Reviews with content warning for Forced institutionalization - 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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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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wends_nblw's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

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

4.5

autism real .

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someonelikeblue's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

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unimaginablymine's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative 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

2.0

This wasn’t what I expected. Most reviewers found this book to be uplifting—I did not. Perhaps I’m too many years removed from the target audience, but I’m pretty sure my 10 year old self would have found this book both very relatable and terribly depressing.

The premise has promise. Drawing parallels between people tried for witchcraft centuries ago and autistic people being persecuted in modern times is clever and I like it, especially in a middle grade book. But the tone was a lot more grim than I anticipated, and about halfway through became a slog to the finish, desperately hoping for some joy to creep into the story. What small joys there are is brief and fleeting, and the negatives are drawn out and wallowed in. The core messaging to be yourself doesn’t feel earned, when there’s very few moments of Addie being herself without severe consequence.

The emphasis on ableism in this book cannot be overstated. It’s chapter after chapter of discrimination with next to no relief. For those who have never experienced this firsthand, you may find it illuminating. For those who are affected by this in their everyday lives already, you may find it exhausting. Instead of painting a complete picture of both the positives and challenges of growing up autistic, it felt overly consumed with the negatives and gave me very few enjoyable beats to cling to.

My favorite moment was towards the very end, when

Addie was writing by herself near a herd of cows, and talking to them like they could understand her.

I found that quite charming and endearing, and I wish there were more lighthearted beats like it to break up the heavy emotional aspects. I think the harsh realities would have more impact, if contrasted by more moments of delight and wonder.

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bexi's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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meagangrace's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

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