A Kind of Spark

Category: (dis)Abilities: Disability, Illness, and Differently Abled Experiences

a kind of spark

By Elle McNicoll

Format 181 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021 by Crown Books for Young Readers

ISBN 9780593374252 (ISBN10: 0593374258)

Book summary from the publisher:

A neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different.

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.

My Thoughts:

I thought this exploration of the joys and challenges faced by an autistic girl was excellent. I was pleased to see that the author is neurodivergent and wrote from her own experiences. This story will help students either recognize themselves in Addie or grow in understanding and appreciation of how diverse autistic people are and hopefully help students grow in respect and inclusion of autistic peers. I wish it were required reading, as so many people have a limited or incorrect understanding of the range of autistic experiences.

Programming ideas:

Encourage teachers to use this book for a whole-class read or read-aloud, especially if a school participates in "Autism Awareness" week/month. Share other books that center the perspective of autistic students.
Share information about autism inclusion and acceptance.
Invite autistic students or adults to share their stories, if they are interested in doing so.
Use this story and other stories written or created by autistic people to create a diverse and authentic collection that represents the spectrum of autism experiences and centers autistic people's voices.
Share information with staff and faculty about inclusion and acceptance
Foster an atmosphere of welcome and acceptance in the library by learning about the needs and desires of autistic students in the school. Invite their feedback to help create a library that is inclusive. Make sure to have any adaptive technology or set-ups needed. If appropriate, have resources like bouncy bands on chairs, fidgets or sensory boards, calming tools, etc.
Invite autistic students to tour the library individually or in smaller groups to learn about check-out/check-in and library resources.
Promote a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction that celebrates physical, emotional, and neurodiversity.
Create and share social stories to help students feel prepared and comfortable visiting the library.
Invite students to read (out loud or internally) to real or stuffed animals in the library. Contact a local group experienced with bringing well-trained dogs to schools and libraries for assistance with this.