Barry Jonsberg is an award-winning, bestselling author of wonderful books for young people, including My Life as an Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear; his uncanny ability to explore serious issues with humour, warmth and a genuine empathy always resonates with his readership.

A Little Spark is a moving work that brings nuanced honesty to some challenging themes: grief, divorce, the bewildering demands of family, and attempted suicide. It is also a powerful celebration of imagination, creativity, the importance of stories and the healing power of friendship.

The book’s main character, 13-year-old Cate, is warm, funny and relatable; a smart, logical girl with an exceptional writing gift and a maturity beyond her years, protective of the feelings of others, often at the expense of her own. When an overseas opportunity threatens the status quo, Cate is caught between two adoring parents: the mum she loves, and the father who inspires her imagination, creativity and her pursuit of writing.

This bittersweet story’s raw honesty is joyful and uplifting – it’ll make you cry and laugh out loud. Hopefully, like Cate, you’ll be inspired to be present in the moment and never let the spark go out. Recommended for ages 12+.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern