Spark

When a shy girl and her dragon-like companion discover their country’s idyllic weather comes at a steep—and secret—cost, they recruit fellow students to defy authority and attempt to spread the truth.

Storm beasts and their guardians create perfect weather every day, and Mina longs for a storm beast of her own. But when the gentle girl bonds with a lightning beast—a creature of fire and chaos—everyone’s certain it’s a mistake. Everyone but Mina and the beast himself, Pixit. Quickly enrolled in lightning school, Mina struggles to master a guardian’s skills, and she discovers that her country's weather comes at a devastating cost—a cost powerful people wish to hide. Mina’s never been the type to speak out, but someone has to tell the truth, and, with Pixit’s help, she resolves to find a way to be heard.

But how can one quiet girl change a world that’s determined to keep its secrets?

• Girl and Her Dragon: Mina is quiet and gentle. Her new companion, Pixit, is a chaotic lightning beast. Everyone says it’s a mistake, but their bond might be the only thing that can save their world.
• Shy Girl Hero: Used to living in the background, Mina must find the courage to speak up when she uncovers a devastating truth about her perfect country.
• A Hidden Conspiracy: Alorria’s idyllic weather isn’t a miracle—it comes at a terrible price that the powerful will do anything to keep hidden.
• Finding Your Voice: A heartfelt middle grade adventure about discovering that your voice, no matter how quiet, has the power to spark a revolution.

"[F]ascinating but powerful.... The underlying theme of the book reminds readers that it only takes one spark from one child to change the world." - Booklist (starred review)

"The effusive adoration between Mina and her beast, Pixit, evokes The Golden Compass....[Spark is] warm, exciting, hopeful." - Kirkus Reviews

"[Mina and Pixit's] mutually encouraging relationship will resonate....A reassuring journey of self-discovery." - School Library Journal

"Readers with a yearning for adventure and justice will delight in this one, and quiet youngsters will especially appreciate receiving respect."  - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Introverts will appreciate Mina’s strategies for finding alternative ways to stand up for herself, and her eventual carving out of her quiet but determined place among her schoolmates will resonate with them." - Horn Book Magazine