The Boy in the Window

The Boy in the Window: A Journey Through an Unexpected Tragedy
Barbara Coppo
Morgan and James Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-60037-265-0
Nonfiction, Memoir
Reviewed by Mona Lisa Safai

In the poignant memoir The Boy in the Window: A Journey through an Unexpected Tragedy, Barbara Coppo takes her audience on a, sometimes painful, yet always purposeful struggle to care for her son, Kenny. Her memoir is the story of his life from beginning to present and the many detours, obstacles, and battles Kenny’s parents had to fight to find sufficient care for him.
In 1979, when he was 19 months old, Kenny was vaccinated with the D.P.T. shot like almost all children at that age. However, the vaccine was defective. Unbeknownst to his parents, of course and many others like them, the vaccine caused problems which manifested later. In Kenny, the result was autism and seizure disorder. His language was impaired to almost nothing and his behavior became uncontrollable.
Through the following years, his parents set out to find appropriate schooling for Kenny. They were faced with inadequate programs, transient aides, and left exhausted in their struggle to care for Kenny. Although, they were discouraged, they believed their son was intelligent and hoped their son would improve with the proper therapy in time.
This is a story of immeasurable love for a child, faith, and endurance. The Coppo’s tragedy, although difficult to truly comprehend until faced personally, is painful and the Coppos’ courageously undertake what many only fear may happen to their families. Their strength comes from caring for Kenny and hoping for a better future. They see beyond the imperfections and move forward. Her book serves as an inspiration for all parents.