calculus in two weeks. At nine he started working on an original theory in astrophysics that experts believe may someday put him in line for a Nobel Prize, and at age twelve he became a paid researcher in quantum physics. But the story of Kristine's journey with Jake is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism. At age two, when Jake was diagnosed, Kristine was told he might never be able to tie his own shoes.
The Spark is a remarkable memoir of mother and son. Surrounded by "experts" at home and in special ed who tried to focus on Jake's most basic skills and curtail his distracting interests--moving shadows on the wall, stars, plaid patterns on sofa fabric--Jake made no progress, withdrew more and more into his own world, and eventually stopped talking completely. Kristine knew in her heart that she had to make a change. Against the advice of her husband, Michael, and the developmental specialists, Kristine followed her instincts, pulled Jake out of special ed, and began preparing him for mainstream kindergarten on her own.
" An] amazing memoir . . . compulsive reading."--The Washington Post
"The Spark is about the transformative power of unconditional love. If you have a child who's 'different'--and who doesn't?--you won't be able to put it down."--Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind "Love, illness, faith, tragedy and triumph--it's all here. . . . Jake Barnett's story contains wisdom for every parent."--Newsday
"This eloquent memoir about an extraordinary boy and a resilient and remarkable mother will be of interest to every parent and/or educator hoping to nurture a child's authentic 'spark.'"--Publishers Weekly
"Compelling . . . Jake is unusual, but so is his superhuman mom."--Booklist "The Spark describes in glowing terms the profound intensity with which a mother can love her child."--Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree "Every parent and teacher should read this fabulous book "--Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and co-author of The Autistic Brain
Author Biography
Kristine Barnett lives in Canada with her husband, Michael, and their three boys, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan. She is a public speaker on alternative education for children with autism.
