Reviews with content warning for Bullying - A Kind of Spark

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

111 reviews

sustainably_lucia's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I love this book! It is an honest and beautiful story of an 11-year-old girl and her family navigating being autistic in a world that is not built for us, surrounded by people who do not understand us, nor wish to. It shows various forms of bullying as well as how the love and support of our family and friends can make a big difference.

Content Warnings

marleens's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

An amazing middlegrade story with a very moving main character, I loved Addie’s enthusiasm and deeply caring nature. Her sisters were great side characters as well, and I’m happy to see that it looks like there is a prequel about Keedie. Will for sure be reading that one as well.
This was definitely an awesome own voices story of the kind that should be mandatory reading in schools.

Content Warnings

thelibraryofamy's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

elenaluisa's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

palebea's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

> I would be mindful reading this if you are autistic yourself. I found some parts of this really hard to read and so whilst very validating, even as an autistic adult, it's probably a book geared more to trying to get non ND kids to not treat autistic kids badly. <

Baring in mind this is considered a "middle grade" children's book, this hit my heart as an autistic adult. I found Ade's experiences with ableism and bullying difficult to read because it resonated with my own childhood experiences. Unlike Ade, I did not have a supportive family and I was not diagnosed young so it healed my soul to read about this kid with such a positive, self accepting take on herself. I love how she was angry at the world for the lack of care and justice. Especially in how it related and compared to the witch trials.

I imagine this would be a wonderfully affirming book to read as an autistic child. I didn't have books like this growing up and I am so glad they exist now.

Content Warnings