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

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It doesn't help that I loved reading Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes when I was younger so I already had a story of 1000 paper cranes in my heart and this one couldn't conquer it. This is a simple wonderful read aimed at children from the ages 9+ but can still be read and enjoyed by older kids. She seems less empathetic as a character and her brash physicality and loudness as she rages against the world seem predictable.

The Light in Everything is a deeply moving and absorbing story which skilfully moves from the viewpoint of one child to the other, allowing the reader to explore their complex emotions, actions and reactions. A review in The Irish Times states, "The prose is beautiful, the tension blistering: The Light in Everything is a highly recommended read for mature children aged 10+, as well as their adults. It’s an interesting, brutal, unusual and beautiful way of living, and I found myself (like all authors do! There are cleverly interspersed analogies around lightness and darkness and the tone shifts between emotions and humour creating a compelling narrative that celebrates the wildness of landscapes and the roles it can play in soothing the soul.

Zofia, the tough, loud young girl who sets brave goals and Tom the fragile, soft young boy are brought together unwillingly because of some family changes. As they begin to understand each other, empathy, apology, kindness and friendship gradually develop.

I came across Katya Balen when I read October October this year and was simply captivated by her writing.This review was written by Tracy Parvin Tracy Parvin is a past President and current Honorary Secretary of the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA). Kayta Balen has a rare gift for understanding what it feels like to be a child and creating characters that reflect that that vividly.