Birdsong
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Following a traumatic accident, a special friendship helps talented musician Annie heal and rediscover her love of music in this stunning novella from celebrated author 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?
Katya Balen
Katya Balen is an award-winning author and the co-director of Mainspring Arts Charity, providing creative opportunities for neurodivergent people. Her debut children’s novel, The Space We’re In, was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award and longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. October, October won the 2022 Yoto Carnegie Medal, the 2023 UKLA Book Award, while The Light in Everything was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal. Our Numbered Bones is her adult debut. She lives in South London with her partner, two lazy dogs and an assorted collection of dying house plants.
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