Reviews with content warning for Bullying - A Kind Of Spark

Beautiful. I loved this book and really related to this book as well.

We follow Addie who is a kind hearted, passionate, eleven year old autistic girl who loves sharks and reading. In school, Addie starts learning about the witch trials that occurred in her town and she is eager to learn everything she can about them but to show her town how wrong the actions of their past were.

'A Kind of Spark' is quite hard hitting as it explores bullying but also how wrongly treated people are for simply being different. One thing that really hit me is when Addie realises she would have been accused of being a witch if she lived during that time period because of her Autism. It is heartbreaking but also unfortunately true. I do not have Autism but I have Epilepsy and would also have been in the same situation as Addie and the entire book really resonates with me.

Everyone in this world is different and it is a wonderful thing but Elle McNicoll really explores how those differences can be viewed, in the past and during the present day. There are many countries and beliefs that would deem my Epilepsy a curse or the work of the devil. There are many countries and beliefs who do not understand different conditions, genders, sexualities and much more and 'A Kind of Spark' really makes you think about that harsh and heartbreaking reality.

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fromjuliereads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was cute and had some fantastic characters! Deals with some real issues but is sensitive about it. Glad I read it and that it exists for kids to read!!

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questingnotcoasting's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was the January pick for our book club and I was still thinking about how good it was several weeks later. It deals with its themes really sensitively and thoughtfully and it reminded me of the Jacqueline Wilson books I read when I was younger. It's a great book to help children learn about celebrating difference but as an adult I also got a lot out of it. I really felt for Addie the whole way through and I'm so glad this book exists.

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snowonirori's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A wonderful middle-grade short novel with an autistic mc. Honestly, I admit I almost haven't read any stories with an autistic mc until now. I have read fanfic with autistic and disabled mc, written by autistic author (it's discontinued), I feel like how autistic view the world is so fascinating and unique. People pity and bully them because they can't stand someone they consider inferior to them who is more genius and smart. In this novel, we have Addie as mc, with her twin older sisters, Keddie who is autistic, and Nina who is not. The story revolved around her school and village, Juniper with their dark past murdering their so-called 'witches'. For a mid-grade novel, this bittersweet story about autistic is pretty good. I'm glad the mc has a supportive family, with a loving relationship even with her neurotypical sister and her one and only best friend. I hope I can read more books with autistic mc in the future

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leahisdudish's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

3.5

this book made me so stressed. but like in a good way.

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