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A Kind of Spark

by Elle McNicoll Publisher: YEARLING

Critically Recognized

A campaign for remembrance and recognition

Regular price $11.94 USD
Regular price $19.90 USD Sale price $11.94 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    School Library Journal starred review

    A starred review describes the book as a must-read for students and adults alike.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A campaign for remembrance and recognition

In the Scottish town of Juniper, Addie learns that people accused of witchcraft were once executed for being different. As an autistic girl, she sees a connection between their treatment and her own experience of being misunderstood, and sets out to create a memorial. The story brings together a local history of persecution and a young person’s effort to ensure those who were silenced are remembered. Its central questions concern difference, who gets heard, and how communities reckon with the past.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Ages 9–12 interested in stories about autistic characters and disability.
  • Readers curious about historical witch trials and their legacy.
  • Young readers drawn to stories about speaking up and community remembrance.

Themes

Autism and differenceHistorical persecutionRemembranceAdvocacy and being heard

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Perfect for readers of Song for a Whale and Counting by 7s, a neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different.

"A must-read for students and adults alike." -School Library Journal, Starred Review

Ever since Ms. Murphy told us about the witch trials that happened centuries ago right here in Juniper, I can't stop thinking about them. Those people weren't magic. They were like me. Different like me.

I'm autistic. I see things that others do not. I hear sounds that they can ignore. And sometimes I feel things all at once. I think about the witches, with no one to speak for them. Not everyone in our small town understands. But if I keep trying, maybe someone will. I won't let the witches be forgotten. Because there is more to their story. Just like there is more to mine.

Award-winning and neurodivergent author Elle McNicoll delivers an insightful and stirring debut about the European witch trials and a girl who refuses to relent in the fight for what she knows is right.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.