A Kind of Spark

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There are other books about kids with neurological differences. This one was written by a woman who has autism. How do you think that effects the story?

my favourite character was a girl called Audrey because she is a very nice and supportive friend. I also think that this story is very touching and funny at the same time because it is very sad when people bully other people but funny when adults keep refusing a very good idea.

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Charlton said he hoped his win would prove “there is a readiness in readers for the LGBTQ+ experience to expand into genres still dominated by their heterosexual counterparts.”

A Kind of Spark may have a story about acceptance and understanding as its central thread but this takes nothing away from the fact that the story itself is engaging and finely plotted. I enjoyed finding out about why it was Addie’s elder twin sisters were so at odds with each other, or why Keedie desperately struggled with University Life. All the characters felt real and there was a well-woven and steady pace throughout the whole story. The cherry on the top of this already very well-written story though was being gifted with a glimpse into the world through the eyes of someone who is autistic. Be unique. It's important to try your best, even if your answer is no. Be true to yourself. Expand your mind. Find the right people to trust. There is value in authenticity. Stand up for what you believe in, even if people shut you down. Take care of yourself. Be safe where you spend your time. Tell adults when things get intense. You don't have to be inside the box -- think outside the box. Don't give up. Creator Cameo: Elle McNicoll makes a cameo appearance in the last episode of the TV adaptation as one of the crowd during Addie's final speech.

LoveReading4Kids Says

Adaptational Nice Girl: In the book, Jenna openly refused to associate with Addie after befriending Emily, made no effort to help her when Emily was bullying her, and was generally unrepentant about everything. In the series, while at first she's still complacent in Emily's bullying, she eventually comes to learn the error of her ways, helps Addie out of trouble in the end, and the two rekindle their once strained friendship, even going so far as to call Emily out on her bullying after all is said and done. On winning the Blue Peter Award, Elle said: "As someone who grew up watching Blue Peter and discovering brilliant new books from the show, it is an extraordinary moment to be recognised. To be a part of their World Book Day celebrations is great, and to have been voted the winner by readers is life changing.”