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.
Relying on the insights she developed at the daycare center she runs out of the garage in her home, Kristine resolved to follow Jacob’s “spark”—his passionate interests. Why concentrate on what he couldn’t do? Why not focus on what he could? This basic philosophy, along with her belief in the power of ordinary childhood experiences (softball, picnics, s’mores around the campfire) and the importance of play, helped Kristine overcome huge odds.
The Barnetts were not wealthy people, and in addition to financial hardship, Kristine herself faced serious health issues. But through hard work and determination on behalf of Jake and his two younger brothers, as well as an undying faith in their community, friends, and family, Kristine and Michael prevailed. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined.
Dramatic, inspiring, and transformative, The Spark is about the power of love and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles, and the dazzling possibilities that can occur when we learn how to tap the true potential that lies within every child, and in all of us.
Praise for The Spark
“[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
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Kristine Barnett has written a very honest, intimate and engaging memoir of the struggles, achievements and lessons she had experienced raising her autistic son. She recounts all the difficulties: from not understanding why her baby was so different to trying to find the best care and education for him, from struggling financially to dealing with the strains on her marriage. At the same time, she also traces the incredible achievements and milestones that came with each obstacle overcome or each mistake made. She learned to listen to her gut instincts as a mother, and to trust that no one knew her child better than she did. Because of that, she was able to help her son defy all odds and accomplish things no one – not even her husband – believed he could accomplish. Their story is remarkable and inspiring, and while my child isn’t autistic, I learned how to be a better mother through reading Ms. Barnett’s story.
awesome true story about a Mom that saved her child despite the wrong messages and zero help from the modern educational system.
This book opened my eyes to the world of raising children, especially autistic ones. I have been recommending this to others.
What an interesting and unique story. Shows the depths of a mother’s love and devotion to her child.
Jacob was portrayed as anyone’s little boy with a special talent, though difficult to understand. I was thrilled that Mom recognized his need to explore and encouraged physical activity as an avenue to create friendships. So often adults think they have to be the teachers, but adults can learn so much from the children, too. Very enjoyable read.
Fascinating
This book is amazing and I just can’t tell you how over the top inspirational it is! Well worth the read!
True and very inspirational story.
This book was very informative on autism. This mother went with her gut for an incredible outcome. A must read for anyone!
Great mother’s story of raising a child with autism who is also a genius. Enjoyed her descriptions of mothers instincts and how correct she was to follow them to guide her son to help him achieve his best life. Would recommend this book for any parent, especially new ones, because of the idea of listening to your gut and realize that we must do all we can to nurture our children’s innate skills and interests.
Amazing true story of a mother teaching her child with autism and helping other parents.
I thought that anyone reading this book had to admire the courage and fortitude that this mother had to deal with and explore all the treatment options that she used while she raised her son who had autism.
Fantastic book! Every teacher in the world should read The Spark, as well as parents of children with any kind of problems. Never give up! There is hope at the end of the tunnel! Very inspiring!
I loved this book. The author was amazing and so perceptive. This book will give much needed hope to many dealing with artistic children. It was such an easy read and so informational I couldn’t put it down.
A wonderful book that should make us all feel how lucky we are. Survival of a family in the face of dramatic issues. And, she writes well. A must read.
I have taught kids with autism, so I could relate to some of the events that happened in the story. I thought the mother in this book was amazing! How she went day to day with all the things she, did blew me away. Her passion for the special needs kids she worked with was incredible! If you desire to learn more about autism, and a fearless and devoted mother, then this is a book for you!
A great book which was full of information in a fun way. should be read by all parents. Judy
I loved this book all people in education should read this,and maybe they would see their is more than one way to skin a cat
My daughters are new parents and I gave them each a copy, not to have them read about a super mom but how important it is to advocate for your children.
We don’t always recognize an exceptional child (or adult) who doesn’t fit the cookie cutter ideal in behavior and learning style. This is the story of a family that set out to reach an autistic genius child they felt was slipping through the proverbial crack.
All the evaluations suggested he was unable to learn and slowed down the teaching programs as he slipped farther into his own world.
His mother spent time, a lot of time with him, exposing him to nature, star lit evenings and other children til she saw interest dawn and recognized his “spark”
As he began to come out of his shell, other desperate families facing the same experience with their autistic children came to her for help.
This is the story of many children reached through her personal efforts and innovative ideas that the programs in their schools were missing.