The Space We're in

"Frank’s narration is an honest take on a child’s experiences growing up with a special needs little brother, who sucks up parental energy and attention; he often shows signs of frustration with his brother for being different, with his father for not helping enough, and with himself for occasionally joining in with other kids who make fun of his brother just so he can fit in. It’s a gut-wrenching story of loss, but through Frank’s growing bond with Max it’s also one of gain, and readers will be deeply moved."

"[A] powerfully emotional debut . . . Balen, who has worked with autistic people in various settings, sensitively depicts the experience of love, and of loving a neurodiverse family member."

"Balen's debut novel draws from her own experiences in a school for children with special challenges, and she balances the struggles of those with autism and those who love them in a book with an achingly huggable main character. . . .The mysteries of the universe, the complexities of life, and a protagonist readers will fall in love with."