In A Small Space, by Tad Phippen Wente

Publisher: Independently published (January 12, 2024)

Language: English

Paperback: 195 pages

Genre: Teen & Young Adult

ISBN: 979-8871237304

Reviewer: John Krause

4-Stars - Holding onto Home in Homelessness

In A Small Space is an apt title to portray the confined physical world of a homeless teenager. The title also paradoxically conveys the burgeoning and maturing emotions of the heart as the main character navigates a life without a home or family.

Fourteen-year-old Karmon has voluntarily left her financially destitute family to relieve them of (in her mind) being a burden, in order to find her own way. Karmon finds herself secretly sheltering in a small space inside an abandoned, dilapidated theater. She earns a small income playing piano for a local ballet school, which allows her to afford an occasional meal and used item of clothing. When not sleeping in the theater or working at the ballet school, Karmon passes the time at the library, posing as a homeschooler doing a history project.

At the library, Karmon meets Erik, a library employee but also the owner of the theater via inheritance. The city is pressing Erik to sell the theater to demolish it—and taking Karmon's small space of a home along with it. Karmon then accepts the challenge to save the theater.

A poignant character study with vivid descriptions.