Each Tiny Spark

The story’s title indicates the book’s major theme, with Each Tiny Spark representing the many aspects of a person’s identity. People are multifaceted, and no one should reduce another person to one or two traits. Thus, Emilia’s race doesn’t solely define her, nor does her ADHD, her gender, or even where she lives. Her identity is a composite of all her characteristics: Each tiny spark contributes to her identity, and her dad nicknames her Chispita due to her plethora of galvanizing characteristics. Emilia is not the only character composed of several sparks. Her dad, Abuela, and Gus also have a variety of sparks, but it’s not always easy to accept and acknowledge every facet of a person, and every character struggles to do so at some point.

When Toni first returns from deployment, he grows frustrated with Emilia as he tries to help with her homework. Emilia states, “It feels like Dad has forgotten who I am” (93). She wants her dad to remember she has ADHD and might require extra patience. Emilia doesn’t accept the sparks in her dad and how his identity as a Marine might make it hard for him to adjust to civilian life. Emilia also doesn’t accept that Clarissa’s parties don’t spark Gus, and he doesn’t want to go.