Publication Date: 4 April 2024

The Blurb

Set in Juniper five years before A Kind of Spark comes 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.

The Review

I am a huge fan of A Kind Of Spark, so I can’t explain how excited I was to hear that Elle was writing Keedie’s story. I was intrigued to know where her fire came from when it came to protecting Addie, and Keedie answers that question and so much more.

Raw, powerful, emotive storytelling embodies this prequel. Keedie stands as a touching exploration of sisterhood, individuality, and the unbreakable ties that bind us together. As the twin’s birthday approaches, we are witness to nuances of their individuality as Nina strives to break through with her vlogging and run with the popular crowd to the exclusion of Keedie, with her loud, brash impulsivity.

There was a particularly powerful moment for me when Nina finally saw Keedie, not as an inconvenience or competition, but as a loyal supporter. I’ll let you discover it for yourself. I also loved seeing a much younger Addie and the protective ring both of her sisters threw around her.

Keedie’s relationships with Bonnie and Angel were a joy to be allowed into. Real friendships forged in a place where bullying could just have easily have kept them quiet and apart. Keedie’s fire to end bullying at Juniper Senior School is stoked with every injustice she both witnesses and endures, creating a powerful call for action, where adults need to listen to every voice, not just the popular, confident crowd.

My heart is full! I have loved being back in Juniper with the Darrow sisters. These are a very special pair of books that will always have a space in the bookcase in my heart.

Huge thanks to KnightsOf and edpr for sending me an advanced proof copy.