LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
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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The Cracks that Let the Light In Synopsis
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.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781913068417 |
| Publication date: |
14th July 2022 |
| Author: |
Jessica Moxham |
| Publisher: |
Endeavour an imprint of Octopus Publishing Group |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
288 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Books for Teachers
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| Other Genres: |
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Press Reviews
Jessica Moxham Press Reviews
'A powerful, moving and inspiring story - it opens up a whole new world of understanding.' - Esther Freud
'This is wonderful. I urge you to read it. It is life enhancing and I defy you not to fall in love with Ben!' - Natasha Poliszczuk, Books Editor, YOU Magazine
'An honest and unflinching account of Jessica's journey as the mother of a child born with complex needs. Essential reading... and a source of solace for those who may find themselves on a similar path.' - Leah Hazard, author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story
'Jessica's beautiful words gave me a deeper understanding about embracing disability. I am inspired and will be recommending this book to parents as a testament to following your parenting instincts.' - Arabella Carter-Johnson, author of Iris Grace
'A gripping and vital insight into the lives of families trying to thrive in bureaucratic systems that all too often add to the challenges of providing disabled children with basic care and human rights. Impossible to put down.' - Hannah Barham-Brown, deputy leader of the Women's Equality Party
'Rooted in love and is a moving story about the transformative power of adapting, practically and emotionally to changing circumstances. As a disabled adult, it was a joy to join the parent of a disabled child as they embrace Disability Culture and allyship.' - Jess Thom, Touretteshero
'A courageous, heartrending story of grief, love and ultimately hope.' - The Sun, 5 star review
Author
About Jessica Moxham
Jessica Moxham is a writer with interest in the areas of parenting and disability. Her eldest son, Ben, is severely disabled, and she writes a blog discussing how she and her family support him with - and learn from - his disability. Her blog is read by parents, health professionals and educators, among others. Jessica has given lectures to health professionals on her family's experience, from students to more than 100 doctors at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. She has been interviewed on BBC R4 Woman's Hour, R5 Live, Times Radio and Talk Radio Badass. Her work has appeared in Mail on Sunday's You Magazine, Good Housekeeping, the Guardian, the Scottish Herald and Irish Independent. Jessica is also a qualified architect and has worked in London and the Middle East. She now lives in London with her husband and three children, in the house she redesigned to suit Ben. Check her out on Instagram @jessmoxham
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