"Icy Sparks" is a novel by Gwyn Hyman Rubio, first published in 1998. The story is set in the 1950s and follows the life of a young girl named Icy Sparks who lives in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. Icy suffers from a neurological disorder that causes her to involuntarily shake and twitch, which leads to her being ostracized by her peers and even her own family. Despite this, Icy is a bright and curious child who yearns to understand the world around her. She finds solace in spending time in nature and in her friendship with Miss Emily, a kind-hearted librarian who encourages her love of learning. As Icy grows older, she struggles with her sense of identity and belonging, and her condition worsens as she confronts the realities of adolescence and the complexities of her family's past. Through her journey, Icy learns the importance of self-acceptance and the value of true friendship. The novel explores themes of mental illness, identity, family, and the power of education to inspire and transform lives.
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