Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Sunday, February 20, 2022

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

How I Heard About It:
*I was excited when I received a copy of this much talked about middle-grade novel from Crown Books for Young Readers.  It lived up to all the positive book praise and hype.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Addie is a fifth grader who has Autism.

*She has an older set of twin sisters, one that also has Autism and one that doesn't.

*Addie has lost of couple of former friends with the start of a new school year, but has gained a new one.

*When the girls find out about a group of women who were put on trial and killed for being "witches", Addie decides to do something about it.

*She struggles to fit in both at school and home, but is determined not to be silenced or looked at as different.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*The story was beautiful, thoughtful, and heart-warming.

*I so enjoyed reading about Addie, her determination, and authentic way she lived.

*The family dynamics were a strong point of the overall story.

*As I read, it was eye-opening to see how different both young people and adults are treated so differently because of their Autism.

*So many important and timely themes were presented throughout the pages, that I know would lead to deep and meaningful class conversations.  


Who Should Read It:
*The story would be perfect for a class read aloud in grades four through six.  Many important issues and topics could be discussed relating to the story and to real life.  Individual readers in grades four through middle-school would find the story of Addie satisfying and enjoyable.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:
   5 STARS out of 5 Stars







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