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willowtree7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Oh my god wow. I finished A Kind of Spark and was keen on reading more of Elles work and picked this up next. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and I didn’t read into the synopsis to know what I was in for.
not sure how much or what will end up being spoiled ahead, but using the tags for safety. At first I loved that the main character in this book was also autistic. I love seeing more autism representation in literature, especially positive.
I was not prepared for what happened to Adrien. It wasn’t like a huge out of left field moment, but I still wasn’t expecting it to happen when it did. I’m so glad he made it out okay. Even if he didn’t, Cora grew so much from his accident that I feel like she’d matured enough to better handle his passing if she needed it.
This book messed me up just as much as AKOS. Would highly recommend.
I was not prepared for what happened to Adrien. It wasn’t like a huge out of left field moment, but I still wasn’t expecting it to happen when it did. I’m so glad he made it out okay. Even if he didn’t, Cora grew so much from his accident that I feel like she’d matured enough to better handle his passing if she needed it.
This book messed me up just as much as AKOS. Would highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
ashylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book has the potential to be something exceptional for readers.
I was hesitant about the book in the beginning because it started a bit slow for me, but the themes and values throughout the book hold true to the overarching message: Love who you are, always, no matter what.
I adored the characters of Cora and Adrian. Their friendship was special and unique and McNicoll did a great job creating depth and texture. This is one thing, if done right, that I really appreciate about middle-grade stories. The friendships can be so powerful.
I appreciate Adrian's outlook on life and the way he so unapologetically encourages and supports Cora.
Adrian's mother - love her.
And Cora, a truly strong, powerful female main character. I enjoyed her development throughout the book and feel that her character has the ability to spark inspiration among young readers.
I was hesitant about the book in the beginning because it started a bit slow for me, but the themes and values throughout the book hold true to the overarching message: Love who you are, always, no matter what.
I adored the characters of Cora and Adrian. Their friendship was special and unique and McNicoll did a great job creating depth and texture. This is one thing, if done right, that I really appreciate about middle-grade stories. The friendships can be so powerful.
I appreciate Adrian's outlook on life and the way he so unapologetically encourages and supports Cora.
Adrian's mother - love her.
And Cora, a truly strong, powerful female main character. I enjoyed her development throughout the book and feel that her character has the ability to spark inspiration among young readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Medical content and Car accident
someonelikeblue's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Medical content, Car accident, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
lunar_lapis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A brilliant story about accepting who you are, despite other people trying to "fix" you or limit you based on certain traits they say are "undesirable"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
daffodildyke's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Finally got around to reading, as it felt important to me to read this before reading Elle's new book.
It is hard to put into words what reading stories that I would enjoy anyway but with neurodivergent characters feels as a neurodivergent person, but I know that so many others who read these books already know how it feels without me having to put it into words.
An interesting and modern plot that is equal parts interesting and inspirational. Pomegranate and Dr Gold are fascinating and deeply fleshed out, and I felt Cora's emotional rollercoaster along with her as I read this. It was a deeply interesting book and I can't wait to re-read it when I get the chance.
It is hard to put into words what reading stories that I would enjoy anyway but with neurodivergent characters feels as a neurodivergent person, but I know that so many others who read these books already know how it feels without me having to put it into words.
An interesting and modern plot that is equal parts interesting and inspirational. Pomegranate and Dr Gold are fascinating and deeply fleshed out, and I felt Cora's emotional rollercoaster along with her as I read this. It was a deeply interesting book and I can't wait to re-read it when I get the chance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Grief and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent