Today’s #WorldKidLit Month post is by Annie Harris.

As a librarian, I see a lot of trends in the publication of children’s literature, including historical fiction (especially WWII), graphic novels and visual storytelling, fantasy, and STEM stories.  In addition to these examples, in recent years, authors and storytellers have begun to dig deeper into narratives with an emphasis on representation–whether through protagonists from diverse ethnic backgrounds, neurodivergent characters, or those reflecting different abilities and identities. These representations have been long lacking in children’s literature, and it is a promising trend for our future.  

One such story is A Kind of Spark (2020) by Elle McNicoll, coming from Scotland. It has also been translated into several other languages, including Italian (translated by Sante Bandirali, German (translated by Margaretha van Andela) and Polish (translated by Małgorzata Glasenapp).

This story blends history, identity, and justice as shared through the eyes of the eleven-year-old autistic protagonist, Addie, who lives in a small Scottish town. She learns about “witches” who were tried and executed centuries ago in her town. Through a dose of curiosity and some research of her own, Addie comes to realize that most of the women deemed to be witches were actually just those who might have seemed a bit different from the “normal” society of their time.  Being autistic allows Addie to truly empathize with the plight of these women from history and to draw parallels to her own life and situation.  She begins a campaign to honor them. The fight to memorialize these women is twofold: it serves to right a wrong from her town’s past and also allows Addie to share her feelings about what it means to be someone seen as different. Addie is often misunderstood, ostracized, or even bullied because of her autism.

We learn a great deal about Addie through her relationships with her family. Her older sister, Keedie, who is also autistic, guides and supports Addie both at home and in navigating school and friendships. In contrast, Keedie’s twin, Nina, is neurotypical and initially struggles to understand the challenges her sisters face. Over the course of the story, however, Nina’s love and care help her develop a deeper empathy and appreciation for their experiences.

Another defining character in the story is Mrs. Bright, Addie’s teacher, who shows no empathy for Addie or students like her. She neither understands the challenges autistic children face nor demonstrates any desire to learn. In contrast, Mr. Allison, the school librarian, becomes a safe haven for Addie—a place where she can explore her interests and feel valued. As Addie reflects, “People aren’t like books. A familiar book is always the same…. A familiar person can be new and challenging” (McNicoll, 15). This insight captures both her difficulty in reading social cues and the comfort she finds in consistent, supportive adults. The contrast between Mrs. Bright and Mr. Allison emphasizes the importance of understanding, patience, and advocacy in the lives of students who don’t always fit the conventional mold.

Like Mrs. Bright and Mr. Allison, Addie’s friends also play contrasting roles. Her long-time best friend Jenna drifts away in middle school, influenced by her new friend Emily, who disapproves of Addie. Though Jenna never becomes a bully, she mostly observes as Addie faces mistreatment from Emily and others. Addie reflects, “I’m always a few steps behind. I can read a book in a day, memorize anything, feel things so strongly. But the double speak and the secret looks? I’m not sure I’ll ever decipher them” (McNicoll, 82), capturing her struggle to navigate changing friendships. In contrast, Audrey, a new girl in town, becomes a supportive friend. While she doesn’t fully understand autism, she listens, asks questions, and stands up for what is right—modeling the kind of friendship all readers can aspire to.

Addie’s story shows that being autistic, like anything in life, comes with both challenges and strengths. As her sister Keedie reminds her, “The ocean needs all kinds of fish…just like the world needs all kinds of minds” (McNicoll, 154). Through Addie’s experiences, readers see how empathy, understanding, and supportive relationships can make a meaningful difference, even in the face of misunderstanding or bullying. As a neurotypical reader, I found that McNicoll’s own-voice storytelling offered invaluable insight into the joys and challenges of neurodivergence.

A Kind of Spark also highlights the broader importance of representation in middle grade literature. By creating authentic neurodiverse protagonists, authors like Elle McNicoll help offer the opportunity for all children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Stories like this remind us that diverse minds—and diverse stories—make literature richer, more inclusive, and more inspiring.

Annie Harris is the Head Librarian at International Community School Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.