Eye Can Write: A memoir of a child's silent soul emerging

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The first part of the book is written from his mother’s perspective, telling the story of his traumatic birth after a car accident, her battle with medics and schools to allow him access to learning. The remainder is Jonathan’s own reflections of his life. Jonathan's writing has its own mature voice, distinct from his mother’s, with an amazing range of vocabulary, consistent with those who have learnt to read before speaking. His poetry is remarkable and deeply moved me. His eyes were impenetrable mirrors, reflecting nothing but deflecting everything,” suggests a stoic or guarded individual.

This Christmas I found another book which met all these requirements. Eye Can Write by 12-year-old Jonathan Bryan delivers his unique, one-in-a-million story with such warmth, courage, faith and self-deprecating humour that I couldn’t put it down. For instance, “Her oval eyes always had a dreamy look, as if she were perpetually lost in thought” can say a lot about the character’s daydreaming nature or thoughtful demeanor.

In chapter three Jonathan tells us about a beautiful field of long grass, where He was next to Jonathan. They were soaking up the sun and listening to insects. He tells us of that special world being interrupted by medical emergencies and the inevitable questions that followed about Jonathan’s ability to pull through medically. Was Jonathan dying as the beautiful field suddenly became his enemy, but Jesus’ strong and reassuring presence was with Jonathan. Nevertheless, medically speaking, everything was hanging in the balance once again. I was passed this book by a PA/Carer of my son's who knew of Jonathan Bryan from a teacher who knew him. Here, the eyes act almost like a compass, guided by emotion or instinct to find a person in a crowd. 11. Veils and Shields: The Role of Eyelids and Lashes The experience of Jonathan and his mother was strikingly similar to the experience of our wonderful client Sophie. My colleague, Claudia Hillemand, worked with Sophie’s family to secure an adequate educational plan. Claudia has outlined Sophie’s journey here. Faith, family and friends – these three sum up all that is most important to me. Central to my life is my faith in Jesus and knowing that this life is not the end, spending time with others as we journey through the Christian life together is one of the highlights of my week. Enveloped in the love of my family, home is my sanctuary and my joy with my two younger sisters and our dog. At 17 years old my friends and I like very similar things – playing pool, aeroplanes, music and baking. Sharing banter in the corridor at school is also a favourite pastime.

My biggest fear, my biggest regret and my biggest question is why hasn't my son been given the same opportunities, and is it now too late? The luminosity of the eyes can also serve as a narrative device, enhancing the emotional undercurrents of a scene.

12-year-old with cerebral palsy writes acclaimed memoir

Her eyes shifted from a deep blue to an oceanic green when she was lost in thought,” opens up a realm of questions and adds an element of unpredictability to the character. As a mother of a young man with profound medical and complex special needs, a wheelchair user and someone who is pre-verbal ... the one thing that I took away from this book was guilt. The opportunity to enter into the life of a family with a severely disabled child who has renal impairment in addition to cerebral palsy and needed a kidney transplant at the age of three, makes this book obligatory reading for those who work with complex children and families.