The Space We’re In by Katya Balen, 197 pages. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2019. $18.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW
10-year-old Frank’s life has never been the same since his severely autistic brother, Max, came into his life. His once vibrant artist mother has given up her passion to take care of Max full time. She provides the structure Max needs. When she tragically and unexpectedly dies, someone must step up to restore order for Max. Together, he and his father learn to love Max.
Balen has done an excellent job describing what it’s like to live in a household with an autistic child. The normal child always takes a backseat to the child with needs. Frank’s thoughts about this are clearly conveyed, but it’s almost too much. This is a character book. The reader is in Frank’s sad, frustrated head for the entire book. Kids who want a strong plot will be disappointed.
Reviewer: Valerie McEnroe, MLIS
No comments:
Post a Comment