Reviews with content warning for Bullying - A Kind Of Spark

this book was a breath of fresh air. though tense at times, Addie’s story is truly inspiring and satisfying because it fully encompasses what it means and feels like to be neurodivergent. as i read, i felt myself relating to Addie and also learning more about the experience of being autistic and how i myself could better understand my autistic friends/family. this story was an emotional roller coaster—i wanted to strangle the teacher and scream at the city counsel, but comfort Addie and Keedie—and it ends so, so well. A Kind Of Spark is a beautiful, authentic book that i recommend for any reader looking to expand their understanding of autism and enjoy a unique and strong literary voice.

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tetedump's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

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

3.75

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maeverose's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

Contemporary isn’t a genre I tend to like, especially middle grade, but I wanted to read more books with autism rep by autistic authors and I liked this a lot more than I expected to.

This is such an important book and I’m so glad it exists. It was infuriating to read how Addie was treated by some of the ignorant and abusive adults in this book and it’s especially infuriating knowing that that’s a very real experience for lots of kids in the real world. I think this book could be really helpful for kids who might be going through something similar. Or for allistic kids to learn more about what having autism can be like.

Bonus quote: ‘Mr Laird rises in her place, eyes slightly wild and mustache aquiver. “The geese on Juniper pond,” he booms, “are demonic.” There are some groans, but a couple of ayes.

Idk why but that made me laugh a lot 😆 I wanna know how these geese got this reputation.

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bella_cavicchi's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

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

4.0

Reading middle-grade books, particularly realistic fiction, is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket; a good one will leave me feeling nourished and whole. A KIND OF SPARK, Elle McNicoll's debut, hits this very mark -- I'm glad to have this #OwnVoices narrative (McNicoll is autistic, as is the main character, Addie) gracing my shelves.

(Love and thanks to Ottie for the recommendation!)

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asourceoffiction's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a children's book. And it is also absolutely amazing and something everyone of all ages should read. The way Addie articulates how her autism makes her feel and respond to others is so enlightening, and really beautiful. In particular I was fascinated hearing about her and Keedie masking in public so that they could make neurotypical people less uncomfortable. It seemed shocking but I'm certain it still happens all the time, especially to adults.

It's also a wonderful (and at times really upsetting) story of acceptance, recognising our mistakes and learning how to do better. I loved every page, cried a few times and will be recommending this to anyone who will listen.

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