Ghostlines

Balen has written yet another gorgeous book. Ghostlines is a beautiful, wild and brilliantly crafted novel about loss, friendship and the healing power of nature. Its funny too! I absolutely loved it. * Sarah Crossan * An accomplished tale, tenderly told * The Times * A thrilling emotionally charged adventure, full of authentic characters, peril, humour and warmth in which the children discover the true nature of home and family * Daily Mail * This dramatic, nervy, passionate island-and-friendship story is about facing up to what's uncomfortable and challenging and becoming all the more alive by doing so ... Superb! * Kevin Crossley-Holland * Its becoming clear that Katya Balen is a modern great of childrens writing. Perfection is, of course, unobtainable but, exciting, moving and beautifully written, Ghostlines comes close * Anthony McGowan * I loved this book. It's beautifully written, full of heart. The voice of the main character Tilda springs off the page with vivid life. It's a touching and tender story about the true meaning of home and community. Young readers will love the island setting, the puffins, the sea-kayak adventure to the secret island and the hideaway shelter Tilda and Albie build together. Brilliant. * Julia Green * A wild and wonderful story full of daring adventures and beautifully described nature * Books for Keeps *

Katya Balen is an award-winning author of books for children. Katya's debut novel, The Space Were In, was published in 2019 and was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award. Her second, October, October, won the Yoto Carnegie Medal. Her third novel, The Light in Everything, was published in 2022. When shes not writing books, Katya likes to scroll through dog-rescue websites, bake, and attempt to keep all her house plants alive. She lives in London with her partner and their dog Mouse. @katyabalen