Katya Balen

Katya Balen

  • 5 stars across 20 books
Katya Balen read English at university and then completed an MPhil researching the impact of stories on autistic children's behaviour. She has worked in a variety of special-needs schools as a teaching assistant, and more recently co-founded Mainspring Arts - a not-for-profit organisation that provides mentoring and creative opportunities for neurodivergent adults

Additional Resources

30th September 2021

October, October: WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2022

_______________WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2022 WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE SHADOWERS’ CHOICE AWARD 2022_________... MoreOctober, October: WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2022

(58 reviews) Review
5th September 2019

The Space We're In

We are her world and her universe and her space and her stars and her sky and her galaxy and her cosmos too Frank is ten... MoreThe Space We're In

(25 reviews) Review
11th May 2023

The Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City

An exciting new adventure series for young readers from Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen, author of October, October an... MoreThe Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City

(22 reviews) Review
19th January 2023

The Light in Everything: Shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2023

_______________'Original, compulsive, uplifting: this is another triumph for Balen' - Alex O'Connell, The Times Children... MoreThe Light in Everything: Shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2023

(18 reviews) Review
1st June 2023

Nightjar

Carnegie Medal-winner Katya Balen returns with a stunning tale about a fractured bond between father and so... MoreNightjar

(18 reviews) Review
7th July 2022

Birdsong

Following a traumatic accident, a special friendship helps talented musician Annie heal and rediscover her ... MoreBirdsong

(17 reviews) Review
28th September 2023

Foxlight: Winner of the Wainwright Children's Prize 2024

*** WINNER OF THE 2024 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CHILDREN'S WRITING ***From the author of October, October, winner of the Yot... MoreFoxlight: Winner of the Wainwright Children's Prize 2024

(17 reviews) Review
14th March 2024

Little House

The importance and meaning of home is explored in this thought-provoking new novella from Carnegie Medal wi... MoreLittle House

(15 reviews) Review
12th September 2024

Ghostlines: shortlisted for the CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING

‘A thrilling emotionally charged adventure, full of authentic characters, peril, humour and warmth’ – Daily Mail‘Wild an... MoreGhostlines: shortlisted for the CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING

(13 reviews) Review
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Coming Soon

Lena and the Bear Lena and the Bear

Lena and the Bear

Hardback
8th October 2026

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