Henry’s Classroom

Henry’s Classroom follows one mother’s tenacious commitment to ensure the best outcome for her child while revealing a larger story of outdated and ineffective systems that are failing millions of families across America. This book seeks to encourage broader conversations on how parents, public schools, and community organizations can work in collaboration with one another, rather than in conflict, toward serving the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities.


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  • “In prose as precise as her insights, Mackin chronicles the challenges—and rewards—of raising a neurodivergent child. In addition to her first-hand experiences, the book contains plenty of research, which is woven seamlessly into the narrative and never becomes pedantic. Henry’s Classroom is both moving and enlightening. Spoiler alert: The giant Elmo scene is itself worth the price of admission.”

    —Sue William Silverman, author of Acetylene Torch Songs: Writing True Stories to Ignite the Soul

  • "Amy Mackin has written a magnificent book, eloquently and compassionately detailing the riveting account of her son’s struggles inside (and outside of) the school system, along with her unceasing efforts to help him on his educational journey. It’s a love story, a story about raising children with disabilities, and a beautifully written story about a mother’s quest to ensure that her son receives the education he deserves. She weaves facts and figures throughout her narrative, while leaving the reader on the edge of her seat, mesmerized by this incredible story, rooting for both mother and son. I highly recommend."

    — Linda Murphy Marshall, author of Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery

  • "A compelling fusion of gut-wrenching personal story with the policies, procedures, and legislation that contributed to the heartache. From the very first page, you will root for Henry and his mom to succeed, despite the educational and medical system stacked against them."

    —Karen DeBonis, author of Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived

  • "A rallying cry and a balm—I’ll be giving this book to all my parenting friends, especially those with kids on the autism spectrum. From IEP meetings to birthday parties to homeschooling, Mackin effortlessly weaves relatable personal stories of raising a child on the spectrum that had me laughing out loud one minute and grabbing for tissues the next. As a mother of my own neurodivergent child, I felt so seen by the sacrifices and immense time commitment required of Mackin to meet the relentless task of strong-arming an inflexible, outdated American education system into providing proper support so that her child can thrive. This book gave me hope and should be required reading for all educators and education administrators."

    —Minna Dubin, author of Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood

  • "Despite heartbreaking moments when Henry seems to feel hopeless, Henry’s Classroom is a feel-good tale of success told with grace and humor. I finished the book with awe and respect for Mackin’s perseverance and Henry’s ensuing achievements. At the same time, I am left with sadness and anger that our already-burdened public education system is undergoing cuts that will only further its inability to provide an education for all children. I highly recommend Henry’s Classroom to parents, educators, and legislators as well as anyone interested in learning about neurodivergence and its impact on families."

    —Eileen Vorbach Collins, book reviewer with Story Circle Network

About Amy

Amy Mackin writes at the intersection of education, cultural history, public health, and social equity. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Atlantic, Chalkbeat, The Washington Post, Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies, The Writer’s Chronicle, and The Shriver Report. She earned her MA in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts and her MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Amy loves the fickle weather and spectacular landscapes of New England, where she resides with her family and always at least one friendly feline.