A Kind of Spark

Who it's for

Addie's first-person narration, written by an autistic author, gives an authentic experience of autism, including sensory overwhelm, masking and deep interests.

Feelings it meets

• Neurodivergent Identity

What it is

Elle McNicoll's 2020 middle-grade novel follows Addie, an autistic 11-year-old living in a Scottish village. After learning that women in her village were once tried as witches, she campaigns for a memorial to them, while navigating her relationships with her sisters, a new friendship with a girl named Audrey, and social challenges.

Where to find it

In print (Knights Of UK; Crown US) and in libraries (Libby/Hoopla); audiobook available. CBBC TV series (2023).

Before you start

Heads up: Bullying and a teacher's cruelty.

Age: Ages 9+

Take my wine in my own cup, friend. It loses its wreath of foam when poured into that of others.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 61