A Kind of Spark
2020 middle-grade novel by Elle McNicoll
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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 2023 CBBC television adaptation, with McNicoll acting as head writer for the series.
| |
| Author | Elle McNicoll |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Middle grade fiction |
| Publisher | Knights Of Media / Crown Books for Young Readers |
| Publication date | 4 June 2020 |
| Publication place | Scotland |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback), Audiobook |
| Pages | 192 |
| ISBN | 9780593374252 |
| OCLC | 1273556124 |
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]
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Blackwell's Book of the Year | — | Won | [5] |
| 2021 | Blue Peter Book Award | Best Story | Won | [6] |
| Waterstones Children's Book Prize | Overall | Won | [7][8] | |
| Waterstones Children's Book Prize | Younger Readers | Won | [7][8] | |
| Saltire Society Literary Award | First Book of the Year | Nominated | [9] | |
| 2022 | Schneider Family Book Award | Middle Grades | Honoree | [10][11] |
Television series
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]