Unlocked

Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Zondervan

Condition: new
Format: softcover
Pages: 323
Publication date: 2010

Holden Harris, 18, is locked in a prison of autism where he's been since he was a happy, boisterous three-year-old. At school he is bullied by kids who do not understand that despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviours, Holden is very happy and socially normal on the inside, where he lives in a private world all his own. Then one day the head cheerleader and star of the high school drama production is rehearsing when Holden stops and listens, clearly drawn to the music. Lauren Reynolds notices and takes an interest in him, learning about autism and eventually helping Holden win a spot in the school play. When a tragedy takes place at the high school Lauren takes a public stand against the way the more popular privileged kids treat those who are different. As her friendship with Holden grows, miracles start happening around him. Broken relationships are healed and the greatest miracle is the change in Holden himself while everyone is stunned by the transformation they witness. Ultimately, the community comes to understand that many people walk around in a personal prison and that only by love and faith can the doors become unlocked, the way they dramatically do for Holden Harris.