A Glimmer of Change

Gr 3-7–Keedie Darrow has never had a problem with being different; being autistic, she was told, makes her stand out. However, middle school for Keedie and her twin sister Nina may change that. While Nina desperately wants to change and have a “normal” family, Keedie wants nothing to do with that. When school starts, Keedie starts a campaign for anti-bullying through confronting bullies; however, when good intentions turn sour, she has to navigate the line between standing up for herself and becoming a bully in her own way. Set in Scotland, this novel depicts life for a kid who just wants to do right and be herself, while navigating struggles that not everyone understands. With rich characters and an even-paced plot, McNicoll brings Keedie’s world to life through a wonderful, sparkling lens that readers will not only enjoy, but will also connect them to an understanding of how differences should be positive.