Ghostlines
Author(s): Katya Balen
On the Island of Ayrie, everybody knows everyone. They know each other's stories as they know every road, every hill and the coming of the tide. In the summer, there are bonfires to celebrate the migration of the puffins. Everything is familiar, nothing much changes, and for Tilda, nothing ever should - it is beautiful, it is perfect and it is home. When newcomer Albie arrives at the island, Tilda wants to show Ayrie off - Albie wants her to leave him alone. She learns quickly that it'll take more than a tour and some seal viewings to win him around. Then, she remembers stories of the old island just an hour's boat ride away from the shore. The old island is a death trap. The journey there is treacherous. Trips across to it are strictly forbidden. And there's a rumour it's haunted by the ghosts of those left there to die. But with all else having failed, the old island is the only way for Tilda to make Albie see what she sees in Ayrie. Besides, it's a different kind of ghost that worries Tilda. The ghost that's been following her, now, since her brother left the island...
General Information
- :
- : Bloomsbury
- : Bloomsbury Children's Books
- : 06 January 2025
- : 06 January 2025
- : books
Other Specifications
- : Katya Balen
- : Paperback
- : English
- : 288
- : YFN
More About The Product
A sea-soaked story of friendship, community and discovering what it means to carry home in your heart, from Carnegie Medal-winning author Katya Balen
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. It's 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 *
It's becoming clear that Katya Balen is a modern great of children's 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 We're 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 she's 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 dogs Raffi and Mouse. @katyabalen
