I think anybody with an interest in the world of children’s books will probably be very eagerly awaiting the Spring publication of ‘Keedie,’ the prequel to McNicoll’s barn-storming debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark.’

‘A Kind of Spark’ was, for me, in the first wave of real voices stories which featured neurodiverse characters written authentically by authors drawing on their own lived experiences. It’s brilliance meant that it was commissioned as a television series for the BBC and that we get a brand new book to enjoy, ‘Keedie,’ which tells the story of Addie’s older sister, the indomitable Keedie.

“Set in Juniper five years before A Kind of Sparkcomes a powerful coming-of-age story from award-winning author Elle McNicoll.

As Keedie and her twin Nina approach their fourteenth birthday, they seem to only be growing further apart. Keedie instead feels drawn to, and fiercely protective of, their quiet younger sister Addie – who on the surface is the opposite of loud and fiery Keedie, but in fact they have more in common than anyone knows.”

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I came to this book with a great deal of excitement and anticipation – I was really looking forward to meeting a younger Addie and to delving deeper into the character of Keedie who had very much taken on the role of Addie’s champion and protector in ‘A Kind of Spark.’

I have to say that I absolutely loved getting to know Keedie. She’s a bold, fiercely loyal friend who sees it as her role to stand up for those cannot stand up for themselves. This sometimes gets her into trouble with those in authority but Keedie will not be silenced.

It was also interesting to read the journey of a pair of twins leaving childhood and entering their teenage years with all the complex social rules and expectations which come alongside that. Particularly as one is neurotypical and one has a diagnosis of autism. I think a lot of readers will empathise with feeling the pressure to conform and fit in but also just wanting to be themselves.

Keedie lives in a small village where some of her peers view people like her and her best friend as freaks. This is made worse by the fact that done if these people are friends of her twin sister, Nina. Watching Keedie navigate this and become and advocate of sorts had me silently cheering for her at points in the story as she told people exactly what she thought of them.

‘Keedie’ is one of my top reads for 2024. I would urge every educator to read it and would highly recommended in for anyone in upper KS2/ KS3. The good news is, that the books isn’t going to be released until April so there’s plenty of time to spend your Christmas book vouchers on ‘A Kind of Spark’ to read beforehand.

Jo.

*Many thanks Knights Of for sending me a copy of this title to enjoy*