Miracles Happen: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey

by Brooke Ellison, Jean Ellison

Brooke Ellison was the victim of an automobile accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down when she was eleven years old. Written with her mother, Jean, her closest companion, Brooke's story starts on the day that changed her life. This inspiring story is not just about one person, but about the heroics of a family.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

261 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2002

Reviews

[Michelle Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Honest. Real. Love how chapters alternate between mother and daughter. A wonderful books. Makes a great gift for Mother’s Day.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad that I embraced the opportunity to read MIRACLES HAPPEN: ONE MOTHER, ONE DAUGHTER, ONE JOURNEY. I am sorry to say, though, that I did not enjoy reading it nearly as much as I had hoped or expected to beforehand. Having said that, though, I did relate to and sympathize with Brooke Ellison and the situation that she faced after that life-changing accident on September 4, 1990. She became acquainted with and lived through an experience that most 11-year-old children can barely fathom. The way that Brooke faced and dealt with the challenges of her life showed a rare and beautiful courage. Likewise, the way in which all the members of her family coped with the new course their lives were taking as a result of Brooke's challenges, needs, and desires ahead showed a love, devotion, and strength that does not exist in most families in modern society. Despite the fact that MIRACLES HAPPEN: ONE MOTHER, ONE DAUGHTER, ONE JOURNEY was not as inspirational a novel as I had originally expected it to be, I admired Brooke and Jean Ellison for following the path that they chose, and I applauded Brooke for refusing to give up on her dreams or reaching her FULL potential simply because she was no longer an able-bodied person. She might have faced adversity throughout her journey from junior high to Harvard University, but I got the feeling that Brooke also received more help, encouragement, and accommodations than special needs children who are living with less serious circumstances.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring book about an 11 year old girl who gets hit by a car and ends up paralyzed from the neck down and the ensuing struggles that follow. Her mother becomes her champion to allow her to be mainstreamed at the local public school and then becomes her live in companion while the daughter attends Harvard. Completely amazing story of family love - told from the perspective of both the mom and daughter in alternating chapters.

[BookeryBliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving book. This story will grip you, move you, inspire and satisfy you. A great family dynamic of strength and devotion that literally jumps off the page and touches your heart. If you're looking for something that is an unforgettable experience and has great meaning, this book is for you.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was inspiring. The girl becomes a quadrapoligic at age 11 after being hit by a car and goes on to become a graduate of Harvard with the help of her mom. I love inspirational biographies and this was one of them!

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book! It was sad, but very inspirational. Brooke's mom is someone to look up to. She sounds so loving and patient. I would love to meet this family!

[Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED !

[Tannon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't hear of this family before so it was all new and very fascinating. It was well written and clear to follow.

[Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good book! It displayed, carriage, resilience, love, and unselfishness. it was encouraging and heartwarming

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about a very inspiring girl, who defeated the odds and survived being hit by a car, grew up, went to high school, and graduated from Harvard University. But she didn't do it alone. She did it with her mother. Reading this book showed me how strong a mother daughter relationship could be. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an inspiring story.

[Amy Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. I’m inspired as well as humbled. We all have life for a very short amount of time. We all have our challenges to face, some more difficult than others. There is so much hope and love within these pages. Truly an inspirational read.