Elle McNicoll’s middle-grade novel, A Kind of Spark, follows Addie, an autistic 11-year-old girl growing up in a small Scottish village. When she learns about the historical persecution of women accused of witchcraft in her town, she is deeply moved and embarks on a campaign to create a memorial in their honour. Through her journey, Addie faces resistance from her community and struggles with being misunderstood, both as an autistic person and as someone challenging long-standing beliefs.
The novel sensitively portrays the challenges faced by autistic individuals, including sensory sensitivities, social struggles, and the need for understanding and acceptance. Addie’s relationships—with her supportive older sister Keedie, her unsympathetic teacher, and her classmates—offer a realistic depiction of both the difficulties and joys of being neurodivergent.
Published in June 2020, A Kind of Spark has received critical acclaim for its authentic representation of autism, neurodiversity, and its empowering message about embracing one’s identity and standing up for what is right.
This book is available on Amazon.
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