A Kind of Spark

Eleven-year-old Addie is autistic, misunderstood, and bullied and taunted by peers and adults alike. While learning about women in her town in Scotland who were accused of witchcraft centuries before, she connects to the women’s pain and misunderstanding and becomes an advocate for a memorial for the women. Her mission to honour them becomes a journey of self-discovery for Addie. This uplifting novel for grades 5-9 explores the joys and complexities of autism, personal relationships, bullying and violence, positivity, and self-advocacy, and provides students with the opportunity to develop compassion and empathy and discover the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and kindness.