If you haven’t heard your kid mention this one yet, you likely will soon. A Kind of Spark is a middle-grade novel that has taken the literary world by storm since its release. Written by Elle McNicoll—who is neurodivergent herself—the story centers on Addie, a girl living in a small Scottish village.

When Addie learns about the 16th-century witch trials that happened in her own backyard, she doesn’t just see a history lesson; she sees a mirror. She recognizes that the women persecuted as "witches" were often just different, misunderstood, or "out of sync" with society—much like she feels as an autistic person in a neurotypical world. The book follows her quest to get the town to acknowledge its past while she navigates a school system and a community that isn't always kind to her.

It’s not just a "book about autism." It’s a story about justice, sisterhood (Addie has a complicated but beautiful relationship with her older sisters, one of whom is also autistic), and the courage it takes to be the "difficult" person who insists on the truth.

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We’ve spent decades seeing neurodiversity portrayed through a very specific, often clinical lens (think Rain Man or the early seasons of The Big Bang Theory). These depictions often focus on how "difficult" the neurodivergent person is for the people around them.

A Kind of Spark flips the script. It puts us inside Addie’s head. We feel the sensory overload of a loud classroom, the sting of a teacher’s dismissal, and the pure, focused joy of her "special interests." For parents, this is a masterclass in empathy. For kids—whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical—it’s a window into a reality that is often ignored or misunderstood.

In a digital age where "autism" is often used as a punchline in TikTok comments or Roblox chats, giving kids a narrative that treats neurodiversity with dignity is a massive win for digital wellness and real-world character building.

If your family loved Addie’s story, here are a few other media items that handle neurodiversity, "otherness," and finding one's voice with similar grace.

The live-action adaptation is actually fantastic. It stays true to the book's heart while expanding the world. It’s a great "co-viewing" option for a Friday night. It’s rare to see a show where the lead actors are actually neurodivergent, and that authenticity shines through.

While not specifically about autism, Wonder is the gold standard for teaching middle-schoolers about empathy and the "choose kind" philosophy. If your kid liked the social justice aspect of Addie’s story, they’ll gravitate toward Auggie’s journey.

This graphic novel (and animated series) is a brilliant look at navigating school with a disability. It uses a "superpower" metaphor that resonates deeply with kids who feel like they don't fit the standard mold.

Rick Riordan famously wrote Percy Jackson for his son, who had ADHD and dyslexia. The series recontextualizes these "disabilities" as signs that you might actually be a demigod. It’s a great companion to A Kind of Spark because it moves the conversation from "what's wrong with me" to "what is my unique strength."

This might seem like a curveball, but The Wild Robot is a beautiful allegory for neurodiversity. Roz the robot has to learn how to survive in a world she wasn't programmed for, often having to "mask" or adapt her behavior to fit in with the animals—much like Addie does in her village.

Check out our guide on the best books for building empathy

Target Age: 8-12 (Grades 3-7)

While the book is accessible, there are some themes parents should be aware of:

One of the most important concepts in A Kind of Spark is masking.

Masking is when neurodivergent people (especially girls, who are often diagnosed much later than boys) suppress their natural traits to fit into a neurotypical world. Addie talks about the exhaustion of trying to "act normal."

As a parent, this is a great opening to talk about:

Learn more about the "masking" phenomenon and digital identity

If you’re looking for a way to start a conversation after your kid finishes the book or watches the show, try these:

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll is more than just a "diversity pick" for your kid's bookshelf. It’s a sharp, well-written, and emotionally resonant story that challenges the way we think about "normalcy."

In a world where digital spaces can often feel like a giant popularity contest or a minefield of social cues, Addie’s story is a reminder that being "out of sync" isn't a bug—it’s a feature. It’s a spark. And in 2026, we could all use a little more of that.