Long ago, her parents and Holden's parents were good friends, and she and Holden played together until his diagnosis of autism, at which time Lauren's mother distanced herself from the friendship. Lauren Reynolds notices and takes an interest in him, learning about autism and eventually helping Holden win a spot in the school play.Īt the same time Lauren makes a dramatic discovery.

Then one day the head cheerleader and star of the high school drama production is rehearsing when Holden stops and listens, clearly drawn to the music. At school he is bullied by kids who do not understand that despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal on the inside, where he lives in a private world all his own. Includes a reading group guide and a letter to readers from the author.Holden Harris, 18, is locked in a prison of autism where he's been since he was a happy, boisterous three-year-old. This contemporary, inspirational read is a standalone novel. But will Holden's praying mother, Ella, and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs. Including her boyfriend, Jake.Įlla believes miracles can happen in the most unlikely places and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Then Ella makes a dramatic discovery-she and Holden were best friends as children. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. Every day he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.Įlla Reynolds is part of the in-crowd. But Holden is an eighteen-year-old with autism. Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury reminds us that before you take a stand, you've got to take a chance.ĭespite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden Harris is very happy and socially engaged-on the inside, in a private world all his own.

Karen kingsbury autism