A Little Spark

by Barry Jonsberg

From the bestselling multi-award-winning author of My Life as an Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear comes another CBCA Notable middle fiction novel that is warm, upbeat, intriguing and wholly absorbing.

NOTABLE 2023 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature
I don't tell Mum and Sam anything about my weekends with Dad. It would be giving them tickets into that world. The world Dad and I have created. And I don't want to do that. It's ours. It's all we have. It's all we've been allowed since my parents got divorced.

Cate gets to spend every second weekend with her dad, and each time something special and surprising happens. Something that fires the creative spark that Cate channels into her writing.

And everything is fine until Cate's stepdad, Sam, gets offered his dream job in London and her mum decides they are going to move to England with him…

Cate must decide what she wants for herself. She loves both her parents - but she must choose between them.

A warm and funny novel full of unexpected twists and turns, joy and heartbreak.

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Humor, Friendship, Middle Grade, Family, Death

Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2022

About the author

Barry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog...
A Little Spark is a wondrous story of love, imagination, friendship and heartbreak.

Thirteen-year-old Caitlyn Carson's parents have been divorced for 7 years. She spends every second weekend with her father and they have adventures to spark the imagination and believe in the impossible.

Barry Jonsberg has written an inspiring book about building on a child's imagination past the early childhood years. Don't let that little spark go out!

Many opportunities arise throughout the book for classroom discussion with themes of divorce, a child's rights, how divorce affects the children in a relationship and parent responsibilities.

The story is narrated by Cate and she is extremely likeable and comes across as a very mature and open 13 year old, wise beyond her years. I was relieved when there was a scene of screaming and door slamming because I feel the character needs to be relatable.

A Little Spark highlights strong parent/child relationships and a fun and supportive friendship with Cate and best friend Elise. It is filled with magical encounters featuring UFOs, a unicorn, a beach serenade and a flash mob orchestra, just to name a few.

A Little Spark is a book that will ignite your imagination, make you laugh and break your heart.
*I received my copy from the publisher

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread to write readers cup questions.

This is quite astonishing, but I think I say that about most of this author's books.

I sobbed and sobbed (at the end).

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cate lives with her mum, and her mum’s boyfriend, Sam, and every second weekend, she gets to spend the weekend with her dad.
On these weekends, they have lots of fun – he always has special adventures planned and just makes their time together memorable and wonderful for Cate.

Cate’s world is rocked when Sam is offered a job in London, and Cate’s mum wants them all to move. But Cate wants to stay in Melbourne so she can see her dad, and her best friend, El.


This book is aimed at upper primary/middle grade readers, and is full of heart.

Cate is such a wonderfully written character and you can feel the love she has for her parents, but especially her dad through each interaction with them.

Cate’s best friend El has parents who are going through a divorce, and Cate doesn’t want to leave her, either.

This book is full of heart and is funny and wonderful. I recommend this to readers of all ages.

[Rach A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5? This was an unexpectedly heart-wrenching middle-grade (why does middle-grade always hit so hard?!) This is definitely a book to take you back to your childhood, especially as a child of divorce myself. It was really interesting to read this knowing the author wanted to portray a more nuanced/healthier/for the child divorce, as someone who lived through it. Because whilst I think he definitely succeeded, oh boy is this kid getting some trauma out of the decisions these parents make!

There is an absolutely wonderful father/daughter relationship, A DOG, a lovely message about finding your own spark and imagination (which again felt very much like it took me back to my childhood as it was reminiscent of the relationship I had with my father) and the ending packs an absolute punch to the chest.

Content warnings: divorce, car accident, death of parent, cancer, court case, attempted suicide

[Ms Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 All of the emotions! Cate might have lost her tears but I sure didn’t. Loss permeates this story but a loss of time is what weighed so heavily on me. I loved Cate’s voice - at times perceptive, reflective, even melodic, while other times the voice of a strained teenager grappling with a lack of control that comes with being 13. It’s without a doubt that Cate’s dad’s last effort as Director of Miracles will leave an indelible mark on her life.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved My Life as an Alphabet, and thought A Song Only I Can Hear was great, so I keep trying to find more Barry Jonsberg books I like. But I’m finding they’re a bit hit and miss.
This one is about a girl who has to decide whether she wants to move to England with her mum and her stepdad or stay in Australia with her dad. It’s really a no-win situation for Cate, because no matter what she does, someone will get hurt. Even once she makes her decision there’s court cases where the parents are completely amicable, but both fighting for her. Set to a backdrop of a car accident, a best friend in need, and a world of adventurers.
So it’s pretty heavy, but having the parents get along made a huge difference in the weight of all the pressure. I don’t think it’s inspiring for middle grade readers, and if you’re going through a divorce and want a book to help explain it to your kids don’t pick this one. Ultimately the message was: you’re a child, and what you want doesn’t matter.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Spark is a YA book about 13 year old Cate Carson. Cate's parents divorced when she was very young however, she spends most weekends with her Dad. Her weekends with him revolve around a world full of imagination, creativity and magic and this world is theirs alone. The story contains some complex family problems, self harm, tragedy and grief therefore, I would recommend it for older children. I was going to read it to my 9 year old but it contained course language and some tough themes so would be more suitable for 12+ years in my opinion. Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC of Barry Jonsberg's book.

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book engaged me and made me tear up so much. I loved the MC and felt for her so much throughout the novel. Usually young teens are whiny and annoying for me in books, but this was not the case for this book. This book was easy to delve into and I was enraptured for most of it. A huge let down was the consistency of JKR and HP being mentioned throughout the book; I was left disappointed.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cate loves her dad. She loves her mum too of course, but every second weekend, she stays with her dad at his place. Mum has a new partner (named Sam) but Cate worries that her dad hasn’t met anyone new. When she asks him about it, he just smiles. His reason, he explains, is time. Cate is thirteen, and he figures she will start changing around sixteen, wanting to be more independent and become more adult. So this time with Cate is precious, and he not only doesn’t want any distractions in it, he wants it to be the most special it can be.

When he says special, Cate knows exactly what he means. Each time she is with him, they play a game. It might be seeking extra-terrestrials, discovering a new ice-cream store, or buskers breaking into song for only them when they are out. These surprises are magical for Cate, and as a budding writer, feed her imagination.

One ‘game’ goes terribly wrong, putting both Cate and her dad in hospital. The timing couldn’t be worse. Cate mum wants to take Cate to England to be with Sam who has scored his dream job. Cate and her dad don’t want her to leave their home city of Melbourne, Australia, but Mum is adamant – taking things to court.

Cate is caught between her love for her parents, not wanting to ruin Sam’s dreams, and wanting to stay with her dad in the city she was born in. Her friend Elise is going through problems of her own, and Cate can’t think of leaving her. Soon, events take the decision from her hands, leaving her stunned and confused.


Barry Jonsberg has done it again, capturing the voices of young teens in every day life, dealing with events that try to derail them. The character’s voices are so clear, with the very real laughter, bickering, confusion, and love, in multiple relationships.

Cate and her best friend Elise compare notes as Elise’s parents are planning a divorce, and Cate’s mum and partner are planning for all of their futures away from everything she knows and loves.

This leaves Cate angry at her lack of control over her life, and there is worse to come. A sudden betrayal by her dad shocks her beyond comprehension. Why has he abandoned her?

What is the result? A suburb surprise for both Cate and reader.

As always, Barry’s Jonsberg’s writing is exquisite, and the ending? Magnificent! (with tissues on standby).

For Readers - 11+

[Sally_BookTokFan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, a book comes along that not only captivates you with its story but also leaves you feeling profoundly hopeful. This book is precisely that kind of gem. This moving and insightful novel tackles complex themes with honesty and grace, while simultaneously celebrating the boundless power of imagination and the enduring strength of human connection. At the heart of the story is Cate, a young girl navigating the complexities of a divorced family. Every second weekend, Cate escapes into a world of wonder with her dad, a world carefully constructed and fiercely guarded. These weekends are more than just visits; they are a sanctuary, a shared space where creativity flourishes and memories are forged. "𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚎'𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍." I WANT TO HUG CATE NOW, I FEEL SO BAD. The author masterfully portrays the delicate balance Cate maintains, keeping this special world separate from her life with her mother and stepfather, Sam. Each visit with her dad sparks a creative fire within her, fuelling her writing and providing an outlet for her emotions. We see the joy and excitement these weekends bring, the unique bond Cate shares with her father, and the importance of these moments in shaping her identity. However, Cate's carefully constructed world is threatened when Sam receives his dream job offer in London, and her mother decides the family will move to England. Suddenly, Cate is faced with an impossible choice: stay with her father and the world they've built together or relocate to a new country with her mother and stepfather. This is where 'A Little Spark' truly shines. The author doesn't shy away from the difficult realities of divorce and its impact on children. He explores the feelings of divided loyalties, the pain of separation, and the struggle to find one's place within a fractured family unit. But he does so with remarkable sensitivity and optimism. Beyond the complexities of family dynamics, this book also bravely addresses challenging themes like grief and attempted suicide. These issues are handled with nuance and honesty, never feeling gratuitous but rather adding depth and realism to the narrative. The author demonstrates an understanding of the emotional turmoil that young people face and offers a message of hope and resilience. This book is a must-read for young adults and adults alike. It's a poignant and uplifting story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and reminded of the enduring power of love, friendship, and the boundless potential of the human imagination. This book is a true literary treasure that deserves to be shared and celebrated. Prepare to have your own spark ignited.

[Sean Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved “A Little Spark”. As a bookseller, reader, and author myself, it’s always a pleasure to read Barry Jonsberg’s new novels. They’re easy to recommend for their high quality and important themes, they’re inspiring, and best of all, they’re so utterly enjoyable. “A Little Spark” was no different, and may even be my favourite so far.

“A Little Spark” centres on the character of Cate, whose parents have recently split. She’s a teenager now faced with the normal challenges of high school, friendship, and navigating the murky waters of family while her parents try to find their own way as newly-separated adults. As in all of Barry’s books, Cate is a compelling narrator, drawn on by her own very real needs and wants and contradictions, chasing tangible goals that are regularly beset by new challenges. Just when it seems nothing can go wrong, everything does. Just when everything is going wrong, she gets a win. That’s life. And throughout the story, “A Little Spark” holds true to that message. Life just is. It’s not good or evil, no one can predict or control it, things just happen. Cate’s challenge is learn that what she wants may not be what she needs. If she can’t get either, she needs to find new ways of surviving and, if possible, thriving. That’s life.

There are many poignant and fun relationships in this book, including that of Cate’s best friend and mother. But shining most strongly is the closeness she has with her father. They share a beautiful bond, hidden secrets that keep her time with him special. When it becomes clear that Cate must choose between the exciting opportunities her mother presents, and the familiar fun that her father brings, it seems impossible. But that’s the brilliance of this book. It brings you heartbreak and joy. It shows you a snapshot into a tricky life. And it reminds you that if you find a little spark of madness and share it with those you love, anything is possible.

[Helen Farch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cate lives with her mum and Steve, her mum's new boyfriend. But every second weekend she gets to spend the weekend with her dad. On these weekends he always has special adventures planned and anything could happen.

Cate loves her mum and her dad and is even quite fond of Steve.

But when Steve is offered a job in London, and her mum plans for them both to move there with him, Cate is left in an impossible position.... she doesn't want to leave her mum or her dad.... or her best friend El, who definitely needs her.

Cate is determined to not leave Melbourne but that means that her mum and dad are going to fight about it in court.

But then on one of their adventures, Cate and her dad are injured in a car accident. Will this mean that the court will decide her dad isn't a good parent and make her go to London?

A little spark is another wonderful Barry Jonsberg book. If you haven't read any of his other books yet I strongly encourage you to do so.

A little spark is fun, funny and heartbreaking - full of the unexpected.

Cate feels like such a real character and the way she battles with her conflicting feelings about the move the London feels entirely authentic. One of my favourite characters is Cate's best friend El - who is going through her own struggles with divorcing parents and her sadness of the prospect of Cate leaving.

Aimed at an upper primary to lower secondary audience, this is another example of how a well written book transcends age group classification and becomes a must read for anyone who loves a good story.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy of this book.

[Lou Endicott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly joyous book that champions the power of imagination and the bonds that we share when we create together. It’s an unusual ride though. Initially there was the feeling that this was the usual coming of age story YA novel about a young person navigating divorce and their place in the world. But then it switches into another gear when a bombshell is dropped upon the protagonist.
The last few chapters are glorious! A real life unfolding fantastical adventure that had me grinning and crying simultaneously.
I read the last line of the book then promptly ugly cried for a full minute or two at the beauty of stories that hold the heart space.
I loved Barry Jonsberg’s “A Song Only I Can Hear” and this one is up there with it as a masterful piece of writing.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joyous and heartbreaking book about being a kid with a big imagination and a support network who fosters that creativity. An easy read, accessible and at times laugh out loud funny, this novel deals with big issues without being angsty and dark. There are big themes like grief discussed in here, but in a way in which young people can understand and relate to. There are genuine gasp-worthy moments, and while sometimes Cate sounds more like a grown up than the thirteen/fourteen year old she's meant to be, it is a lovely little book. It's nice to read about families who can be pleasant and kind despite being divorced. A good read for middle school, probably grade 8 and up.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read. This book shows some of the complexities with family relationships when divorce occurs, even when it is amicable and mostly through the eyes of a child. I really enjoyed CCs character and her friend, Elise. I was fortunate to attend the launch of the book and meet the author shortly after having read it, and enjoyed listening to Jude Lee whom one of the characters had been named after, as well as hear of the inspiration behind the character Sam Ellis (CC's step dad).

[Caroline Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barry Jonsberg, you've done it again. I laughed, I cried, I was mesmerised. I simply love this author's style of writing. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the whole book. The main character is very relatable, the plot is not predictable and the other characters are believable. You'll think you know where this story is headed, but Jonsberg once again throws a spanner in the works. I will forgive him for using "orientated" which is my pet peeve.

Thank you to Will Kostakis for recommending Jonsberg's books.

Read this if you enjoyed The Whole Business With Kiffo and the Pitbull.

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une très jolie histoire menée par des personnages touchants et attachants, je me suis laissée surprendre par l'intrigue à une ou deux reprises...
17/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Gemma Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about 13 year Cate. Her parents are divorcing and she is torn between staying home with father; or going to England with mother. In the end, decision is taken out of her hands.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful in an unexpected heartbreaking way.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for PRC
Wonderfully written story about life, relationships and choices. Set in Australia then the UK, just a really well written and thought out book.

[Tanya Boulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite from this author but he covers good subject matter for the teenage age bracket

[Kerri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

How a male author gets inside the head of a 13-year-old girl to write her so empathetically is real talent. This middle grade novel was enjoyable and heart-breaking all at the same time but overall it was very satisfying and I loved it.

[Maïlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't prepared for this book to move me as much as it did. I thought the beginning was a little boring, a bit too young for my taste, but i quickly became very touched by CC and her dad's relationship, the imaginary word they created. The ending shattered my heart, i didn't see that coming at all !

[Matic Slapšak · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my review (in Slovene) at https://maticpise.com/2023/12/31/drob...

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Lovely story with some hard hitting parts done sensitively. Lovely aussie YA