Children's Fiction & Non-Fiction

Elle is a Scottish and Neurodivergent writer, happily living in London. She graduated with a first in Creative Writing and has worked as a bookseller, bartender, blogger and babysitter—all while writing stories for her own amusement. After completing her Masters dissertation on the lack of Own Voices representation for Neurodivergent children, she grew tired of the lack of inclusivity in the industry, and wrote a book herself.

Her first children’s novel, A Kind of Spark, was published in June 2020 by award-winning indie press Knights Of and stars two openly autistic young women. After publication A Kind Of Spark swiftly became the Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Month in June and the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month in October. Additionally, it was announced as both The Times and The Sunday Times’ Children’s Book of the Week! In December, AKOS was announced as the Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year and in January 2021 it was announced as The Blackwell’s Book of the Year 2020! In July 2021, it was announced that A Kind of Spark had also won the top prize at the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2021, winning the best book for younger readers and the best overall winner!

Elle’s second book, Show Us Who You Are, was named as The Sunday Times’ Children’s Book of the Week and the Blackwell’s Book of the Month ahead of publication in March 2021! Elle’s third book and the first in a duology Like A Charm published in February 2022! The sequel, Like A Curse published in February 2023.

Praise for A Kind of Spark:

‘Funny, astute debut.’ - Alex O’Connell, The Times editor

‘Remarkable debut.’ - Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times editor

‘A short, sweet and accessible read, but with so very much to say.’ - BookTrust

‘Definitive and funny.’- Susin Nielsen

‘A fabulous, brilliant debut.’ - Lisa Thompson