A Glimmer of Change

By: Elle McNicoll

Narrated by: Kaiya Jones

Thirteen-year-old Keedie Darrow is used to bullies. Growing up neurodivergent makes you an easy target. But when her friends fall victim, Keedie launches an anti-bullying agency—and business is booming. A moving and inclusive prequel to the award-winning novel A Kind of Spark.

Keedie Darrow has never been afraid of standing out. Her autism makes it clear she sees the world differently from others. But ever since Keedie and her twin sister Nina entered middle school, NOT standing out seems to be the only thing that matters.

And the more Nina tries to fit in, the less Keedie understands her--or her classmates who become increasingly cruel to anyone who is different. Determined to take a stand, Keedie launches an anti-bullying agency. Soon, kids are lining up to have her tell off their biggest nemeses.

But Keedie will have to be careful. It's a fine line between speaking up for what you believe in and becoming a bully yourself.

Critic reviews

"Keedie’s a well-realized character, opinionated and willing to stand up for those in need....A neurodivergent protagonist whom middle-grade readers will root for." —Kirkus Reviews

"[A] wonderful, sparkling lens that readers will not only enjoy, but will also connect them to an understanding of how differences should be positive....McNicoll has crafted another ­wonderful story representing tween neurodivergence." —School Library Journal

"Keedie is highly articulate, and she has a lot to say, resulting in a talky novel that veers toward a nonfiction introduction to autism spectrum disorder, but its strength lies in that very voice." —The Horn Book