A Kind of Spark

03/10/2023

A Kind of Spark is a debut title by Elle McNicoll. In this book, Addie is an autistic fifth grader who struggles with the differences in her life. Addie spends her time trying to fit in, trying to be normal. As Addie says, "I spend every moment of my life, when I am outside our family home, second-guessing everything that I think and do." 

But Addie is different. Her family consists of her Dad, Mum, and two older sisters, Nina (normal) and Keedie (also autistic). Her best friend, Audrey likes her for just who she is. But there are challenges in school with the other students and her teacher, who do not take the time to understand or help Addie.

When Addie learns that in her Scottish village, they once killed nonconforming women as witches, Addie feels a distinct kinship. She sets out to have the village memorialize them. But she faces opposition from the town council due to her autism.

This book written by an autistic author, Elle McNicoll, brings an enormous amount of insight and understanding to the feelings and thoughts of Addie, such as her battle to understand faces (expressions), her acute sensitivity to noise, and her love of sharks and reading all about them. As Addie would say, “Reading is the most calming thing after an overly loud and unkind classroom. I can take my time. There is no one rushing me or barking at me. The words all follow rules. The pictures are bright and alive. But they do not overpower me.”

A Kind of Spark is painful, perceptive, warm, and loving. This book will open the door to understanding and empathy for neuro-divergency. You’ll find the book on our website here!

Reviewed by Nancy Stetzinger, Penworthy’s Product Manager