
Age rating and parents' guide:A Kind of Spark
by Elle McNicoll
Ages 9–14
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Historical witch-trial discussions.
Autistic schoolgirl Addie campaigns for a memorial to women accused of witchcraft and challenges prejudice in her community.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Historical witch-trial discussions
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Emotionally light
Great for kids who like
- Fantasy & Magic
Reading mood
- Warm & heartfelt
- Imaginative
Good to talk about
- Fantasy & Magic
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