A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons from a Man Who Believed in an Autistic Boy

by Jim Johnson, Mike Latona, Billy Donovan

On February 15, 2006, an autistic high student stunned the world when he entered a basketball game in the dying minutes and proceeded to shoot the lights out. CBS, ESPN, CNN and major news outlets around the world picked up the story, the YouTube video got millions of hits, and the world was fascinated with everything to do with Jason McElwain (J-Mac). But the story began long before he took the court that night at Greece Athena High School in Rochester, New York. This is the story of an incredible relationship between a high school student and his basketball coach. Coach Jim Johnson s sense of compassion led him to give an autistic, learning disabled team manager a once-in-a-lifetime chance -- and how that boy seized the opportunity in such a stupendous way will not be forgotten anytime soon. This is a story about an event that the coach rates as a genuine, modern-day miracle. It is an important book for sports fans and for people who need to believe that miracles can still happen. It also reinforces the value of applying passion, goal-setting, perseverance and teamwork to any of life s endeavors.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2011

About the author

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely magnificent and inspirational

I was made aware of this author on the Writer's Edge with McKensie Stewart's radio show. I am so honored that the author request that I read this title. This is a very inspirational and heartfelt story that gives a wonderful backstory to the viral youtube video of the autistic boy who played basketball and saved the game. It's a story that shares the relationship of the coach and the Jason McElwain. It's a well-written story that tugs on the heart strings of the readers, and it brings to light the accomplishments of J-Mac. It's an amazing story that should be shared.

[John VanDusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of doing what's right even when it's not popular. I had the honor of talking with Coach Johnson and am thankful for his story.

[Vicki Kolbinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

First part 5; second part 3

[Brian Tashima · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Coach and a Miracle is an amazing story about a boy on the autism spectrum that is made even more incredible by the fact that it’s a real-life tale. Jason McElwain — or “J-Mac,” as he comes to be known — is an autistic teenager whose passion is basketball. One night, his coach, Jim Johnson, gives him the opportunity to get into a game, and the result is a performance that becomes a worldwide phenomenon.

As a parent of a young man on the spectrum and an advocate for autism awareness, I enjoyed how this book portrayed J-Mac’s autism in a positive light while still acknowledging the challenges that he faces. I especially liked a part that talks about how J-Mac’s autism may have actually served to enhance his shooting skills, because of the particular focus and visualization ability that his “condition” affords him.

Even if you have no interest in basketball or any connection to someone on the spectrum, the inspiring and uplifting messages contained in A Coach and a Miracle are applicable to everyone. Highly recommended.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to author Mike Latona for finally being able to get this story told!