Books by Katya Balen

The blackbirds' song uplifts and restores in this captivating novella from one of the most exciting voices in children's fiction.After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she's always loved.She exists in a world of angry silence - furious with her mum and furious she can't seem to play her beloved flute any more.Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds' nest hidden in the scrubland near their flats. As their friendship grows, the blackbirds' glorious song reignites Annie's passion for music. But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk?

Book Band: Dark Blue (Ideal for ages 9+)An inspiring fantasy story from Katya Balen, author of The Space We're In and October, October.Maggie wants her dad to take her birdwatching like he promised but he's too busy and she ends up at the zoo with her auntie and her annoying cousins. There, she sees a strange bird and takes one of its beautiful silver feathers home.Little does she know, that this is the start of a magical adventure in the moonlight. This magical story features black-and-white illustrations by Pham Quang Phuc.The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed . Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps