The Space We're In

Written By: Katya Balen

Published: 2019 by Margaret Ferguson Books

Grade level: 3-6

Audience / Age level: 8-12

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction Novel

Suggested Delivery: Independent read

Summary

Frank struggles with the challenges that come along with having an autistic younger brother, Max. Max requires a lot of attention from their parents, which makes Frank upset. This novel describes the process Frank and his family go through as they try to understand Max's world and help him become his best self.

Key Words to Describe Book

Realistic, Inclusive, Heartfelt, Genuine, Emotional

Common Core State Standard

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.

Key Vocabulary

Emotions: strong feelings such as happy, sad, mad, etc.

Autistic: an individual who has autism

Isolation: being separated from others

Connection: a bond between two people

Support: helping someone in need

Identity: qualities that make someone who they are

Code: a set of instructions programed for a computer to complete

Empathy: the ability to understand someone's feelings

Reflect: to think about your actions and the actions of others

Teaching Suggestions to Increase Comprehension

Before: Activate prior schema in a class discussion.

What is autism?
What do you remember about autism when we read A Kind of Spark (characteristics)?
Can you provide me with examples of things that may be difficult for individuals with autism?

During: Have students figure out the titles of each chapter using the Spiral Cipher Code to the right.

After: Students can create a soundtrack for the book by selecting songs they feel will help Max calm down when he gets overwhelmed. Explain their choices and how it relates to the text.

Other Teaching Suggestions

Compare Max and Addie from A Kind of Spark using a Venn diagram or comparison chart

Extend The Text Before, During, or After Reading

This short video will help students get a better sense of who the main characters, Frank and Max, are and provide more context about the book’s themes and overall message!

Katya Balen - The Space We're In | The Space We're In is a jaw-dropping, heartbreaking and hopeful novel from debut author Katya Balen, that will remind you we are all made of stardust.... | By KidsBloomsbury | FacebookThe Space We're In is a jaw-dropping, heartbreaking and hopeful novel from debut author Katya Balen, that will remind you we are all made of stardust....

Katya Balen Author Website

The website above links to Balen's author website. It provides an "About Me" and "My Books" section where students can learn more about her background, interests in writing, and books written!

Below is an infographic designed for kids to learn about the signs, symptoms, treatment, etc. of autism! This will help students get a better sense of why Max acts the way he does sometimes and why things affect him greatly.