A Kind of Spark

A Kind of Spark is a middle grade novel by Elle McNicoll, published on June 4, 2020, by Knights Of Media. The book follows Addie, "an autistic 11-year-old [who] seeks to memorialize the women once tried as witches in her Scottish village."[1]

A Kind of Spark
AuthorElle McNicoll
CountryScotland
LanguageEnglish
GenreMiddle grade fiction
PublisherKnights Of Media / Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
October 19, 2021
Media typePrint (hardcover and paperback), Audiobook
Pages192
ISBN9780593374252

Reception

A Kind of Spark was generally well-received, including a starred review from School Library Journal.[2]

Kirkus Reviews called the book "[e]arnest and perceptive," noting, "The bullying Addie endures will leave readers’ stomachs in sympathetic knots, but Addie's nuanced relationships with her sisters and a new friend, Audrey, infuse humor and heart."[3]

Publishers Weekly applauded the representation of Addie's autism, stating, "McNicoll, herself neurodivergent, portrays with clarity Addie’s neurological reality, interpersonal bonds, and thoughtful reflections."[1] Deborah Stevenson, writing for The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, echoed the sentiment, writing, "McNicoll ... writes Addie’s narration with power and determination; it’s especially strong at revealing the sheer labor required for Addie to negotiate the world ... and the toll it takes, which is evident in Keedie as well."[4] Stevenson concluded, "Whether they’re facing similar neurodivergent challenges or not, readers will appreciate Addie’s honesty, and they may follow her lead in reconsidering history."[4]

Awards
Year Award/Honor Result Ref.
2020 Blackwell's Book of the Year Won [5]
2021 Blue Peter Book Award for Best story Won [6]
Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Overall Won [7][8]
Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Younger Readers Won [7][8]
Saltire Society Literary Award for Scottish First Book of the Year Nominated [9]
2022 Schneider Family Book Award for Middle Grades Honoree [10][11]

Television series

A Kind of Spark has been optioned for a CBBC television adaptation, with McNicoll involved in the scripts.[12] It will premiere in the UK on 31 March 2023.[13]

References
  1. "Children's Book Review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll. Crown, $16.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-593-37425-2". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  2. Beasley, Emily (2021-09-01). "A Kind of Spark". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  3. "A Kind of Spark". Kirkus Reviews. 2021-08-18. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
  4. Stevenson, Deborah (2021). "A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 75 (2): 67–68. doi:10.1353/bcc.2021.0544. ISSN 1558-6766.
  5. "Awards: Blackwell's Book of the Year". Shelf Awareness. 2021-01-11. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  6. "Awards: Oates Finalists; Blue Peter Book Winners". Shelf Awareness. 2021-03-11. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  7. "'A Kind of Spark' wins Waterstones Children's Book Prize". Books+Publishing. 2021-07-02. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
  8. Jin, Ha (2021-07-02). "Awards: Waterstones Children's Book Winners". Shelf Awareness. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
  9. "Scottish First Book of the Year 2021". The Saltire Society. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  10. Morales, Macey (2022-01-24). "2022 Schneider Family Book Awards recipients named". American Library Association. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  11. Morales, Macey (2022-01-24). "American Library Association announces 2022 Youth Media Award winners". American Library Association. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  12. "BBC orders 'A Kind Of Spark' adaptation from Canada's 9 Story Media". TBI Vision. October 12, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  13. https://9story.com/a-kind-of-spark-to-premiere-on-bbc-iplayer-and-cbbc/
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