A Kind of Spark
on Goodreads (9,400)
What’s inside...
A KIND OF SPARK tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town view the past and ultimately affect change?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
193 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Addie to learn so much about the witches of her town?
How did Addie's relationship with her sister Keedie help her throughout the story?
What are some ways that Addie tried to make a difference in her community? How do you think you can make a difference in ours?
How do you feel when you see someone being misunderstood or treated unfairly, like Addie was at times?
What did you learn about being different from Addie's experiences in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, such as bravery and acceptance, to encourage an open dialogue.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences similar to Addie's, discussing times they felt different or faced challenges.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding by discussing the characters' actions and reactions.
Encourage your child to think about what they would do in Addie’s place, fostering a connection with the character’s journey and decisions.
Guide the discussion towards the concept of community and inclusion, exploring ways to support diverse individuals in their own surroundings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Addie, navigates her life as a neurodivergent individual, providing readers with a deep insight into her experiences and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate and embrace the differences in others, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Persistence and resilience
Explanation: Addie faces obstacles in her quest to commemorate the witch trials in her village, showcasing her determination and strength in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay determined and resilient in their own lives, whether in completing school projects, dealing with difficult situations, or pursuing their passions.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and memory
Explanation: Addie’s mission to honor the memory of the accused witches emphasizes the significance of remembering and acknowledging past injustices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of history and the impact it can have on present-day justice and recognition, encouraging them to explore and respect historical events and their implications.
Example Lesson: Advocacy and voice
Explanation: Through her advocacy for the witches, Addie finds her voice and learns to speak up against injustice, showing that even young individuals can make a difference.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of speaking up for what they believe in and using their voice to effect change in their community and beyond.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self
Explanation: Addie’s journey toward self-acceptance, as she learns to navigate her neurodivergence, is a powerful theme that encourages self-love and acceptance.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to embrace their unique qualities and differences, fostering a positive self-image and confidence in their own abilities.