We all want a little spark in our lives, right?

Cate’s dad believes it is essential to life and he goes out of his way to ensure his daughter, Cate, experiences it. The only thing is, that’s not how grown-ups should act and one day when a terrible accident results, it has massive consequences. Through the story of 13-year-old Cate, Jonsberg explores family relationships, the impact of divorce and the resilience of some children.

Cate is a bright, intelligent, young teenager and a talented writer who wins second prize in the Victorian Premiers Writing Award.

When her mum’s new partner is offered a job in the UK, she is put in the untenable position of having to choose which parent to live with. That potentially means leaving behind her best friend who is not coping with her parent’s looming divorce. How can she choose?

Barry Jonsberg’s A Little Spark is a wonderful, heart-warming, challenging book that transcends its young adult classification. It deals with the practical reality of broken relationships with all the pain but also joy that comes with change. Its unexpected twists and bends in the plot, keep reading in anticipation.

This is an immensely enjoyable story.

Reviewed by Karen Williams
Age Guide 12+