"A truly heart warming and searingly honest chronicle of a mother’s love and support for a son born with severe disabilities. A completely inspirational story of hope"
Jessica Moxham thought that she had thoroughly prepared for the birth of her baby, with antenatal classes, books on parenting and advice from family and friends. But when Ben was born fighting to stay alive, Jessica knew that she was facing a very different reality from that which she had expected.
Subtitled What I Learned from my Disabled Son, Moxham documents each and every stage of what it means, and what is required, to be the parent of a child who will never be able to communicate or move without assistance.
From feeding Ben when he can’t eat, to dealing with the labyrinthine red tape and administration required to access the services and support she needs, her deeply moving account faces down the issues of discrimination and Ben’s rights with candour and open-hearted understanding of the world that she is bringing Ben up in.
In essence Jessica Moxham has written an extended love letter her son and a rousing call for tolerance and understanding in our views of disability and difference; what it means and how our reactions to it speaks of us as people and as a nation.
In her unflinching and hugely uplifting account, Moxham reminds us all of the strength and commitment that parenting requires, the power of family and undying love, and offers solace and hope to all who face obstacles in bringing up a child. It is at once heart-achingly beautiful and heart-warmingly hopeful. ~ Paul Blezard
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| Primary Genre | Books for Teachers |
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Jessica thought she was prepared for the experience of motherhood. Armed with advice from friends and family, parenting books and antenatal classes, she felt ready. After giving birth, she found herself facing a different, more uncertain reality.
Her son, Ben, was fighting to stay alive.
Jessica shares her journey raising Ben. His disability means he will never be able to move or communicate without assistance. Jessica has to learn how to feed Ben when he can't eat, wrestle with red tape to secure his education and defend his basic rights in the face of discrimination.
But the act of reading to Ben enriches both their lives and brings them joy. As Ben begins to thrive, alongside his two younger siblings, Jessica finds that caring for a child with unique needs teaches her about appreciating difference and doing things your own way. This uplifting story is about the power of family love, finding inner strength and, above all, hope.
The Cracks that Let the Light In features in the following genres: Books for Teachers, Recommendations, Parenting Books, PSHE: Special educational needs and disability (SEND), Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational
The Cracks that Let the Light In is available in Paperback
The Cracks that Let the Light In was written by Jessica Moxham and published by Endeavour an imprint of Octopus Publishing Group
The Cracks that Let the Light In has 288 pages
£11.69
