The Spark

'The Spark describes in glowing terms the profound intensity with which a mother can love her child' Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree

'Extraordinary. A story of triumph against the odds and it's one that [Kristine] Barnett insists other parents can learn from' Sunday Times

Kristine Barnett's son Jacob has an IQ higher than Einstein and a photographic memory. At nine he developed an original theory in astrophysics that may earn a Nobel Prize. But Jake's story is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism.

When the experts wanted to restrict his behaviour - staring at shadows on the wall, stars, patterns - Jake withdrew into his own world. But against all the advice, Kristine decided to follow Jacob's passions - his 'spark'. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined.

Dramatic and inspiring, The Spark is about the power of love and what can happen when we tap the true potential that lies within every child.

'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

'Every parent and teacher should read this fabulous book!' Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and co-author of The Autistic Brain

'Astonishing, remarkable' Mail on Sunday

'Amazing, compulsive reading. Barnett not only fights heroically on Jake's behalf, she also beats down every other obstacle that life hurls at her and her family' Washington Post