The boy who fell to earth - Kathy lette

The novel follows Maggie, a single mother who is navigating life after a tough divorce. Maggie’s world is turned upside down when her son, Sam, a seemingly ordinary 11-year-old boy, begins to display unusual behavior that suggests he might not be as “normal” as others. His quirks and eccentricities become more pronounced, leading Maggie to realize that Sam might be on the autism spectrum. As a mother, she faces the difficult task of accepting her son’s condition while also trying to find ways to support and understand him.

Sam is a brilliant but socially awkward child who has trouble fitting in with his peers. His behavior often confounds those around him, especially at school, where he is misunderstood by both teachers and classmates. However, Sam has a unique perspective on the world, and his oddities sometimes make him endearing and insightful in ways that others don’t understand.

Maggie, while grappling with her own insecurities and challenges as a single mom, becomes Sam's fiercest advocate. As she navigates the bureaucratic hurdles of getting him diagnosed and finding the right support, she learns a great deal about herself, her relationship with Sam, and what it means to be a mother to a child who is different.

The novel’s title, The Boy Who Fell to Earth, reflects Sam’s sense of alienation—he often feels like he doesn't belong in the world around him, and his behavior makes him feel like he has "fallen" into a reality that he doesn't quite understand. As Maggie helps Sam find his place in the world, she learns that being a mother to a child with special needs requires not just patience and understanding but also a sense of humor and the ability to see the world through the eyes of someone who is truly unique.