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The Space Between You and Me
For Clem, summers are for Maine—for wandering the blueberry barrens, helping her grandmother on the farm, and stargazing with her parents. But this summer, all Clem wants to think about is her upcoming dance audition. Then she meets Rico. He has secrets that rival her own and as they get closer, she is forced to confront the hidden realities of places she thought she knew. With their worlds threatening to tear them apart, can Clem and Rico bridge the space between them before summer is just a memory?
296 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
3 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 15, 2024
A great summer read! A sweet and heartwarming story set among the blueberry fields of Maine. Clem the daughter of the farm owner falls in love with a migrant worker (Rico) who comes to work as a raker for the season. The complexities that exist between social classes is a trope that many will find familiar. Kingsley has a gift for creating in depth characters that you can't help but to pull for as they seek to find a way to be together.
June 4, 2024
I loved every minute inside Clementine Fountaine's world. The Space Between You and Me was a great kick-off to my summer reading. It is seeped in the atmosphere of Maine and is both a page-turning narrative and a thought-provoking look at the immigrant experience in the US. There is so much love in between these pages, for the people and the places, and for what they all mean to each other, that it's impossible not to love!
May 14, 2024
The Space Between You and Me is a heartwarming story from the blueberry fields of Maine. The love story of Clem and Rico is a beautiful portrayal of the complex relationships between locals and immigrants working the summer harvests. Kingsley beautifully integrates Maine culture, the power of love, and the importance of a strong local community into this page-turner. This story is a must read for young adults and readers of all ages. A perfect summer read!
August 11, 2024
I began raking blueberries when I was twelve and later worked in a berry processing plant when in high school. At that time, (the 1960s), most berry rakers were local kids and a mix of older people who worked at whatever part time jobs were available to make ends meet.
Clem's reality is different in that most of the rakers working her dad's blueberry fields are migrants from Mexico and there are unspoken social barriers between them and the locals. She meets Rico before learning he's one of the migrant rakers and the attraction, while unsettling, is immediate, but also starts fraying those barriers.
She's torn in other ways as well. Semi-estranged from her mother, while feeling a messy mix of resentment and obligation toward her father who has coerced her into being the face of the blueberry farm on social media. Her dream is to become a professional dancer, and she's secretly working toward going to a competition later in the summer that takes place in New York City.
As the summer progresses, Clem finds herself half in her world and half in the reality of Rico and his cousin Rosa.
The events at a party where townies and the migrants mix, precipitates a crisis that send Clem and Rico on the run, desperately trying to find a way to preserve some kind of future together.
There were times when it was uncomfortable to keep reading because there were strong overtones of impending disaster. Once I resumed reading, I was unable to stop. The author gets everything-berries, the rural Maine social climate, and the realities of being a migrant worker in Maine absolutely right. This is definitely a fine addition to young adult fiction about the real Maine.
Clem's reality is different in that most of the rakers working her dad's blueberry fields are migrants from Mexico and there are unspoken social barriers between them and the locals. She meets Rico before learning he's one of the migrant rakers and the attraction, while unsettling, is immediate, but also starts fraying those barriers.
She's torn in other ways as well. Semi-estranged from her mother, while feeling a messy mix of resentment and obligation toward her father who has coerced her into being the face of the blueberry farm on social media. Her dream is to become a professional dancer, and she's secretly working toward going to a competition later in the summer that takes place in New York City.
As the summer progresses, Clem finds herself half in her world and half in the reality of Rico and his cousin Rosa.
The events at a party where townies and the migrants mix, precipitates a crisis that send Clem and Rico on the run, desperately trying to find a way to preserve some kind of future together.
There were times when it was uncomfortable to keep reading because there were strong overtones of impending disaster. Once I resumed reading, I was unable to stop. The author gets everything-berries, the rural Maine social climate, and the realities of being a migrant worker in Maine absolutely right. This is definitely a fine addition to young adult fiction about the real Maine.
January 29, 2025
This book had a lot of elements that I particularly love-- class divide, racial tensions, romance, and a Maine setting to boot! I was hooked pretty quick, but there were things that triggered my annoyance multiple times.
I will start by noting that this reader disliked Clem's personality right off the bat. I thought she was irritating and unintelligent; especially in the scene with the scope and the gun. I struggled with Rico's and Clem's chemistry. I was confused by the actual setting in Maine -- Were we actually Down East or were we in the Midcoast? It seemed rural but there were mentions of Sagadahoc at one part and as someone who lives in Maine I had a hard time placing where we were.
I think I was also put off by the celebrity element of Trace and Clem, it seemed a little unbelievable at times. This was like Center Stage meets rural Maine blueberry politics and I had a tricky time with the combination. I am not a typical reader for YA, so maybe YA isn't for this reader, but I had to read it for Lupine Committee.
I will start by noting that this reader disliked Clem's personality right off the bat. I thought she was irritating and unintelligent; especially in the scene with the scope and the gun. I struggled with Rico's and Clem's chemistry. I was confused by the actual setting in Maine -- Were we actually Down East or were we in the Midcoast? It seemed rural but there were mentions of Sagadahoc at one part and as someone who lives in Maine I had a hard time placing where we were.
I think I was also put off by the celebrity element of Trace and Clem, it seemed a little unbelievable at times. This was like Center Stage meets rural Maine blueberry politics and I had a tricky time with the combination. I am not a typical reader for YA, so maybe YA isn't for this reader, but I had to read it for Lupine Committee.
July 7, 2024
I loved this book! The characters came to life and I felt like I was transported back to Maine and living alongside Clem. I felt all of the feels with each chapter and scene. The characters and scenery definitely came to life and I could picture everything — the rugged and secret terrain of Maine, the corner restaurant, and of course all of the food. I loved the love story between Clem and Rico, how it affects those around them, and the growth in each character. A wonderful read anytime!! I can’t wait to see what other books Julie True Kinglsey publishes!!
November 26, 2024
Love stories and YA books are not my typical. But the social justice aspect of this book called to me. An important story, especially in these times. The author crafts a story showing realistic lives of farm workers from Mexico who chase from harvest to harvest, working diligently and hard. In this story, a blueberry farm in Maine. The romantic element is between the farmer's daughter and a migrant worker. Kudos to the author for a nuanced vs a tropey trite story. And for the well-described Maine setting.
July 18, 2024
I loved this book! Between kooky and sweet, Clementine, the daughter of a farming family business owner, and handsome, secretive, Rico, one of the rackers on the farm—not to mention all the other characters—there's so much to love in this fast paced, couldn't put it down, story. When infatuation turns into more, the two very different worlds collide. Will they or won't they stay together? Up until the end, you can't be sure. Check out this timely Romeo and Juliet book for a great summer read!
February 12, 2025
A perfect novel for teens who want a love story that’s actually about something. I so admire the way the author was able to weave together a big hearted fun romance with the very serious subjects of migrant farm workers and immigration. Julie True Kingsley's The Space Between You and Me is a must read for all lovers of young adult romance, especially those who care about the world they live in.
August 17, 2024
3.5 rounded down!
Bought this at a BAM grand opening during my time in Maine because the author signed it and convinced me to read it! Loved that I understood all the Maine references 🥹
I was either unfocused at the beginning or it was all slightly confusing! It got amazing about halfway and I couldn’t put it down!! Good summer read that nods at immigration, family, and sacrifices!
Bought this at a BAM grand opening during my time in Maine because the author signed it and convinced me to read it! Loved that I understood all the Maine references 🥹
I was either unfocused at the beginning or it was all slightly confusing! It got amazing about halfway and I couldn’t put it down!! Good summer read that nods at immigration, family, and sacrifices!
August 31, 2024
Kudos to Julie True Kingsley- this story brought me right back to the days of being with my own French Canadian family and the invincible nature of becoming a young woman.
Clem’s circle of friends and family kept this story rolling through the blueberry fields through the summer of wonder and apprehension!
Clem’s circle of friends and family kept this story rolling through the blueberry fields through the summer of wonder and apprehension!
July 6, 2024
Great story in a wonderful setting.
December 18, 2024
Perfect summer read during blueberry season in Maine. I entered Clementine’s world and felt every emotion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews