‘A Kind of Spark’ wins Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

In the UK, Scottish author Elle McNicoll has won the overall £5000 (A$9215) Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for her debut novel A Kind of Spark (Knights of Media), reports the Bookseller.

McNicoll, a neurodivergent author, wrote A Kind of Spark because she grew tired of the lack of representation in children’s books. Her novel follows 11-year-old Addie, who is campaigning for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her hometown.

Waterstones children’s buyer Florentyna Martin said: ‘We have fallen in love with Addie, whose courage and determination are a guiding light, often reminding the world that kindness must prevail wherever we go. Elle McNicoll is undoubtedly an outstanding new talent in children’s books and will inspire readers young and old for generations to come.’

McNicoll’s novel also won the Waterstones prize for best book for younger readers. The other category winners, who each receive £2000 (A$3685), are Wranglestone (Darren Charlton, Little Tiger) in the older readers category, and The Grumpy Fairies (Bethan Stevens, Frances Lincoln Publishers) in the illustrated books category.

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is voted for by Waterstones booksellers, with the winning books promoted across the retail chain’s stores

Category: Awards International news