A Kind of Spark

By: Elle McNicoll

Narrated by: Katy Townsend

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.

Critic reviews

A Peter Blue Book Award Winner for Best Story of the Year!

"This debut novel from neurodivergent author McNicoll will bring readers to tears and have them cheering for Addie as she learns how much she has to offer the world." -School Library Journal, Starred Review

"The author, herself neurodivergent, imbues Addie’s unapologetically autistic perspective with compassion and insight." -Kirkus Reviews

Whether they’re facing similar neurodivergent challenges or not, readers will appreciate Addie’s honesty, and they may follow her lead in reconsidering history.” –The Bulletin

"The writer (autistic herself) busts some myths about neuro-divergency as she presents a flawed, loving, believable family and a convincing, nuanced, and very likable main character with a distinctive voice.” –The Horn Book

Great example of an authentic autistic experience

The author does a great job immersing the reader in the life of an autistic in a way that is understandable to any neurotype. The narrator likewise did a great job of bringing the story to life in a way that illuminates the region the book is set.

A powerful making-a-difference story!

I finished with happy and proud tears in my eyes. Katie’s growth and courage was so fulfilling!
Want a story about a girl who doesn’t like to stand out, but courageously does so to make a huge change for progress’s sake? This one. Highly recommend!

A must to listen to

This book made me cry. in a good way I can't believe how much I related to Addie with how she sees the world I love sharks but never saw them like she did and thankfully have olny vary brfly a long time ago have someone like Ms. Merfy in my life. I don't think I can thank Elle NcNicoll enough for writeing it. The fact that so many people look at history and say that people are meaningless like Ms. Merfy did is something that should be unexsepible and the way she treated Addie he I'm surprized she wasn't fried. let A Kind Of Spark be a lesson to us all that people are never all the same and all deserve to have a voice

I loved it so much.

The descriptive writing in this book and the story telling makes you feel right inside it. I am looking forward to reading another one of this authors books.

I am autistic and this is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read

This book was amazing. Addie was well written and relatable. Sensory overload, burnout, the strain of masking-it was all so accurate. And the stimming. The stimming!! This book made me feel so seen!! So valid!! Some parts are a little intense*, but it is so, so worth it. If you are autistic or think you might be, read this. And, allistics/neurotypicals, I began of you: if you know some autistic or are curious to learn please read this! This won’t cover everyone’s experience, but it’s a great starting place and one of the best portrayals of an autistic character I’ve ever seen. From an autistic old sister to understanding that your needs aren’t a burden. It’s a truly beautiful novel. Thank you, Elle McNicoll.




*though I loved this book to pieces and think all should read it, some parts are a lot. They are necessary and enrich the story but may still be triggering for some readers-I among them. We hear about one lovely girl who was institutionalized and the depiction of punishment for witchcraft-burning, hanging, etc-I found quite overwhelming. There is also ongoing emotional abuse from a teacher and brief mentions of physical abuse from a former babysitter. Also, one character **spoiler** Kidi does experience burnout, so this if you yourself are coping with burnout, describe there be an “oh look at that I’m not alone” moment, or a very upsetting moment. There also is a lot of bullying, though that’s not too scary. Like I said, it works so well for the story and is incredibly well done, but I add the warning because I definitely wasn’t mentally prepared for some parts. Still worth it. Happy reading!!

Oh! Also I’m fourteen.