Now I See the Moon

The New York Times references Elaine Hall as “The Child Whisperer." Her profound bond with children has been the defining force of her life and has led her to the successive miracles she documents with grace, humor and heart in her memoir: Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle.

Elaine was an A-list Hollywood acting coach for children when she learned that she could not have biological children. She adopted a beautiful two year old boy from Russia, who was subsequently diagnosed with severe autism. Refusing to heed the admonitions to “send him back” she used her professional knowledge and wisdom garnered from leading, humanistic authorities on autism to guide him through the inspiring, miraculous journey that has made him the happy, increasingly independent teenager that he is now.

Drawing on that experience, she went on to create The Miracle Project, through which she took on the seemingly impossible task of engaging children on the autistic spectrum to create and perform an original musical. Sparked by her conviction that involvement in the performing arts has the power to transform, her program has been a triumph, the subject of the award winning HBO documentary, and a miracle shared by all who witness it or participate in it. Elaine Hall believes in miracles, and so will anyone who reads her personal account of how faith, persistence and love can bring them into being. The title of the book comes from an ancient Chinese Proverb: My barn burned down, but now I can see the moon.

Advance Praise

“Now I See the Moon provides insightful ways to teach and work with individuals with autism and severe disabilities. It will give parents great hope.”

— Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures

“Both inspirational and realistic, Now I See the Moon shows how real progress can be made in the life of a child. So many of Elaine’s experiences reminded me of my own family’s struggle, as we search to find answers that will bring us closer to solving the mysteries of autism.”

— Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks

“Now I See the Moon is a riveting and miraculous ride. Elaine Hall weaves her incredible story in a gutsy, inspirational, painful, hilarious, but always honest manner...overflowing with moments that realistically convey the agony of autism, as well as the gifts autism brings.”

— Barry M. Prizant, Director, Childhood Communication Services

“Elaine Hall’s Miracle Project is a “miracle”—a miracle of ingenuity, human intimacy, and creativity. This magnificent work vividly demonstrates the joy and hope of discovering the creative and emotional capacities which exist in all children, but especially in those children with autism and other special needs.”

— Dr. Stanley Greenspan, author of Engaging Autism

“Now I See the Moon is a beautiful story about a Mother's love, and the transformative power of hope. While many people are obsessed with labels on the autism “spectrum,” Elaine Hall’s approach focuses on each child's humanity. I encourage every parent to read this wonderful book and see the world through her loving eyes.”

– Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

“Now I See the Moon is a must read for anyone connected with a child who has special needs. It is also an inspiration to all women going through life transitions.”

— Dr. Margaret Paul, author of Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You

“This serene and spiritual account of bringing up a shrewd, loveable and intelligent autistic boy also sparkles with the exuberant tale of how Elaine founded The Miracle Project, a terrific theatre group for autistic and "typical" kids alike. The book goes far beyond 'brave,' and well into 'spectacular.'"

— Carolyn See, author of Making a Literary Life

“Elaine Hall must have been granted a magical visa into the world of children. She understands their language, their wants, their fears, their dreams. Now I See the Moon is the story of a mother’s awesome love for her son. The mystery of autism. And how art and music can be coaxed from silence.”

- Doug Atchison, writer/director of Akeelah and the Bee

“A brilliant, spiritual journey filled with out-of-the-box creativity, love and passion. Elaine Hall’s voice lingers long after turning the last page, inspiring powerful living despite any and all challenges. Best read with milk and warm gluten-free cookies.”

— Keri Bowers, director of Normal People Scare Me

“Many books about autism are either instructive but clinical, inspiring but not informative. Now I See the Moon is that rare combination: it reads like an inspirational tale, yet it educates and advances important issues. Elaine is at once a guide, a counselor, an educator, and a truly inspiring mom.”

— Erik Linthorst, Director of the film Austistic-Like: Graham's Story

“Elaine Hall has a written a book of shimmering honesty. The generosity of her telling made me grateful, inspired, proud, and at times, awe-struck. Anyone interested in the human journey should read this book. I look forward to offering it, like a torch, to my favorite people.”

— Ilana Trachtman, director of Praying with Lior

“Elaine Hall yanks the reader out of preconceived notions of what having a child with autism means. This book is for anyone wishing to learn about the potential autism has to bring out the best in people—and for developing a deeper appreciation of what true humanity is all about.”

— Stephen Shore, professor of special education and author of Beyond the Wall

“In Now I See the Moon Elaine Hall leads us on a journey to blessings, uplift and hope. In a voice filled with wisdom, she quickly becomes our coach—that unique person who teaches us the power of persistence, resiliency, faith, and love. This book is a revelation, a miracle.”

— Naomi Levy, author of To Begin Again and Talking to God