A Kind of Spark: Autistic Heroine Sparkles with Energy in this Young Adult Novel

“I was tired of stories about us that were written without us. Where we are burdens. Where we are secondary actors, whose inner lives do not seem to interest the narrator.” - Elle McNicoll  

Elle McNicoll’s debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark’, has been hailed as groundbreaking for its positive representation of neurodivergent main characters. It was first published in 2020 by Knights Of, an inclusive publishing house for children’s books. Our volunteer Rachel recently picked up a copy – read her thoughts here:

What’s it about? (no spoilers!)

Set in Scotland, the heroine is 11-year-old Addie, an autistic schoolgirl who is fascinated by sharks and loves her thesaurus. Addie lives in a very small (and at times small-minded) village outside Edinburgh with her parents and her older twin sisters Nina and Keedie.  

Addie learns from her teacher about the Scottish Witch Trials, specifically women who used to live in her village being tried for witchcraft because they were ‘different’, she heads straight to the library to read everything she can about them. Their struggles to be accepted by their community strike a chord with her, as a neurodivergent person. Ultimately leading her to campaign to get them remembered by a memorial in her village, a fight that requires perseverance and bravery (in the face of the village’s aforementioned small-mindedness).

Over the course of her crusade, we get to learn more about Addie’s family dynamics. One of her older sisters, Keedie, is also autistic. She has just started university, which is proving challenging for her. The two of them share many touching moments as Addie looks up to her and supports her.

At the same time, the book doesn’t shy away from darker moments, such as bullying from both adults – including a particularly ‘vile’ teacher – and other children. There’s discussion of masking and stimming, in a way that introduces these concepts to an audience who might not be familiar with them. But while these elements might serve as an explainer about autism, it’s primarily a gripping story.

Who is it for?

Not just for children! The book is aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds but I as an adult in my thirties found myself absorbed – and often outraged at the injustices Addie suffered at the hands of neurotypical people like me – from the very first page.  

The author Elle McNicoll is herself neurodivergent and her compassionate portrayal of Addie and Keedie has given me a lot more understanding of what it means to be autistic, an appreciation of our differences but also our similarities.  

While I can’t speak for those who are neurodivergent, I feel passionately that seeing yourself in the pages of the books you read is vital to developing a strong sense of self. I’ve seen neurodivergent reviewers say that Addie’s portrayal made them feel ‘seen’.

Click here to purchase (affiliate link).  

What's next?

In the four years since it was published, the ‘A Kind of Spark’ universe has expanded. A prequel, ‘Keedie’, which is set five years before and focuses on Addie’s older sister as she turns fourteen, was published earlier this year.

‘A Kind of Spark’ has also been made into a children’s TV series of the same name – available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

As a disclaimer, I haven’t yet had chance to read the prequel nor watch the TV show – but both have been highly praised by those who have. I’ve added both to my list, so watch this space for a follow up review!  

My Tribe, our inclusive after school club, takes place in Mint Street Adventure Playground in Borough (SE1 1QP) every Thursday in term time. My Junior Tribe (aged 6 to 10) meet from 3:30pm to 5:15pm and My Tribe Teens (aged 11 to 18) meet from 3:30pm to 6:30pm.