Ava Spark: Hello, I'm here! by Alex Field

Ava Spark speaks in a different way but is a typical 10-year-old trying to negotiate the trials and tribulations of school, friendship, home and family.  She has a twin sister called Flo, two best friends and there is a new child joining the school.  Ava and her friends want to make her feel welcome and the story focusses on friendship rather than Ava’s disability. 

Ava uses a communication aid, and this new series explores different ways to interact with others, and how we can include others.  The story really looks at how kindness and friendship bonds develop and celebrate empathy.  The way the story is told in the present tense really emphasises that whatever disability someone may be living with they are similar to everyone else in how they feel, react and think about life.  They still feel embarrassment about parents, have problems with friends and sibling rivalry.

This series is well written and totally enjoyable; it is a series with interesting characters who are engaging and relatable.  I loved the fact that the author uses his own experiences with his son to make Ava’s experiences believable which allows the reader to learn about how disability is perceived and experienced.  This is a book that could be used as a read aloud, to encourage empathy and understanding of disability or simply as a fun read for primary aged students. 

I would recommend this book be included in all school libraries and encourage people to read it, and with their students and children.  The series is one that will become a fast favourite with readers and their parents as Ava's stories encourage inclusivity and empathy.

Themes: Friendships, Family, Disability, New and old friends, Communication.

Mhairi Alcorn