The Space We're In

Written by Katya Balen

A tragedy forces Frank to mend his bond with his autistic brother, Max.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,113 ratings

208 pages

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Frank, a ten-year-old soccer enthusiast, struggles with his autistic brother Max's unique behaviors. Max's world is beige and gray, and Frank yearns for a typical sibling relationship. When a sudden tragedy hits, Frank must navigate his emotions and find a way to heal their family. Can he learn to embrace Max's differences and become the brother he always wanted to be? This heartfelt journey explores the complexities of family bonds and acceptance.

From the publisher

Ten-year-old Frank has trouble navigating his relationship with his younger brother Max who is autistic.

Frank loves soccer, codes, riding his bike, and playing with his friends. His brother Max is five. Max only eats foods that are beige or white, hates baths, and if he has to wear a t-shirt that isn’t gray with yellow stripes he melts down down down.

Frank longs for the brother he was promised by his parents before Max was born—someone who was supposed to be his biggest fan, so he could be the best brother in the world. Instead, Frank has trouble navigating Max’s behavior and their relationship. But when tragedy strikes, Frank finds a way to try and repair their fractured family and in doing so learns to love Max for who he is.

In her debut novel, Katya Balen uses her knowledge of autism and experience working with autistic people to create an intriguing and intense yet always respectful family story.

For readers of Counting by 7s and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.

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