Ellen McNicoll

A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her, and her autism, and make her voice heard? A story about friendship, courage and self-belief.

A Kind of Spark

Elle McNicoll

Perfect for readers of Song for a Whale and Counting by 7s, a neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different. Eleven-year-old Addie is stunned to learn that her small Irish town was once home to witch trials. Addie is autistic and knows what it is like to be targeted because you are different. Outraged by the injustice, she campaigns for a memorial because Addie knows there's more to the story of "these witches," just like there is more to hers. But not everyone in her town is ready to listen. Addie will need strength, courage, and maybe the help of a new friend to make her voice heard. Own-voices author Elle McNicoll creates an insightful and stirring debut reminiscent of America's Salem Witch Trials centered on a girl who refuses to relent in the fight for what she knows is right.

Rose Stanley

'I sometimes didn't know when people were being mean. I thought that if they said we were friends, then the meanness was deserved' 

Bullies are the absolute WORST.

Anyway, this was so good! And also quietly heartbreaking. Hard to believe this is a debut TBH.

Cerys

I really enjoyed this novel. This was the first book that I have ever read in which the main character is autistic, as well as the first novel I have read by a neurodivergent author. The way in which Elle writes allows many to have an insight into the life of those who are neurodivergent and help us understand in ways we might not have beforehand. The character of Addie may be one of my favourite middle-grade characters that I have encountered in a long long time. The story surrounds the idea of the persecution and misunderstanding of people who were seen as different in the past and those that are seen as different in the modern-day. This is a must-read for everyone and will be highly recommended. I cannot wait to read more from Elle McNicoll!

Maxime van der Wal

This book made me cry like a baby because for the first time the type of bullying I experienced as a child has been so accurately represented. Although Addie and mine’s personality and experiences were obviously very different, my 11 year old self connected with her on an emotional level in a way I haven’t felt before with a fictional character. I’m really grateful for this autistic representation.

Elizabeth Hisserich

This book made me feel Addie’s frustration so deeply that sometimes I had to pause my reading. It is beautifully and powerfully written. 

Grace Emilia Machon

Addie is such a great kid and 200% correct dolphins are not as good as sharks

Joan 

Amazing, thought provoking and beautiful this book made me cry so hard at the conclusion. It really showed the struggles of people with autism. Just so good and would  recommend it.

But warning because the r slur is used in here

Amy Juniper

5 stars!!

As an autistic person, I had to read this book. And I loved it! Not just because I'm autistic but Elle's writing is beautiful, and I could see parts of myself in every single autistic person which is why it hit home. I was never into witch trials but this book honestly made me see them in a different light - back then I could've been one of those witches!

So I'm glad that books like these are winning awards and becoming popular because I think everybody should read this. Really shows you the other point of view.

Ian Brakspear

As an Autistic Person myself, I absolutely fell in love with this book. The characters and storyline are amazing! 😊

Ocean

This is the best autism rep I’ve ever read.

Don’t get me wrong, there are other books out there with great autism rep, but none that I’ve resonated with as much as this.

A Kind of Spark tells the powerful story of Addie, an 11 year old autistic girl with a strong sense of justice.

As Addie begins to learn about the history of witches being killed in her Scottish village, she becomes upset by this injustice and fights to convince her community to put up a memorial plaque for the victims of the witch trials.

Throughout the story we see Addie being bullied by her peers – and even by a teacher – for being different. As her old best friend ditches her for someone else, Addie ends up befriending the new girl, Audrey, who stands up for Addie when no one else will. I really hate Miss Murphy – Addie’s teacher – and was glad to see her get her comeuppance.

The autism rep in this story is so important. From sensory issues and difficulties with socialising, to meltdowns and burnouts, this book shows what life is really like for autistic people. Addie’s older sister, Keedie, is also autistic, and is a wonderful role model for Addie, and looks out for her more than anyone else. We get to see Keedie’s experiences as an autistic university student, and I really felt for Keedie as masking took a huge toll on her.

Addie has another sister, Nina, who is Keedie’s twin. Nina and Keedie are non-identical twins, and Nina is neurotypical. I found that the learning curves for Nina throughout the book were really important, and will hopefully send a message to neurotypical people reading A Kind of Spark about how not to treat autistic people. Nina is absolutely not a bad person, but she did make some mistakes that she learnt from and later made up for.

Aside from Addie and her sisters, my favourite characters are Addie’s friend Audrey, and Mr Allison the librarian. I really appreciate how these characters gave Addie the space to be herself, and encouraged her to pursue the topics she was interested in. While Mr Allison fuelled Addie’s passion first for sharks, and then witches, Audrey was a big help in campaigning for a memorial plaque for the witch trial victims.

As an autistic person who also has a special interest in sharks, I really enjoyed the shark facts sprinkled throughout the story, even if I knew most of them already.

I found this story very heartwarming, and I even teared up a few times while reading it. I believe this book should be shared far and wide, to autistic and neurotypical people alike.

Joanna Rosenwink 

This is a brilliant and important debut by an author I hope to read a lot more from in the future.

11 year old Addie is autistic, and as the story is told from her perspective we are able to experience first hand what life is like for her. As a neurodivergent author, Ellie McNicoll is able to show the importance of understanding and empathy and how our differences are what makes life so interesting. It also shows the darker side and how bullying and stereotypes can be so harmful.

When Addie learns about the local witch trials at school she is struck by how people were persecuted for being different, which is something she understands. She decides the town needs to memorialise the innocent women who were executed during the trials, but can she convince everyone this isn’t something they should just forget?

I think everyone would benefit from reading this book, especially middle grade readers. Although there are some upsetting moments in this book, it is ultimately very uplifting. 

Thank you to the publishers Knights Of, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate

a tender and impactful story that’s equally heart warming and heartbreaking. a wonderful book for children and adults alike.

A Kind of Spark

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