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Author | Elle McNicoll |
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Country | Scotland |
Language | English |
Genre | Middle grade fiction |
Publisher | Knights Of Media / Crown Books for Young Readers |
Publication date | 4 June 2020 |
Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback), Audiobook |
Pages | 192 |
ISBN | 9780593374252 |
A Kind of Spark is a middle grade novel by Elle McNicoll, published on 4 June 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] The book was commissioned as a CBBC television adaptation, with McNicoll acting as head writer for the series
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]
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] |
A Kind of Spark was optioned for a CBBC television adaptation, with McNicoll acting as head writer for the series.[12] It premiered in the UK on 31 March 2023, first on BBC iPlayer and later on CBBC.[13]