Small Spaces | Katherine Arden

Small Spaces

Extended Synopsis

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie finds solace only in books. Her escape takes a dark turn when she discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with "the smiling man"—a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Captivated by the tale, Ollie begins to wonder if the smiling man might be real when she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she's been reading about during a school trip to a nearby farm. When her school bus breaks down on the ride home, the strange bus driver tells Ollie and her classmates: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Nightfall is fast descending when Ollie's previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed these warnings. As the trio heads into the woods—bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them—the bus driver leaves them with one final piece of advice: "Avoid large places. Keep to small." Thus begins a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure where survival means outsmarting an ancient, waiting evil.

Reader Targeting

• Middle-grade readers looking for suspenseful, atmospheric ghost stories.
• Fans of paranormal adventure and thrilling mysteries with strong, resourceful protagonists.
• Young audiences exploring themes of friendship, courage, and overcoming personal grief.

About the Author

Katherine Arden is the New York Times bestselling author of the adult fantasy trilogy The Bear and the Nightingale. Small Spaces marks her highly acclaimed middle-grade debut, showcasing her talent for weaving spellbinding, folklore-inspired narratives.

Accolades & Features

This atmospheric trade paperback edition features a spine-tingling cover layout silhouetted by ominous scarecrows beneath a haunting moon. The digest format includes custom typographic chapter breaks, enhancing the immersive, creepy aesthetic of this instant classic.

Bust-Down Books: More Than a Bookstore