Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

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Justification

While leaning more towards middle grade than for elementary aged students, I would include in my library solely because the hero is a spunky, smart, strong girl who doesn't back down even when she gets herself into trouble for hitting a boy with a rock. Small Spaces deals well with grief, family tension, and understanding how to communicate what you need when you are in a difficult place. It is the perfect book for middle grade students who like creepy stories.

Evaluation

Plot: Driven by Ollie's theft of a book at her favorite outdoor reading spot, the plot is not terrifying by any means, but certainly is creepy. Ollie reads said stolen book and realizes that it is an account of the local farm, Misty Valley, that is responsible for much of the area's growing economy. Ollie quickly learns of the Smiling Man and ends up on the other side of the mist in his world where she and her friends rush to save their classmates from being scarecrows forever. The pacing is just right, engaging the reader without being overly rushed.

Characters: While Ollie, her father, her classmates, and the farm employees are wholly believable, her teacher seems a bit implausible--leaving a school bus full of students in the middle of a dark road at night with a random and previously unknown bus driver? Not quite the most believable situation. However, it opened the way for the rest of the story to proceed. As Ollie comes to understand her friends, Coco and Brian, she also comes to terms with her mother's death and learns that just because someone leaves doesn't mean that everyone will.

Dialogue: The dialogue in Small Spaces serves to emphasize and enhance the characters. As Ollie talks to Brian and Coco, she learns more about them and in turn, begins to value them as friends. Her inner monologue is full of insight into how tightly wrapped in her grief she is and how much she wishes everyone would stop feeling sorry for her. As she discerns the messages from her dead mother, Ollie comes to terms with her grief and we slowly learn how her mother died.

Conclusion

Small Spaces is sweetly creepy--Ollie is a relatable character, especially for anyone who has lost a close family member or friend. As she thaws out her feelings, the character and her interactions with others are poignant and very sweet. Without being overly scary, it gives the reader a thrilling and creepy tale that is perfect for anyone who wants a more nuanced story than Goosebumps.

Citation

Arden, K. (2018). Small spaces. New York: G.P Putnam's Sons.