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The Space We're In
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.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2019
48 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
About the author
Katya Balen
20 books166 followersKatya Balen is a British author of children's literature. She was born in 1989, in London. Her novel
October, October
won the 2022 Carnegie Medal. Her work has also been nominated for the Branford Boase Award and the Wainwright Prize for Children's Writing on Nature and Conservation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
December 17, 2019
This has become one of my favourite reads of 2019 so far. I am going to find it difficult to articulate just how powerful and important this middle grade read is, but I am going to try my very best because you need to read it. The book is from the perspective of Frank, who is a child himself. But he is an older brother to Max, who has severe autism.
I am not an ownvoices reviewer for this, but I am drawing from my experience of being an older sister to a physically disabled sibling. I feel like this book handled the ups and downs of living with someone who needs so much extra attention and care incredibly well. It’s especially intense for Frank as he is a young child himself and also needs attention and care too. It doesn’t just drag and complain all the time. Instead, it shows the complexities between love and frustration, of caring and needing your own space too, and everything in between. I was so impressed with how this book handled it and translated it for a younger audience too.
This book also did an exceptional job with showing how adults, and parents especially are not perfect, and can make mistakes too. Frank loves his parents but even if he doesn’t always understand what he is seeing, we can see them struggling. I love that it handles the topics of adults not being perfect either, because around the middle grade age (and this is the target audience for this book) is round about when you get that kind of awakening and understanding. I love the idea of this helping some children process those feelings.
Friendship is not at the core of this book, but it is so strongly woven through and I love that. Every moment I saw Frank with his best mates, Jamie and Ahmed, my heart expanded. There is so much that his friends do for him. They are so good for him to mess around with, but they are also so accepting and thoughtful in their own ways. I love that we got to see a bit about Ahmed’s house and life, and how it was different to Frank’s. But I also loved how we got to see Frank be friends with some adults – for example his relationship with his teacher, or his neighbour. Or how we got to see his mum having friends too. Friendship everywhere.
Now for the serious topic. This book handles the autism focus very well. But there is also a focus on grief and death. I found it to be a very heavy topic for a middle grade read. But then I reminded myself of the fact that I first faced death myself when my grandfather passed away when I was ten. And that the family I used to babysit for lost their mother to breast cancer and left behind a husband and two girls of a middle grade audience age. Children face grief and death and we shouldn’t take the hardness of those emotions out of books. The way this book handles it… I can’t even mention. It was fantastically, and sensitively done. It had me blinking back tears sometimes. Me. The girl who reads and never cries.
Mostly, this book became one of the best books I have read this year because of all the emotions it made me feel. About halfway through, I was a wreck. Something bad happened and I wanted to cry. Something good happened and I wanted to cry too. This book brought me to the highest of highs emotionally, and the lowest of lows. I was so emotionally raw and sensitive, and I had to take a moment to marvel at the fact that words on a page could bring me to this point. Words on a page targeted to an age group much younger than mine, but still cut through to me just as much.
When I first started reading, I was a bit nervous about the writing style. It’s very simple and straightforward, but it is so good for middle grade readers. Not too challenging, but not oversimplified either. I also really liked the illustrations and that they were colourless – it made me think that Max would probably be happy looking at the illustrations featured in the book too.
I have nothing more to say except this is one you need to read.This review and others can originally be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2019/1...
I am not an ownvoices reviewer for this, but I am drawing from my experience of being an older sister to a physically disabled sibling. I feel like this book handled the ups and downs of living with someone who needs so much extra attention and care incredibly well. It’s especially intense for Frank as he is a young child himself and also needs attention and care too. It doesn’t just drag and complain all the time. Instead, it shows the complexities between love and frustration, of caring and needing your own space too, and everything in between. I was so impressed with how this book handled it and translated it for a younger audience too.
This book also did an exceptional job with showing how adults, and parents especially are not perfect, and can make mistakes too. Frank loves his parents but even if he doesn’t always understand what he is seeing, we can see them struggling. I love that it handles the topics of adults not being perfect either, because around the middle grade age (and this is the target audience for this book) is round about when you get that kind of awakening and understanding. I love the idea of this helping some children process those feelings.
Friendship is not at the core of this book, but it is so strongly woven through and I love that. Every moment I saw Frank with his best mates, Jamie and Ahmed, my heart expanded. There is so much that his friends do for him. They are so good for him to mess around with, but they are also so accepting and thoughtful in their own ways. I love that we got to see a bit about Ahmed’s house and life, and how it was different to Frank’s. But I also loved how we got to see Frank be friends with some adults – for example his relationship with his teacher, or his neighbour. Or how we got to see his mum having friends too. Friendship everywhere.
Now for the serious topic. This book handles the autism focus very well. But there is also a focus on grief and death. I found it to be a very heavy topic for a middle grade read. But then I reminded myself of the fact that I first faced death myself when my grandfather passed away when I was ten. And that the family I used to babysit for lost their mother to breast cancer and left behind a husband and two girls of a middle grade audience age. Children face grief and death and we shouldn’t take the hardness of those emotions out of books. The way this book handles it… I can’t even mention. It was fantastically, and sensitively done. It had me blinking back tears sometimes. Me. The girl who reads and never cries.
Mostly, this book became one of the best books I have read this year because of all the emotions it made me feel. About halfway through, I was a wreck. Something bad happened and I wanted to cry. Something good happened and I wanted to cry too. This book brought me to the highest of highs emotionally, and the lowest of lows. I was so emotionally raw and sensitive, and I had to take a moment to marvel at the fact that words on a page could bring me to this point. Words on a page targeted to an age group much younger than mine, but still cut through to me just as much.
When I first started reading, I was a bit nervous about the writing style. It’s very simple and straightforward, but it is so good for middle grade readers. Not too challenging, but not oversimplified either. I also really liked the illustrations and that they were colourless – it made me think that Max would probably be happy looking at the illustrations featured in the book too.
I have nothing more to say except this is one you need to read.This review and others can originally be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2019/1...
May 13, 2020
Yeah, no, I wasn't ready for this book to do what it did to me.
September 23, 2022
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
If I'm going to pick up a middle grade story, it'll usually be a fantastical one; one full of magic and adventures. However, I was so impressed with the beauty of this author's writing, and the depth of emotion abundant in her other middle grade release, October, October, that I decided to pick up more of her work regardless of its genre.
This novel focuses on ten-year-old Frank. He loves his family but everything got a bit more difficult with the birth of now five-year-old Max. Max is on the autistic spectrum and dislikes change, colourful foods, and anything which isn't his favourite t-shirt. His birth sparked the end of his mother's career as an artist and any quiet that occurred inside their home.
If I thought I had experienced how traumatic a Balen book could be before, then I was clearly mistaken! I sobbed aloud whilst reading this and gasped open-mouthed at what occurred in this novel, penned for and featuring characters so much younger than myself.
But the importance of introducing readers to Balen's work is that there are young people in the world for who the contents featured here are a reality. For those who it is not, it aids in their empathy and understanding that their home-life might not be like some others. For those who already see themselves in these pages, I believe it would be of immense importance to them to feel so seen, so recognised, and so understood.
If I'm going to pick up a middle grade story, it'll usually be a fantastical one; one full of magic and adventures. However, I was so impressed with the beauty of this author's writing, and the depth of emotion abundant in her other middle grade release, October, October, that I decided to pick up more of her work regardless of its genre.
This novel focuses on ten-year-old Frank. He loves his family but everything got a bit more difficult with the birth of now five-year-old Max. Max is on the autistic spectrum and dislikes change, colourful foods, and anything which isn't his favourite t-shirt. His birth sparked the end of his mother's career as an artist and any quiet that occurred inside their home.
If I thought I had experienced how traumatic a Balen book could be before, then I was clearly mistaken! I sobbed aloud whilst reading this and gasped open-mouthed at what occurred in this novel, penned for and featuring characters so much younger than myself.
But the importance of introducing readers to Balen's work is that there are young people in the world for who the contents featured here are a reality. For those who it is not, it aids in their empathy and understanding that their home-life might not be like some others. For those who already see themselves in these pages, I believe it would be of immense importance to them to feel so seen, so recognised, and so understood.
November 5, 2021
This middle Grade book hit really hard to my heart. It deals with a lot of thought stuff and written in own voice. I love how you know what this character is feeling and going through. This was not an easy read but I found it very informational on how one goes through when somebody in the family has a mental illness.
August 8, 2021
As an Autistic person I found this book very difficult to read emotionally. The Autistic younger brother is constantly framed as a burden and a source of shame, the 'R' word is alluded to on multiple occasions when frankly able people shouldn't even be going near that word, the protagonist says on a couple of occasions that he 'hates' his brother (when I was growing up with my two sisters, we were taught that 'hate' was a horrible, strong word and that we shouldn't use it about anyone, let alone family, so I really don't think that this should be encouraged in a children's book, especially when the character is referring to a disabled person) and it's generally all about how miserable the protagonist's life is made by having an Autistic sibling. There's also a vivid description of how much the mother cried upon receiving the Autistic brother's diagnosis. I cried a lot reading this book, and not because it was inspirational or moving, but because it was downright hurtful. If I felt like this as an adult, then it worries me to think what an Autistic child or teenager (this book is aimed at MG readers) might feel upon reading this book.
To those who are saying 'it tells the story of able children who get less attention than their disabled siblings', all I can say is...hello?! We ALWAYS hear the stories of neurotypical/able children. Most protagonists in children's fiction - in all fiction - are neurotypical, except for those written by authors who want to do something 'edgy' or 'inspirational', in which their Autism or neurological/mental health difficulty or difference is a major part of the story. Neurotypical/able children always seem to matter more in life...they don't face ableism at school, they aren't feared by children and parents alike, they don't have to grow into adults who struggle and watch their neurotypical siblings have 'normal' relationships and jobs whereas they're still drifting in space, at a loss, and yes, still needing a lot of parental support. I'm not saying that neurotypical children don't struggle or have emotional needs to be met, but if you're neurotypical, you are in the position of privilege in this discussion. It's not an Autistic child's fault that they have needs that mean they require more of their parents' attention and support. Your Autistic siblings are not monsters who were put on this planet to suck up your parents' happiness and attention and embarrass you and make your life ha-ard. Children's fiction should teach children to be more empathetic and less self-entitled, and I don't think this book does that...it's all about the neurotypical protagonist. At 24, I am only just coming to terms with the fact that I did not ask to be this way, and forgiving myself for how I affected my two neurotypical younger sisters' lives. This book did not help me in that process. Of course all children need their parents' love and attention, but Autistic people need to be able to live without feeling like burdens too.
I can see by all the reviews that no one else here really feels the same as I do. Just because you are related to or know an Autistic person, that doesn't mean you can really understand what an Autistic person's feelings upon reading this book might be. You might think it's 'beautiful' or 'heartfelt'...to me it was anything but. I like to only post positive reviews because I'm a big believer in 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything', and I tend to put up and shut up, but I couldn't stay silent on this. I'm not a 'snowflake', and I'm not just saying this to be 'woke', or to seek attention. I'm saying this because I am diagnosed Autistic myself, and I felt like rubbish after reading this book. I'm not sure how much thought the author gave to potential Autistic readers, despite having been a professional in this field. We are people, authors - not 'challenges' for your neurotypical characters.
To those who are saying 'it tells the story of able children who get less attention than their disabled siblings', all I can say is...hello?! We ALWAYS hear the stories of neurotypical/able children. Most protagonists in children's fiction - in all fiction - are neurotypical, except for those written by authors who want to do something 'edgy' or 'inspirational', in which their Autism or neurological/mental health difficulty or difference is a major part of the story. Neurotypical/able children always seem to matter more in life...they don't face ableism at school, they aren't feared by children and parents alike, they don't have to grow into adults who struggle and watch their neurotypical siblings have 'normal' relationships and jobs whereas they're still drifting in space, at a loss, and yes, still needing a lot of parental support. I'm not saying that neurotypical children don't struggle or have emotional needs to be met, but if you're neurotypical, you are in the position of privilege in this discussion. It's not an Autistic child's fault that they have needs that mean they require more of their parents' attention and support. Your Autistic siblings are not monsters who were put on this planet to suck up your parents' happiness and attention and embarrass you and make your life ha-ard. Children's fiction should teach children to be more empathetic and less self-entitled, and I don't think this book does that...it's all about the neurotypical protagonist. At 24, I am only just coming to terms with the fact that I did not ask to be this way, and forgiving myself for how I affected my two neurotypical younger sisters' lives. This book did not help me in that process. Of course all children need their parents' love and attention, but Autistic people need to be able to live without feeling like burdens too.
I can see by all the reviews that no one else here really feels the same as I do. Just because you are related to or know an Autistic person, that doesn't mean you can really understand what an Autistic person's feelings upon reading this book might be. You might think it's 'beautiful' or 'heartfelt'...to me it was anything but. I like to only post positive reviews because I'm a big believer in 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything', and I tend to put up and shut up, but I couldn't stay silent on this. I'm not a 'snowflake', and I'm not just saying this to be 'woke', or to seek attention. I'm saying this because I am diagnosed Autistic myself, and I felt like rubbish after reading this book. I'm not sure how much thought the author gave to potential Autistic readers, despite having been a professional in this field. We are people, authors - not 'challenges' for your neurotypical characters.
dnf
March 29, 2025Dnf 60% as an Autism Mama myself, this started off being a good book with the representation of a sibling POV for a sibling with autism (brother is 10 and his 5 year old brother has autism) - you see their struggles and whatnot but it got to be honest too dark for a middle grade. The brother continues to talk about how he hates his brother so much it was hard to read. Yes, these things are reality sometimes but it has a very sad tone and then a death occurs in their family that is DEVASTATING. I just don’t feel like it’s appropriate for children to read with that and I like my middle grade to be more uplifting. I’ve read better autism rep books personally that have an uplifting tone. Also, I didn’t love the push for believing the Big Bang theory and “how we are from dust in the sky from the Big Bang” - a miss for me unfortunately
November 23, 2019
I think I started crying on about page 23 and hardly stopped. When the tragedy referred to in the blurb happened, I was a complete and utter mess and had to put the book down for a couple of days to recover before I could continue.
Told through the eyes of Frank, the 10-year-old brother of 5-year-old non-verbal, autistic Max, this is so wonderfully written.
It's the story of all siblings of children with special needs who get less attention because their brother or sister needs more.
It's the story of Frank and Max coming to terms with each other themselves and the world.
Told through the eyes of Frank, the 10-year-old brother of 5-year-old non-verbal, autistic Max, this is so wonderfully written.
It's the story of all siblings of children with special needs who get less attention because their brother or sister needs more.
It's the story of Frank and Max coming to terms with each other themselves and the world.
August 24, 2018
This book is just so special and brilliant. Frank's voice sings, and just jumps off the page and draws you in from the very first line.
I cannot praise the writing enough. So clever, so engaging, so fresh. I cannot believe it's a debut author!
This is definitely one you should be adding to your TBR - most definitely will be one of the hottest books of 2019.
I cannot praise the writing enough. So clever, so engaging, so fresh. I cannot believe it's a debut author!
This is definitely one you should be adding to your TBR - most definitely will be one of the hottest books of 2019.
April 5, 2020
Whenever a new author debuts on the children's literature scene, I always approach their work with a measure of excitement and caution. It is yet another publishing cog whose teeth are just set to roll along the mainstream line or has a publisher taken a leap of faith and presented us with a unique and engaging voice? I can assure you that Balen's debut stands firmly in the latter.
Having completed an MPhil in exploring the impact of stories on autistic children, Balen turned her writing towards a domestic novel. It tells of a family of four: Mum is artistic, caring, thoughtful and has sacrificed her painting to raise her sons. Dad's life revolves around his work and although he loves his wife and boys, they remain somewhat on the periphery. Frank is ten, enjoys football, exploring the wild with his friends and cracking codes whilst Max is five, only eats quavers and repeatedly reads The Baby's Catalogue. Everyone in the family must work around Max who is soon to start school and whose severe autism means that he requires a lot of attention and needs. What happens then when a singular event throws the whole family into disarray?
Told from Frank's perspective, Balen invites us to view and empathise with a ten year old's struggles to cope with and understand not only his brother but also the great changes that shake his life. We may recognise bias and even be familiar with it but Frank's voice is so perfectly handled that Balen deftly offers us insights into the lives of all those around Max. This is a story as tender and heartbreaking as it is true.
But the real magic comes from this being a story shared in its telling. Lauren Carlin, whose illustrations and codes are thoughtfully set throughout the book bring the tale to life in a way that words alone would not have accomplished. Her codes, full page illustrations and abstract images invite us into Frank's world and the possibility of unraveling some of his deeper thoughts. It is rare to find an illustrator being able to enrich an already engaging reading experience but Carlin is masterful in her application.
The Space We're In, sadly, won't work for all readers. It is deep and clever in a way that many won't have the time for. Yet to not acknowledge its pace, characters and timely plotting is to miss out on the subtle craft of the book. If this is the only book Balen writes then she should know that she has left us all with something very special and deeply memorable.
Having completed an MPhil in exploring the impact of stories on autistic children, Balen turned her writing towards a domestic novel. It tells of a family of four: Mum is artistic, caring, thoughtful and has sacrificed her painting to raise her sons. Dad's life revolves around his work and although he loves his wife and boys, they remain somewhat on the periphery. Frank is ten, enjoys football, exploring the wild with his friends and cracking codes whilst Max is five, only eats quavers and repeatedly reads The Baby's Catalogue. Everyone in the family must work around Max who is soon to start school and whose severe autism means that he requires a lot of attention and needs. What happens then when a singular event throws the whole family into disarray?
Told from Frank's perspective, Balen invites us to view and empathise with a ten year old's struggles to cope with and understand not only his brother but also the great changes that shake his life. We may recognise bias and even be familiar with it but Frank's voice is so perfectly handled that Balen deftly offers us insights into the lives of all those around Max. This is a story as tender and heartbreaking as it is true.
But the real magic comes from this being a story shared in its telling. Lauren Carlin, whose illustrations and codes are thoughtfully set throughout the book bring the tale to life in a way that words alone would not have accomplished. Her codes, full page illustrations and abstract images invite us into Frank's world and the possibility of unraveling some of his deeper thoughts. It is rare to find an illustrator being able to enrich an already engaging reading experience but Carlin is masterful in her application.
The Space We're In, sadly, won't work for all readers. It is deep and clever in a way that many won't have the time for. Yet to not acknowledge its pace, characters and timely plotting is to miss out on the subtle craft of the book. If this is the only book Balen writes then she should know that she has left us all with something very special and deeply memorable.
January 22, 2020
RTC. Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review.
October 24, 2019
It is one of those book which will make you smile through your tears and nod head happily.
:
Narrated through the perspective of ten year old Frank who lives in a ram-shackled house with his father who work with computer codes, mother who used to paint before she had Max, his brother. Max is different from others, he like only four foods, can't stand flashy colors or loud noise, speaks through his hands and body language more than using syllables, he is Autistic.Frank had a hard time walking on the thin line balancing between the carefree boy of the wilderness and juggling the responsibilities of a caring elder sibling. His need for attention, thoughts, internal conflicts, outbursts and the gradual change is something that echoes loud throughout the book.
:
The story is raw, moving,gnaws at your heart and will linger on the mind for a long time.Narration is engaging since the very inception and maintains the grip till the end.Chatacters are well developed and relatable.I couldn't help falling in love with the siblings.The Morse code connection of mother and son is something every reader would enjoy.The twist of fate and the reaction of the characters makes it an Uplifting read. The climax left me with streaked cheeks.
:
The line that will remain with me forever is -
:
'We are her world and her universe and her space and her sky and her galaxy and her cosmos too '.
:
Undoubtedly one of the best read of this year.I highly recommend this book to every reader.Any amount of words will fail to do justice to this well researched and well written debut novel.I thank the author for this pure delight.
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September 20, 2018
I don't even know how to begin talking about this book!
The writing is beautiful and incredibly masterful: Frank's voice is so distinctive and encompassing, you will feel his every single heartbreak as he takes you along his story with his younger brother, Max.
This book will break you and put you back together anew. It is a story both devastating and cathartic, about hope and family and the code that holds the entire universe together.
The writing is beautiful and incredibly masterful: Frank's voice is so distinctive and encompassing, you will feel his every single heartbreak as he takes you along his story with his younger brother, Max.
This book will break you and put you back together anew. It is a story both devastating and cathartic, about hope and family and the code that holds the entire universe together.
April 25, 2020
This story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The Space We’re In is beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. The layout and style of the book made a powerful impact when reading it. The journey that Frank and Max goes on will make you cry, then smile, then cry again.
The author captures the thoughts of a 10 year old boy very well and Frank had such a unique voice. I am by no means an own-voices reviewer for this book, but I think the writing and characters were very realistic. This is a book everyone should read, even though it is technically a children’s book, adults and teens can learn from it as well.
The author captures the thoughts of a 10 year old boy very well and Frank had such a unique voice. I am by no means an own-voices reviewer for this book, but I think the writing and characters were very realistic. This is a book everyone should read, even though it is technically a children’s book, adults and teens can learn from it as well.
December 17, 2023
Tender story recommended by a student
January 26, 2020
A beautiful story told from the point-of-view of a boy whose brother has autism. Loved trying to figure out the coded chapter titles!
November 15, 2019
"We are her world and her universe and her space and her sky and her galaxy and her cosmos too."
I already knew before I read it that I'd love it. The space we're in is a middle grade book that follows the lives of two siblings Frank and Max.
Frank (the older sibling) loves codes and ciphers and football. Max (the younger sibling) has autism and for him, some colors are too bright and he has problems with new things in his daily schedule and if that happens he has melt-downs.
Their mom used to be an artist but after the birth of Max, she just doesn't find the time anymore. At first Frank struggles with a lot of things. He keeps wishing his brother was normal, that he'd communicate with him like he wants to. He's just a kid as well and feels overlooked because his parents have their hands full with taking care of Max. At the same time he's conflicted and guilty because he loves his brother (which is very apparent in a lot of things that Frank does) and yet at first, he allows his friends to make fun of Max.
After a huge tragedy hits their family, they embark on a beautiful and important journey as Frank realizes that his universe is whole with Max in it and that he loves his absolutely precious younger brother.
It is so touching and written very well. Since Frank loves codes, all the chapter names are written in the alphabet-number code and it was fun figuring out the chapter names.😄
I wish I could articulately convey my feelings about this book but I just can't seem to. All I can say is that it was a wonderful experience to read it.
If you liked Wonder by R J Palacio, you'll definitely love this one as well.
Thank you so much Bloomsbury India for providing me with a review copy
I already knew before I read it that I'd love it. The space we're in is a middle grade book that follows the lives of two siblings Frank and Max.
Frank (the older sibling) loves codes and ciphers and football. Max (the younger sibling) has autism and for him, some colors are too bright and he has problems with new things in his daily schedule and if that happens he has melt-downs.
Their mom used to be an artist but after the birth of Max, she just doesn't find the time anymore. At first Frank struggles with a lot of things. He keeps wishing his brother was normal, that he'd communicate with him like he wants to. He's just a kid as well and feels overlooked because his parents have their hands full with taking care of Max. At the same time he's conflicted and guilty because he loves his brother (which is very apparent in a lot of things that Frank does) and yet at first, he allows his friends to make fun of Max.
After a huge tragedy hits their family, they embark on a beautiful and important journey as Frank realizes that his universe is whole with Max in it and that he loves his absolutely precious younger brother.
It is so touching and written very well. Since Frank loves codes, all the chapter names are written in the alphabet-number code and it was fun figuring out the chapter names.😄
I wish I could articulately convey my feelings about this book but I just can't seem to. All I can say is that it was a wonderful experience to read it.
If you liked Wonder by R J Palacio, you'll definitely love this one as well.
Thank you so much Bloomsbury India for providing me with a review copy
September 5, 2019
Der 10-Jährige Frank erzählt uns in Mein Bruder und ich und das ganze Universum, wie es ist mit seinem 5- Jährigen Bruder Max zu leben. Max ist Autist und so gestaltet sich der Alltag nicht immer einfach. Hierbei hat es die Autorin wunderbar geschafft, aus der Sicht eines 10-Jährigen Kindes zu erzählen. Es wirkt total authentisch und echt. So als würde Frank da wirklich mit uns sprechen und nicht, als wäre da ein Erwachsener am Zug.
Der Leser begleitet Frank über mehrere Wochen und auch Monate, sodass man da wirklich einen guten Einblick bekommt. Man erlebt, wie sehr es Frank manchmal belastet, dass er Max als Bruder hat. Wie er immer wieder einstecken muss, sich zurückhalten. Aber auch, wie sehr er Max liebt, wie er sich ganz intuitiv um seinen Bruder kümmert und Situationen begegnet, wo manch ein Erwachsener nicht wüsste, wie er reagieren soll, weil ihm einfach die Erfahrung fehlt. Frank hingegen meistert diese aber.
Ich bin froh, dass er Gips offenbar nicht zu knallig ist, denn sonst würde Max ihn nicht anfassen,
weil die Farbe ihm die Haut verbrennt.
Max sieht Farben nicht bloß mit den Augen, so wie ich, sondern fühlt sie mit dem ganzen Körper.
Ich glaube, deshalb will er sie auch nicht essen, nie
Seite 71
Hier wird einen wirklich schöne Geschwister Verbindung dargestellt. Und manche Situationen haben mich wirklich sehr gerührt.Wie Frank mit seinen 10 Jahren, manchmal schon so viel weiter ist, als manch ein Erwachsener es je sein wird. Weil sein Denken einfach zu beschränkt ist und er nie verstehen wird, dass Max zwar anders ist, dies aber nicht gleichbedeutend ist mit schlechter.
Wie Max dargestellt wurde, hat mir auch gefallen. Ich habe schon einige Bücher mit autistischen Charakteren gelesen, weil mich diese interessieren und fand diese hier gelungen. Und es war einfach wunderschön und auch ergreifend mitzuerleben, wie er sich immer weiterentwickelt und steigert, mit der richtigen Hilfe und genug Zeit. Das Buch ist für Leser ab 11 Jahren und somit hoffe ich, dass auch einige junge Leser es lesen werden und es so für mehr Aufgeschlossenheit sorgt. In dem Buch wird auch noch eine andere Thematik eingebracht, die mich berührt hat, auf die ich aber wegen Spoiler Gefahr nicht näher eingehen werde. Nur so viel, auch diese Thematik wurde wirklich gut und authentisch eingebracht.
Fazit:
Große Leseempfehlung für dieses berührende Buch.
Ich fand es oft ergreifend, aber die Geschichte hatte auch einiges positives.
Besonders gefallen hat mir, wie die Autorin es geschafft hat, aus der Perspektive eines 10-Jährigen zu erzählen und wie authentisch der Umgang in der Familie dargestellt wurde.
4,5 Sterne
Der Leser begleitet Frank über mehrere Wochen und auch Monate, sodass man da wirklich einen guten Einblick bekommt. Man erlebt, wie sehr es Frank manchmal belastet, dass er Max als Bruder hat. Wie er immer wieder einstecken muss, sich zurückhalten. Aber auch, wie sehr er Max liebt, wie er sich ganz intuitiv um seinen Bruder kümmert und Situationen begegnet, wo manch ein Erwachsener nicht wüsste, wie er reagieren soll, weil ihm einfach die Erfahrung fehlt. Frank hingegen meistert diese aber.
Ich bin froh, dass er Gips offenbar nicht zu knallig ist, denn sonst würde Max ihn nicht anfassen,
weil die Farbe ihm die Haut verbrennt.
Max sieht Farben nicht bloß mit den Augen, so wie ich, sondern fühlt sie mit dem ganzen Körper.
Ich glaube, deshalb will er sie auch nicht essen, nie
Seite 71
Hier wird einen wirklich schöne Geschwister Verbindung dargestellt. Und manche Situationen haben mich wirklich sehr gerührt.Wie Frank mit seinen 10 Jahren, manchmal schon so viel weiter ist, als manch ein Erwachsener es je sein wird. Weil sein Denken einfach zu beschränkt ist und er nie verstehen wird, dass Max zwar anders ist, dies aber nicht gleichbedeutend ist mit schlechter.
Wie Max dargestellt wurde, hat mir auch gefallen. Ich habe schon einige Bücher mit autistischen Charakteren gelesen, weil mich diese interessieren und fand diese hier gelungen. Und es war einfach wunderschön und auch ergreifend mitzuerleben, wie er sich immer weiterentwickelt und steigert, mit der richtigen Hilfe und genug Zeit. Das Buch ist für Leser ab 11 Jahren und somit hoffe ich, dass auch einige junge Leser es lesen werden und es so für mehr Aufgeschlossenheit sorgt. In dem Buch wird auch noch eine andere Thematik eingebracht, die mich berührt hat, auf die ich aber wegen Spoiler Gefahr nicht näher eingehen werde. Nur so viel, auch diese Thematik wurde wirklich gut und authentisch eingebracht.
Fazit:
Große Leseempfehlung für dieses berührende Buch.
Ich fand es oft ergreifend, aber die Geschichte hatte auch einiges positives.
Besonders gefallen hat mir, wie die Autorin es geschafft hat, aus der Perspektive eines 10-Jährigen zu erzählen und wie authentisch der Umgang in der Familie dargestellt wurde.
4,5 Sterne
February 9, 2021
The author's other book, October, October, was one of my favourite reads of last year. After reading that, I was eager to get to her other book as I was sure it would become another favourite. It definitely didn't manage that. There were parts that I liked and also parts I was unsure about, hence my overall 3 star rating.
Parts that I liked.
I love the way that this author writes. She has such a natural way with words that for me, it's almost like reading poetry. I'm normally not bothered about beautiful prose and I'm perfectly happy with a straightforward, succinct narrative. However, both this author and Katherine Rundell write in such a magical way (even when their books are contemporary) that I have to acknowledge it.
I love the chapter titles in this book. They were so clever and linked so well to Frank's character that everytime I read one, I felt as though I was sharing a little secret with him (and 10 and 1 too!)
I thought the portrayal of someone with autism and a family of someone with autism was mostly handled sensitively. I know the author has done a lot of work with ND people and tried her best to accurately represent the lives that she has seen.
Parts I didn't like so much.
Whilst I agree with what I said above, some of the portrayal of autism did make me feel quite uncomfortable. It's difficult to know exactly how to explain this as I do not have autism, so I don't feel entirely qualified to judge its representation. However, the author does not have autism either and whilst I don't want to prescribe what authors can write about I am always wary of singing the praises of representation that is not done by own voices authors.
I am also aware that authors who are ND have spoken out about books that focus on the 'difficulty' of being a sibling of someone with autism as if this is a burden, or books that show a main character as having growth just because they learn to accept an autistic person in their life, as if this is something that should be applauded. While I am sure everything the author included came from a place of wanting to raise the profile of autism and lead to greater inclusion, I can't deny that this book does do some of those things.
I will definitely be reading more of this author's books because I absolutely love the way that she writes, but this book didn't quite work for me.
Parts that I liked.
I love the way that this author writes. She has such a natural way with words that for me, it's almost like reading poetry. I'm normally not bothered about beautiful prose and I'm perfectly happy with a straightforward, succinct narrative. However, both this author and Katherine Rundell write in such a magical way (even when their books are contemporary) that I have to acknowledge it.
I love the chapter titles in this book. They were so clever and linked so well to Frank's character that everytime I read one, I felt as though I was sharing a little secret with him (and 10 and 1 too!)
I thought the portrayal of someone with autism and a family of someone with autism was mostly handled sensitively. I know the author has done a lot of work with ND people and tried her best to accurately represent the lives that she has seen.
Parts I didn't like so much.
Whilst I agree with what I said above, some of the portrayal of autism did make me feel quite uncomfortable. It's difficult to know exactly how to explain this as I do not have autism, so I don't feel entirely qualified to judge its representation. However, the author does not have autism either and whilst I don't want to prescribe what authors can write about I am always wary of singing the praises of representation that is not done by own voices authors.
I am also aware that authors who are ND have spoken out about books that focus on the 'difficulty' of being a sibling of someone with autism as if this is a burden, or books that show a main character as having growth just because they learn to accept an autistic person in their life, as if this is something that should be applauded. While I am sure everything the author included came from a place of wanting to raise the profile of autism and lead to greater inclusion, I can't deny that this book does do some of those things.
I will definitely be reading more of this author's books because I absolutely love the way that she writes, but this book didn't quite work for me.
July 24, 2019
Ten-year-old Frank loves his younger brother Max, 5, but sometimes he wishes that he'd never been born or that he had been born differently. Like many youngsters, Frank had imagined that his relationship with his brother would be quite different than it's turned out to be. Because Max is on the autism spectrum and doesn't deal well with change of any sort, even in what he eats or wears, he requires quite a lot of attention from his parents, often leaving Frank feeling ignored or left out. As time passes, Frank stands by and says nothing when one of his classmates, Noah, makes disparaging remarks about Max. In fact, he even feels embarrassed by his brother and his brother's behavior. As Max begins making progress in communicating, the family is thrown for a loop with the unexpected death of Frank's mother. Eventually, it is Frank who starts them all toward healing with some help from his mother's friend Mark. The book describes Frank's emotions honestly and so that readers feel as though they are inside his head. Each chapter starts with a heading in spiral code, which is explained at the start of the book. It would have been a good idea to have those headings included in the back of the book for those readers not interested in breaking the code. Some readers might like how several chapters start with how many days it has been since the mother died. While I understand why the author used this device, it became a bit repetitive and felt a little lazy to me, but it does mirror the sort of diary entry or observation someone Frank's age might have made. The strength here seems to be Frank's voice, but the ending struck me as coming too easily, especially for Max. In my experience, Max would continue to struggle in many ways even though he's made progress. I didn't really see the mother's death as coming or even necessary since it seemed as though this family already was dealing with a lot of challenges.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
I loved the pace of this book, written from the perspective of a child, son, brother, friend, pupil and neighbour in one long breath where he often doesn’t come up for air. The words spill onto the pages beautifully and change in font and size to emphasise the notion of what is being shared or what is happening. Frank may be portrayed as the young child experiencing these things, but they are so timeless and relevant to any age - through to adulthood. The worry, the shame, being pensive, feeling a cocktail of rage and anger but not being able to articulate it for most of the book. Then also the wholehearted love for his mother is simply gorgeous. Frank seems so authentic. And he is. The book sensitively covers such big topics that will break you heart and fill it within a few page turns. I would absolutely love to hear a child’s take on The Space We’re In. I hope they feel that same wonder from the wilderness when they play in the fields near their home, or the woods at their forest school. What a read and a new favourite to bank. Inspired to read as Katya Balen is going to be at the Henley Literary Festival.
February 4, 2021
A very interesting story, which I did really enjoy but I struggled to get going with it. I enjoyed the peritextual elements and as you read the story these become a very important part. It is a truly beautiful story with wonderful descriptions. The author invites us to view the world from Balen's perspective, empathising with the struggles of coping with an autistic brother as well as dealing with the ups and downs of his own life. The illustrative codes used throughout the book bring it to life, in a way the words could not have done on their own. Leaving the reader with a very thoughtful memory, this book is something very special, caring a very strong message.
July 22, 2023
This was the first book from Katya Balen that I couldn’t really get myself into. Don’t get me wrong. The message is important. But it was the voice of ten-year-old Frank that put me off. This kid sounded wiser than his years, and the rather ponderous construction made me feel a bit removed.
But take that away, and you have a brilliant book.
But take that away, and you have a brilliant book.
May 14, 2021
I read this book with my daughter and it was one of the most heart wrenching and beautiful books I’ve read in a while. I was holding back my tears constantly through the last half. Highly emotional and highly recommended
November 26, 2019
The book is written from the perspective of a kid whose brother has autism. Let me warn you, the book has been a rollercoaster ride for me. At one point you'll feel like crying, the next you'll be content with the writing. The cover of the book is beautiful and it shows two boys looking at the stars. It sits perfectly with the entire storyline. The title of the book will be understood by the reader once the he/she reaches midway. The book has been written in a simple manner and has the power to surace various emotions in the reader, one moment it will be pity and sympathy, next it will be pride and content, next it will be happiness and tears rolling down the cheeks. The topic that the author has explored is one that I haven't read about and is one that matters because when we talk about a special kid and his needs, we only talk about them. The fellow normal sibling/s tend to be ignored. The perspective of the normal elder kid has been portrayed. His maturity, anguish, happiness, sadness and love depict how he has grown up. There are extreme scenes in the book which may scare you and the way the kids have coped up is admirable. I loved the book and how it ends. It left me content.
December 16, 2019
Wow. A very emotional read but I would most definitely recommend this book. I wish I could give more than five stars!
Like Frank, my brother is also diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. I could relate so much to how Frank was feeling at the beginning of the book. Similar to Frank, I have found it testing, confusing and difficult to understand how my brother views the world. Needless to say I was already feeling emotional within the first pages of the book. Although Max’s autism is different to my brother’s (as no two people are the same), I first began to relate to Frank’s character and how he was feeling when the first outburst in the shoe shop happened (within the first 5 pages). Frank’s apprehension of knowing the outburst is going to happen and the inevitable frustration felt towards others when they look with such disapproval.
As the story continued we found out more about Max and the rest of the family, from the perspective of Frank. The family seem to be faced with many challenges but then they are hit with a heartbreaking tragedy, provoking questions about how Frank, Max and their dad will cope with the devastating loss of their mum. This part of the story is actually quite unexpected, but it is revealed how Frank’s mum hid her illness from her children as “they had enough on their plate”- this is a really heartbreaking part of the story. I think the story is most powerful due to it being written from the perspective of Frank in this instance.
This book is also a stark reminder for teachers and children alike of how Christmas, New Year and birthdays can be especially difficult times of year for some children.
This story most definitely pulls at the heartstrings. I can’t believe this was Katya Balen’s debut novel, it’s extremely emotional as the story is so powerful. I look forward to reading more of Balen’s books in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
A ten year old Frank narrates about his life. Who is he ? He is the elder brother of a five year old kid named Max who does strange things that he or his friends donot do. Max gets out of control , cries, shouts heavily , rotates in circle , cannot talk , cannot understand simple things of life , only hums , has great trouble adjusting outside the house in public and has a linguistic teacher . Caught between the pure love of a brother for his little sibling , to be responsible and being a fun loving kid of his age , he writes about his longing for things to get normal like earlier times , when his mother used to paint and their family would celebrate each time taking him in their arms , when father came home early and the family enjoyed together . But all changed drastically after little brother Max took birth.Now he has to manage . I loved Frank's character. Such a sweet hearted kid. Frank's genuine love for his brother when they both are still in process of comprehending this disorder ( I don't want to reveal , read it otherwise the suspense will just dissolve away ) in Max , normalcy of life , noticing in stores , streets and even on playgrounds his playmates mock Max , adults stare making them feel uncomfortable and growing up together with a tragic event lurking in the corner, this story is heart touching and heart wrenching . From the perspective of a 10 year old you will see how world appears when you have a child of similar age who has special needs , how such a kid manages his feelings . Truth of life and the society we live is shown pouring emotions , this book is very beautiful in its flow , plot and purpose .
August 21, 2019
The Space We’re In is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read in my life. It grabs you right from the start and keep you reading through the night wanting to find out the ending. Rarely have I come across a book as eloquent in vocabulary and emotion as this one. You view this world through Franks’ eyes, through his trauma and sadness to his happiness.
Frank isn’t the perfect child and he knows he isn’t. Yet his world isn’t perfect. His brother has autism and at times the family and Frank struggle to cope with him. This book deals with a difficult phase in life, where Frank is going into Year 6 (in England that’s just before they move to secondary. Max is also due a new challenge as he heads off to school for the first time, at a spaceship school, as Frank sees it. It covers the next year of their lives as Frank struggles with his feelings amid a tragedy that rips the heart of the family away.
This book is a triumph, a look into a very difficult situation yet it’s also so uplifting to read. You will laugh and cry with Frank all the way through. Words like stunning debut are quite often thrown around like candy these days, but this is one time I’d use it. It’s mature in its content yet accessible for its chosen age group. The word crossover comes to mind, but as someone who thinks adults should read children’s books, it’s a bit glib. Any adult who reads this will understand the quality of children’s fiction is a lot higher than adult.
So I expect this book to be on book awards lists across the country this next year. It’s a truly beautiful and heartwarming story in the vein of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nigh time’, ‘The London Eye Mystery’ and even ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’. This is a book that deserves high applause.
Frank isn’t the perfect child and he knows he isn’t. Yet his world isn’t perfect. His brother has autism and at times the family and Frank struggle to cope with him. This book deals with a difficult phase in life, where Frank is going into Year 6 (in England that’s just before they move to secondary. Max is also due a new challenge as he heads off to school for the first time, at a spaceship school, as Frank sees it. It covers the next year of their lives as Frank struggles with his feelings amid a tragedy that rips the heart of the family away.
This book is a triumph, a look into a very difficult situation yet it’s also so uplifting to read. You will laugh and cry with Frank all the way through. Words like stunning debut are quite often thrown around like candy these days, but this is one time I’d use it. It’s mature in its content yet accessible for its chosen age group. The word crossover comes to mind, but as someone who thinks adults should read children’s books, it’s a bit glib. Any adult who reads this will understand the quality of children’s fiction is a lot higher than adult.
So I expect this book to be on book awards lists across the country this next year. It’s a truly beautiful and heartwarming story in the vein of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nigh time’, ‘The London Eye Mystery’ and even ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’. This is a book that deserves high applause.
September 24, 2019
This is the story of two brothers, Frank and Max. Frank is ten, loves football and cottage pie. Max is six, will only eat quavers and can only wear one t-shirt (or he melts down down down). Through the eyes of a loveable ten-year old trying to find his space in the world and within his unconventional family unit, Katya Balen tells a story of autism, family, loss, love and what it means to be a sibling.
This is a beautiful, utterly devastating book that, despite being aimed at a middle-grade audience, absolutely pulled me in and did all sorts of very painful things to my heart. So many books written from the perspective of a child can feel clumsy, like an awkward reproduction of half-remembered experiences but Frank‘s voice is utterly believable and completely authentic. There is raw, unfiltered honesty here delivered with a sensitivity that reflects the author’s work with neurodivergent children and their families. I laughed, cried, celebrated and cried some more.
A huge recommendation from me, particularly for fans of R.J. Palacio’s ‘Wonder’. Suitable for adults and children alike. This one came out on the 5th September and I can’t wait to see the final copy and the beautiful illustrations!
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for my e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful, utterly devastating book that, despite being aimed at a middle-grade audience, absolutely pulled me in and did all sorts of very painful things to my heart. So many books written from the perspective of a child can feel clumsy, like an awkward reproduction of half-remembered experiences but Frank‘s voice is utterly believable and completely authentic. There is raw, unfiltered honesty here delivered with a sensitivity that reflects the author’s work with neurodivergent children and their families. I laughed, cried, celebrated and cried some more.
A huge recommendation from me, particularly for fans of R.J. Palacio’s ‘Wonder’. Suitable for adults and children alike. This one came out on the 5th September and I can’t wait to see the final copy and the beautiful illustrations!
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for my e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
Kid rating: 2 stars
My rating: 3 stars
Honestly, this is the most depressing middle grade book I have ever read. 10-year-old Frank has a severely autistic brother who makes his life incredibly difficult. Then, the only person holding everything together, his mother, dies from a brain tumor. How much tragedy can one kid take? An even better question is how many middle grade readers have the maturity to go along for the ride? From my experience? Not many.
This author decided to tackle some tough issues, but it was too much for me. I couldn't wait for this book to be over. I was impressed with the author's ability to capture Frank's emotions and describe autistic behavior, but there's no real plot here. This is a character book through and through. It was extremely uncomfortable to be so completely inside the brain of a character facing adversity. I needed some comic relief or something to lessen the intensity. Even all the helpful people in Frank's life, the neighbor, his teacher, Max's speech therapist, couldn't lift the heaviness as I read this. The author tried to bring in some sunshine in the last few pages, but it was too little too late. Ugh. No.
My rating: 3 stars
Honestly, this is the most depressing middle grade book I have ever read. 10-year-old Frank has a severely autistic brother who makes his life incredibly difficult. Then, the only person holding everything together, his mother, dies from a brain tumor. How much tragedy can one kid take? An even better question is how many middle grade readers have the maturity to go along for the ride? From my experience? Not many.
This author decided to tackle some tough issues, but it was too much for me. I couldn't wait for this book to be over. I was impressed with the author's ability to capture Frank's emotions and describe autistic behavior, but there's no real plot here. This is a character book through and through. It was extremely uncomfortable to be so completely inside the brain of a character facing adversity. I needed some comic relief or something to lessen the intensity. Even all the helpful people in Frank's life, the neighbor, his teacher, Max's speech therapist, couldn't lift the heaviness as I read this. The author tried to bring in some sunshine in the last few pages, but it was too little too late. Ugh. No.
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