Ava Spark, Hello, I'm Here

Ava Spark is a ten-year-old twin sister to Flo. Ava is unusual in that she is a wheelchair user and also communicates using an eye-gaze system. This causes her to be judged by some people, including the odious Mrs. Hare, her teacher, as unintelligent. This is not the case and reflects badly on Mrs. Hare.

Ava’s friends, Jack and Miya, accept her unequivocally which is deeply refreshing. When a new girl, Liv, joins the school, Ava is the one chosen to befriend her, especially since she has come without her parents, all the way from Australia. Ava is particularly honoured to have been given this task because, as she says, people are always looking after her. This is a vital point to make to young readers that disabled people can, and should sometimes be helpers, and not always the helped.

When Liv arrives at the school, the friends decide to organise an England versus Australia relay race at Sports Day. Will they succeed in making Liv feel at home and will Ava feel less invisible? The standout feature of this book is that Ava, who is visibly disabled and who communicates in a non-traditional way, is an active protagonist in Field’s book and her situation is not the only facet of the story.

This is a book about friendship and communication which may be enjoyed by all seven- to eleven-year-olds.