Children often see, hear, or know things that adults question and dismiss as chance, imagination, or nonsense because they don’t see, hear, or know the same things. But the actual events are quite different, and not acknowledging the event or experience as real, even if it’s just for the child, not only does them a disservice, it’s cruel. Children have real feelings and experiences, just like all of us. The only difference is that they generally don’t have the life experiences, knowledge, or emotional maturity to handle things that are out of the ordinary. So they look to others for help. When they don’t get the help they need, they turn to other kinds of explanations and reassurances to make sure they’re still okay. They are not from outer space; they are not a monster.

Growing up is hard. Many adults think that children should simply know things, saying that it is just common sense. They should know better. They shouldn’t be ridiculous. But really, that’s part of the growing process. We learn what we live, and we live what we learn. Parents have to teach their children how to behave, what emotions are what, how to learn well, and the list goes on. If they don’t get the feedback they need, they are afraid, tend to be more withdrawn, and feel alone in the world.

This book explores just that; the feelings of being alone, scared, insecure, feeling different and sad. In this case, the girl has a gift that she does not understand and she has no one to help her. She looks to the obvious sources for comfort, but because they don’t understand it either, they actually make things worse.

For this child has a faith that rests on what he believes is the last hope. The light in the dark tunnel brings him the understanding he needs and the comfort he longs for.

The author not only shows how this girl felt and how she was able to resolve it despite the lack of support from family and friends, she also provides help to parents who may have a gifted child. The guidelines at the end of the book provide any parent with useful information to guide their child through difficult times so they don’t feel insecure, sad, different, or alone.

It is a wonderful book. Gifted children and parents who don’t understand, and even those without special gifts should read this.