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The Light in Everything
From the author of October, October, shortlisted for the 2022 CILIP Carnegie Medal, comes a life-affirming story about blended families and learning to find room in your heart for new life and new love.
Tom is still quiet and timid, even though his dad has been gone for nearly two years now. Zofia is the opposite. Inside her there's a raging storm that makes her want to fight the whole world until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is for scaredy-cat Tom to get out of her life. Tom hates loud, unpredictable Zofia just as much, but he's moving into Zofia's house. Because his mum and Zofia's dad are in love ... and they're having a baby. Tom and Zofia both wish the stupid baby had never happened. But then Tom's mum gets ill, and it begins to look horribly like their wish might come true ...
A story of learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart, with a stunning cover illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Sydney Smith.
Tom is still quiet and timid, even though his dad has been gone for nearly two years now. Zofia is the opposite. Inside her there's a raging storm that makes her want to fight the whole world until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is for scaredy-cat Tom to get out of her life. Tom hates loud, unpredictable Zofia just as much, but he's moving into Zofia's house. Because his mum and Zofia's dad are in love ... and they're having a baby. Tom and Zofia both wish the stupid baby had never happened. But then Tom's mum gets ill, and it begins to look horribly like their wish might come true ...
A story of learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart, with a stunning cover illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Sydney Smith.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2022
34 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Katya Balen
20 books166 followersKatya Balen is a British author of children's literature. She was born in 1989, in London. Her novel
October, October
won the 2022 Carnegie Medal. Her work has also been nominated for the Branford Boase Award and the Wainwright Prize for Children's Writing on Nature and Conservation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 23, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“That new strange feeling is growing shoots and leaves and I try to scream it away. I shout at the clouds and the noise bounces off the cliff and is whisked away by the wind and it’s like I never made a single sound.
I don’t want things to change.”
There is a poignant message to The Light in Everything that takes awhile to get there - especially since there are so many messages trying to get across. It's a very astute and accurate portrayal of the different sides to the same coin - two varying views on how children react when their single parent that they have held always in the highest of regards - as their sole caregiver and comfort of companion - bring a significant other into their small world of their own. 🥺🥺 Tom and Zofia's lives are drastically changed, when their parents fall in love, and it will change even more when Tom's mother is pregnant - with an even bigger heart-breaking challenge than neither
of them could have anticipated or been prepared for.
“So I swallow down the words before they bubble up and I nod and I say OK. And I fold up that bit of paper that wants me to be happy and I let it crumble to ash.”
The story alternates between Tom and Zofia's thoughts with short chapters that burst with their own individual energy for the sudden shift in their otherwise steady lives. The writing is taut with emotion for how distinctively different their personalities are. Zofia is brimming with plenty of unbridled rage - furious that her father took the initiative to bring not only one or two new family members to the family, but a third! Someone who has the potential to replace her as the one dearest to his heart. Not to mention her complete disregard and disdain of the meek and quiet-tempered Tom, who thrives only in the absolute calm, when there is light all around him.
And it is for good reason, too, as we learn why Tom behaves the way he does - it's a traumatic past that haunts him and it hurt to see how his own weaknesses became a crucial cutting stone to these new-founded sibling bond they had to forge. 😥😥 What resonated within me is that no matter how critical I was of Zofia's belligerent attitude and her outbursts, no matter how my heart ached for Tom's challenges and trepidations and his determination to be there for his mother - knowing what she has gone through and how much she deserves happiness - is that both their temperaments were valid and believable. 👍🏻👍🏻
“A wish from all of us and for one of us. A wish that will wash away my wavewish and start something new and brilliant.
We wish.
Together.”
I may not have appreciated Zofia's unwelcoming behavior, but the writing excelled in showing how a child who does not want to lose the chance of being the apple to her father's eye would hurt her. Her struggles for acceptance felt valid, so how could I fault her for it, even if it agonized me so? All her suppressed thoughts of anger and rage that she unleashed into the comforts of the sea were brutally honest - her struggle in accepting the ways she had to adapt to the changes in her once-stable life were portrayed well, even if at times, I was upset with her behavior.
And conversely, Tom's own demons that rose to the surface, and how he had to shoulder those inner burdens, in order not to be a burden for his family were so touching and genuine. Tom's soft and tender methods in trying to reach out to Zofia - to give hope to his mother's situation - to become stronger within himself - those too were captured with such deliberate care - that I can't choose sides. The author captured their individual voices so viscerally that I felt it in my heart all that they couldn't express, because of their own inherent fears of what the other would think of them. 🤍🤍
It's this very candid and believable look at how children do cope with the blended family situation and how their thoughts and feelings may overshadow them, but it, then, also allow thems to change their views on life. When Tom and Zofia find ways to connect, to open up to each other, to realize and understand that they can make this work, if they don't let the negative energy outweigh the heart of everything - which is that they are now a family... ❤️🩹❤️🩹 It takes awhile - there is struggle and pain on that journey - but the resolution is truly genuine and heart-felt. One in which you truly see the light in everything that happens. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“I like the silence we’re sharing. I feel like something has moved between us. Like the tide is pulling and pushing us all the time but for now everything is flat and calm.”
Aside from the respective growth for both children, I appreciated all the scenic descriptions for the sea - the lure of the water, the airy breeze, the lull of a boat - it was captured quite vividly and came alive when Tom and Zofia and their Ceto Class shared some pivotal moments. I liked how honest and real, their emotions felt - the writing leapt off the page with each of their pointed expressions and even if it felt more like a journal read, the times dialogue was included -never felt out of place - it never felt like it's a tell over a show - the moment existed in that time it happened. And while it wasn't a perfect read, perhaps not even a very original one, but it was a nice change of pace with it's unique style of writing that helped shape it nicely into an interesting read, for sure.
“That new strange feeling is growing shoots and leaves and I try to scream it away. I shout at the clouds and the noise bounces off the cliff and is whisked away by the wind and it’s like I never made a single sound.
I don’t want things to change.”
There is a poignant message to The Light in Everything that takes awhile to get there - especially since there are so many messages trying to get across. It's a very astute and accurate portrayal of the different sides to the same coin - two varying views on how children react when their single parent that they have held always in the highest of regards - as their sole caregiver and comfort of companion - bring a significant other into their small world of their own. 🥺🥺 Tom and Zofia's lives are drastically changed, when their parents fall in love, and it will change even more when Tom's mother is pregnant - with an even bigger heart-breaking challenge than neither
of them could have anticipated or been prepared for.
“So I swallow down the words before they bubble up and I nod and I say OK. And I fold up that bit of paper that wants me to be happy and I let it crumble to ash.”
The story alternates between Tom and Zofia's thoughts with short chapters that burst with their own individual energy for the sudden shift in their otherwise steady lives. The writing is taut with emotion for how distinctively different their personalities are. Zofia is brimming with plenty of unbridled rage - furious that her father took the initiative to bring not only one or two new family members to the family, but a third! Someone who has the potential to replace her as the one dearest to his heart. Not to mention her complete disregard and disdain of the meek and quiet-tempered Tom, who thrives only in the absolute calm, when there is light all around him.
And it is for good reason, too, as we learn why Tom behaves the way he does - it's a traumatic past that haunts him and it hurt to see how his own weaknesses became a crucial cutting stone to these new-founded sibling bond they had to forge. 😥😥 What resonated within me is that no matter how critical I was of Zofia's belligerent attitude and her outbursts, no matter how my heart ached for Tom's challenges and trepidations and his determination to be there for his mother - knowing what she has gone through and how much she deserves happiness - is that both their temperaments were valid and believable. 👍🏻👍🏻
“A wish from all of us and for one of us. A wish that will wash away my wavewish and start something new and brilliant.
We wish.
Together.”
I may not have appreciated Zofia's unwelcoming behavior, but the writing excelled in showing how a child who does not want to lose the chance of being the apple to her father's eye would hurt her. Her struggles for acceptance felt valid, so how could I fault her for it, even if it agonized me so? All her suppressed thoughts of anger and rage that she unleashed into the comforts of the sea were brutally honest - her struggle in accepting the ways she had to adapt to the changes in her once-stable life were portrayed well, even if at times, I was upset with her behavior.
And conversely, Tom's own demons that rose to the surface, and how he had to shoulder those inner burdens, in order not to be a burden for his family were so touching and genuine. Tom's soft and tender methods in trying to reach out to Zofia - to give hope to his mother's situation - to become stronger within himself - those too were captured with such deliberate care - that I can't choose sides. The author captured their individual voices so viscerally that I felt it in my heart all that they couldn't express, because of their own inherent fears of what the other would think of them. 🤍🤍
It's this very candid and believable look at how children do cope with the blended family situation and how their thoughts and feelings may overshadow them, but it, then, also allow thems to change their views on life. When Tom and Zofia find ways to connect, to open up to each other, to realize and understand that they can make this work, if they don't let the negative energy outweigh the heart of everything - which is that they are now a family... ❤️🩹❤️🩹 It takes awhile - there is struggle and pain on that journey - but the resolution is truly genuine and heart-felt. One in which you truly see the light in everything that happens. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“I like the silence we’re sharing. I feel like something has moved between us. Like the tide is pulling and pushing us all the time but for now everything is flat and calm.”
Aside from the respective growth for both children, I appreciated all the scenic descriptions for the sea - the lure of the water, the airy breeze, the lull of a boat - it was captured quite vividly and came alive when Tom and Zofia and their Ceto Class shared some pivotal moments. I liked how honest and real, their emotions felt - the writing leapt off the page with each of their pointed expressions and even if it felt more like a journal read, the times dialogue was included -never felt out of place - it never felt like it's a tell over a show - the moment existed in that time it happened. And while it wasn't a perfect read, perhaps not even a very original one, but it was a nice change of pace with it's unique style of writing that helped shape it nicely into an interesting read, for sure.
March 5, 2022
The Light in Everything is a gorgeously crafted and beautifully redemptive novel for children which can also be read and enjoyed by adults old and young. Katya Balen writes from the alternating perspectives of Zofia and Tom, two children whose lives have both been marked by pain and loss, but in very different ways: Zofia is loud and rough and determined, while Tom is quiet and timid and fragile. Their lives will be brought together against their will when Tom and his mum move in with Zofia and her father - and then their parents announce that they hare having a baby.
Katya Balen does such a brilliant job of bringing these two characters to life and allowing us to feel everything that they are feeling. She writes about pain, anger, fear and shame with such honesty, but transforms them into hope and compassion. Tom's vulnerability is particularly affecting: Balen gives us a really powerful portrait of a child who has experienced abuse and bullying, and therefore always expects punishment and mockery. I was very moved by the difficulty he has in understanding that he is loved and accepted in his new home and school, and I think Balen manages to explore these serious and dark themes in a way that is entirely age- appropriate for this book's intended readers.
But it is perhaps the characterisation of Zofia that is most impressive, a character who rages her way through most of the novel, is often pretty unpleasant to Tom and yet remains totally sympathetic. I don't think I've come across a writer who has managed to convey a child's anger as convincingly as Balen does here - all too often, fury is lazily telegraphed through liberal use of the CapsLock button, but Zofia's anger seethes and smoulders throughout the book, and even as we feel sorry for those on the receiving end of it, we can understand and empathise with how Zofia is feeling, particularly her fear of losing what is hers and being excluded from her family. Even as she feels a growing sense of shame at her own actions, she remains lovable.
There are so many other beautiful things in the novel including the warmth of the seaside community in which it is set, the complexity of Tom and Zofia's relationships with their parents (particularly Zofia and her father) and the occasional references to Zofia's Polish heritage. I also loved the patterns and motifs Balen sets up across the novel - for instance, Tom counting how long he can be in the dark and Zofia counting how long she can stay underwater, the thousand paper cranes Tom wants to fold, and the boat that Tom and Zofia build together. These all add richness to the story, as does Balen's writing, which is exquisite - there were so many sentences I highlighted because of their sheer beauty.
This is such a great book for older primary and younger secondary readers, and I'm sure it will be read and treasured in classrooms up and down the country, as well as by plenty of older readers. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review!
Katya Balen does such a brilliant job of bringing these two characters to life and allowing us to feel everything that they are feeling. She writes about pain, anger, fear and shame with such honesty, but transforms them into hope and compassion. Tom's vulnerability is particularly affecting: Balen gives us a really powerful portrait of a child who has experienced abuse and bullying, and therefore always expects punishment and mockery. I was very moved by the difficulty he has in understanding that he is loved and accepted in his new home and school, and I think Balen manages to explore these serious and dark themes in a way that is entirely age- appropriate for this book's intended readers.
But it is perhaps the characterisation of Zofia that is most impressive, a character who rages her way through most of the novel, is often pretty unpleasant to Tom and yet remains totally sympathetic. I don't think I've come across a writer who has managed to convey a child's anger as convincingly as Balen does here - all too often, fury is lazily telegraphed through liberal use of the CapsLock button, but Zofia's anger seethes and smoulders throughout the book, and even as we feel sorry for those on the receiving end of it, we can understand and empathise with how Zofia is feeling, particularly her fear of losing what is hers and being excluded from her family. Even as she feels a growing sense of shame at her own actions, she remains lovable.
There are so many other beautiful things in the novel including the warmth of the seaside community in which it is set, the complexity of Tom and Zofia's relationships with their parents (particularly Zofia and her father) and the occasional references to Zofia's Polish heritage. I also loved the patterns and motifs Balen sets up across the novel - for instance, Tom counting how long he can be in the dark and Zofia counting how long she can stay underwater, the thousand paper cranes Tom wants to fold, and the boat that Tom and Zofia build together. These all add richness to the story, as does Balen's writing, which is exquisite - there were so many sentences I highlighted because of their sheer beauty.
This is such a great book for older primary and younger secondary readers, and I'm sure it will be read and treasured in classrooms up and down the country, as well as by plenty of older readers. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review!
July 26, 2024
Катя Бейлън е един от най-разпознаваемите гласове на съвременната литература за деца. Винаги ще съм благодарна на издателство "Дъбови листа", че издадоха Октомври, Октомври, чрез която я открих.
Тази книга е красива, топла и емоционална. И както останалите романи на авторката засяга важни за децата теми по един деликатен начин, който би достигнал до тях по-лесно от сериозните думи на възрастните. Рядко срещам писател, който умее да пише толкова красиво като Бейлън. Романите й учат на разбиране, състрадание и толерантност към останалите, независимо колко са различни от общоприетия в обществото образ и от нас самите.
И бих ги препоръчала силно не само на деца.
Тази книга е красива, топла и емоционална. И както останалите романи на авторката засяга важни за децата теми по един деликатен начин, който би достигнал до тях по-лесно от сериозните думи на възрастните. Рядко срещам писател, който умее да пише толкова красиво като Бейлън. Романите й учат на разбиране, състрадание и толерантност към останалите, независимо колко са различни от общоприетия в обществото образ и от нас самите.
И бих ги препоръчала силно не само на деца.
April 4, 2023
Transformative and magical. Katya Balen has crafted a children’s story for the ages. I loved this book - which talks of the trauma of abuse in the gentlest of ways. It’s dark and light. Sand, sun, and waves. Family and friendship. And kindness and love.
I will read more of Balen - there’s something so life-affirming in her books.
I will read more of Balen - there’s something so life-affirming in her books.
April 26, 2022
Katya Balen captures the voices of children so well, this book made me remember what is was to be that age, she really shows how children feel emotion without the understanding of being an adult.
Tom and Zofia are both so different, it would be easy to prefer Tom who comes from a hard background and is so polite instead of Zofia who is 'feral' and full of anger at the situation they are in, but you feel sympathy for both characters and root for them to get along - it is also fun to see the similarities between them as a reader that they cannot see. I also liked that the parents, while main characters, were not described very much, they were half there like the parents in cartoons are.
The setting is lovely and makes me wish I grew up by the sea; Balen is at once lyrical about the beauty of the sea and makes sure it comes across as mundane in the day-to-day life of living there and walking past it to and from school every day. I also loved the primary school and all the characters there, it's great to see a book that shows school children when they are at their best, being welcoming and friendly, having fun and surprisingly grown up at times as children are.
I could not put this book down, it was such a treat, if I had one complaint it would be that I wish there were more of it to read.
Tom and Zofia are both so different, it would be easy to prefer Tom who comes from a hard background and is so polite instead of Zofia who is 'feral' and full of anger at the situation they are in, but you feel sympathy for both characters and root for them to get along - it is also fun to see the similarities between them as a reader that they cannot see. I also liked that the parents, while main characters, were not described very much, they were half there like the parents in cartoons are.
The setting is lovely and makes me wish I grew up by the sea; Balen is at once lyrical about the beauty of the sea and makes sure it comes across as mundane in the day-to-day life of living there and walking past it to and from school every day. I also loved the primary school and all the characters there, it's great to see a book that shows school children when they are at their best, being welcoming and friendly, having fun and surprisingly grown up at times as children are.
I could not put this book down, it was such a treat, if I had one complaint it would be that I wish there were more of it to read.
December 30, 2022
Beautiful book, written with such a careful use of words, it conveys so much with so little. Zofia the firebrand and Tom the timid and their loving father and mother all come to life vividly, jumping off the page in this wonderful book.
April 16, 2022
There’s not an author around who writes in a child’s voice quite like Katya Balen, and here, she writes in two equally convincing ones: Zofia, who is big and loud and sharp, and Tom, who is small, and quiet and soft. This book deals with trauma and big emotions in a beautifully earnest way, as these two diametrically opposed characters are thrown together when their parents fall in love and fall pregnant. As the two are forced to adjust to their new lives, our hearts not only ache for quiet, broken, Tom, but for the confused and frightened girl that is Zofia behind her storm clouds. It’s so refreshing to see flawed characters portrayed honestly and sympathetically. I was crying by page 75. This is one of the good ones.
December 3, 2022
I'll try and articulate my thoughts at some point, but I've just finished this astounding novel and I want to recommend it to everyone I know. A superb, intimate portrait of two very different children and the challenges they face. Katya Balen delicate handling of some dark and difficult topics is superb.
January 19, 2023
(4.5) this book was stunning- beginning to end it was just beautiful. the bringing together of two families and how important it can be to let others in too
July 11, 2025
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you, like me, truly enjoy reading books which deliver a completely different perspective than you have been living by, I believe this is a book I can whole-heartedly recommend to you.
🪄Here are some perspectives written into ‘The Light in Everything’, that you might either identify with or you can catch a glimpse of while reading;
• a deceased mother (although Zofia doesn’t refer to her much)
• moving to a new home + new school
• having a new living companion who is wildly opposite from you
• blended families
• + a new baby --> ties the family
• trauma from a mentally abusive father (no longer in the picture)
There are additional points I forgot to mention, but I feel that you are able to get the gist with this list.
I truly do not have a single complaint about this book. Katya Balen has produced a fabulously crafted book which addresses many issues and, in my opinion, truly puts into perspective how individually different all humans are. Nobody is born with the same personality or opinions as our neighbours, and this is shown in difference in upbringing. 🪄
Zofia grew up without a mother, but a father who loved her dearly and with whom she shares many similar attributes and time with. She has not experienced much ultimately significant change in her life and has grown up and gone to school in the same place her whole life. Everything goes well in her life until new people are introduced in close proximity. This is because she is used to things not changing and not having to share the people, she is close with (examples: her father and best friend Dommo). She grew up being able to openly share her thoughts and being able to create change with her voice (as the children on the playground would listen to her) and she is in general very outspoken. That’s why her reaction to having Tom and his mother moving in was quite fitting based off her personality and past. Zofia herself was such a pleasure to receive a perspective from and incredibly well planned out by Balen. I feel that she showcased Zofia’s individuality well. 👏👏
Instead of lashing out, Tom’s way of dealing with the change was oppositely different as he had never felt truly safe with his father in his life. He is therefore incredibly attached to his mother. You are able to understand very well how his mind works while reading his perspective during this process: his mother, the only person he is close with, was ‘taken away’ by a man who is trying hard to connect with him. He see’s Zofia’s father as the enemy and is not able to get close with him, quite an understandable mindset for a third grader’s mind to come up with. He decides to hole himself up instead of lashing out.
But what amazes me is how smoothly Balen is able to write such wildly different perspectives of such young people, both being obviously different, but emotionally understandable when read. Usually when short chapters are incorporated into a book, I often forget to switch to the other person’s story and get mixed up very often. But in this case, I was able to differentiate between Zofia’s and Tom’s dual perspectives easily, which mad the reading experience even more enjoyable. ✨
I also really liked how vividly I was able to imagine especially the two main characters. I found it very clever, that they also both had different interests which suited both of them based off what they know and like. Zofia loves the ocean, swimming and playing volleyball, where she must always be aware and might experience some rough and tumble. Tom on the other hand enjoys quietly folding coloured paper into shapes and building boats, both handy activities which can be excelled in, when focused and patient.
A clear 5-star review ⭐ for me and a book I have recommended to many of my friends who want to get into reading!
If you, like me, truly enjoy reading books which deliver a completely different perspective than you have been living by, I believe this is a book I can whole-heartedly recommend to you.
🪄Here are some perspectives written into ‘The Light in Everything’, that you might either identify with or you can catch a glimpse of while reading;
• a deceased mother (although Zofia doesn’t refer to her much)
• moving to a new home + new school
• having a new living companion who is wildly opposite from you
• blended families
• + a new baby --> ties the family
• trauma from a mentally abusive father (no longer in the picture)
There are additional points I forgot to mention, but I feel that you are able to get the gist with this list.
I truly do not have a single complaint about this book. Katya Balen has produced a fabulously crafted book which addresses many issues and, in my opinion, truly puts into perspective how individually different all humans are. Nobody is born with the same personality or opinions as our neighbours, and this is shown in difference in upbringing. 🪄
Zofia grew up without a mother, but a father who loved her dearly and with whom she shares many similar attributes and time with. She has not experienced much ultimately significant change in her life and has grown up and gone to school in the same place her whole life. Everything goes well in her life until new people are introduced in close proximity. This is because she is used to things not changing and not having to share the people, she is close with (examples: her father and best friend Dommo). She grew up being able to openly share her thoughts and being able to create change with her voice (as the children on the playground would listen to her) and she is in general very outspoken. That’s why her reaction to having Tom and his mother moving in was quite fitting based off her personality and past. Zofia herself was such a pleasure to receive a perspective from and incredibly well planned out by Balen. I feel that she showcased Zofia’s individuality well. 👏👏
Instead of lashing out, Tom’s way of dealing with the change was oppositely different as he had never felt truly safe with his father in his life. He is therefore incredibly attached to his mother. You are able to understand very well how his mind works while reading his perspective during this process: his mother, the only person he is close with, was ‘taken away’ by a man who is trying hard to connect with him. He see’s Zofia’s father as the enemy and is not able to get close with him, quite an understandable mindset for a third grader’s mind to come up with. He decides to hole himself up instead of lashing out.
But what amazes me is how smoothly Balen is able to write such wildly different perspectives of such young people, both being obviously different, but emotionally understandable when read. Usually when short chapters are incorporated into a book, I often forget to switch to the other person’s story and get mixed up very often. But in this case, I was able to differentiate between Zofia’s and Tom’s dual perspectives easily, which mad the reading experience even more enjoyable. ✨
I also really liked how vividly I was able to imagine especially the two main characters. I found it very clever, that they also both had different interests which suited both of them based off what they know and like. Zofia loves the ocean, swimming and playing volleyball, where she must always be aware and might experience some rough and tumble. Tom on the other hand enjoys quietly folding coloured paper into shapes and building boats, both handy activities which can be excelled in, when focused and patient.
A clear 5-star review ⭐ for me and a book I have recommended to many of my friends who want to get into reading!
June 22, 2025
Ś𝐰𝐢𝐚𝐭ł𝐨 w𝐞 w𝐬𝐳𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐤𝐢𝐦
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫: Katya Balen
𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐳𝐛𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧:267
[ 𝐰𝐬𝐩ół𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐚 𝐱 @wilga_young @wydawnictwo_wilga ]
🪼🪸💐
Zaczynając od samej fabuły myślę że była ona za szybka. Na około 67 stronie tata Zosi i mama Tommy’ego mieli już razem dziecko. Myślę że akurat ten aspekt nie został dobrze wytłumaczony i wprowadzony po prostu za szybko. Jednego dnia Zosia dowiaduje się że jej tata na nowo poznał kogoś kogo obdarzył uczuciami, a parę stron później dowiaduje się że będzie miała rodzeństwo. Jednak pod koniec przy zwrocie akcji wszystko lekko zwolniło co nadało samej książce kontrastu.
Przechodząc dalej do głównych bohaterów obu z nich bardzo polubiłam. Ich zachowanie było dla mnie zdecydowanie zrozumiałe. Tommy przez wiele nieprzepracowanych wydarzeń w życiu, bał się że jego traumy powrócą, a Zosia miała obawy że jej jedyna rodzina przestanie ją kochać. Myślę że nie powinno się obwiniać Zosi z względu na jej zachowanie ponieważ wiem że wiele osób w jej wieku postąpiło w taki sam sposób. Ciesze się jednak że znaleźli wspólny język i zaczęli się dogadywać. Myślę że książka bardzo dobrze przedstawia zachowanie dwóch zupełnie różnych z charakteru osób w nowym otoczeniu. Spodobała mi się również metafora Zosi jako żywiołu lub oceanu. Uważam, że to określenie bardzo do niej pasowało.
Pomimo że ta lektura nie będzie jedną z moich ulubionych na pewno będzie jedną z bardziej komfortowych książek jakie czytałam. Według mnie jest bardzo motywująca, pokazuje, że nie powinno się nigdy poddawać oraz po prostu rozmawiać z ludźmi i ich głębiej poznać - nigdy nie wiemy kto ile i co przeszedł i ta książka bardzo dobrze to ukazuje.
Jeżeli ktoś by się mnie spytał czy polecam tą pozycję na pewno odpowiedziałabym że tak!
To wszystko Pola 🪼
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫: Katya Balen
𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐳𝐛𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧:267
[ 𝐰𝐬𝐩ół𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐚 𝐱 @wilga_young @wydawnictwo_wilga ]
🪼🪸💐
Zaczynając od samej fabuły myślę że była ona za szybka. Na około 67 stronie tata Zosi i mama Tommy’ego mieli już razem dziecko. Myślę że akurat ten aspekt nie został dobrze wytłumaczony i wprowadzony po prostu za szybko. Jednego dnia Zosia dowiaduje się że jej tata na nowo poznał kogoś kogo obdarzył uczuciami, a parę stron później dowiaduje się że będzie miała rodzeństwo. Jednak pod koniec przy zwrocie akcji wszystko lekko zwolniło co nadało samej książce kontrastu.
Przechodząc dalej do głównych bohaterów obu z nich bardzo polubiłam. Ich zachowanie było dla mnie zdecydowanie zrozumiałe. Tommy przez wiele nieprzepracowanych wydarzeń w życiu, bał się że jego traumy powrócą, a Zosia miała obawy że jej jedyna rodzina przestanie ją kochać. Myślę że nie powinno się obwiniać Zosi z względu na jej zachowanie ponieważ wiem że wiele osób w jej wieku postąpiło w taki sam sposób. Ciesze się jednak że znaleźli wspólny język i zaczęli się dogadywać. Myślę że książka bardzo dobrze przedstawia zachowanie dwóch zupełnie różnych z charakteru osób w nowym otoczeniu. Spodobała mi się również metafora Zosi jako żywiołu lub oceanu. Uważam, że to określenie bardzo do niej pasowało.
Pomimo że ta lektura nie będzie jedną z moich ulubionych na pewno będzie jedną z bardziej komfortowych książek jakie czytałam. Według mnie jest bardzo motywująca, pokazuje, że nie powinno się nigdy poddawać oraz po prostu rozmawiać z ludźmi i ich głębiej poznać - nigdy nie wiemy kto ile i co przeszedł i ta książka bardzo dobrze to ukazuje.
Jeżeli ktoś by się mnie spytał czy polecam tą pozycję na pewno odpowiedziałabym że tak!
To wszystko Pola 🪼
March 30, 2023
“I like the silence we’re sharing. I feel like something has moved between us. Like the tide is pulling and pushing us all the time but for now everything is flat and calm.”
Katya Balens new novel not only lived up to October, October but it has exceeded all my expectations! 😍
It tells us the story of Zofia and Tom. Zofia was born in a storm, furious from day one a loud firecracker always ready to GO! Tom, born in a different kind of storm, was made for the quiet, those moments when the sea is still, calm and with the sunlight High in the sky. Tom was not made for the dark. That is until their lives collide and they learn how to be themselves and yet be what each other needs them to be. A boat in a storm. The light in the dark.
The Light in Everything is deep, honest and deeply moving. Showing that we are all different and yet we all get scared from time to time- no matter how brave we may seem on the outside. It also shows the importance of communication and community. We all deserve to feel safe and secure, we all deserve to be protected, heard and loved. Even those of us who were born in a storm.
⚠️ Word of warning this one deals with some hard topics so please look these up before you read. However they are treated with so much respect. I definitely think children who are going through these types of traumas would really feel seen and validated. That no matter what life throws at us we can get through it. There is light in everything eventually 🌊💛
Katya Balens new novel not only lived up to October, October but it has exceeded all my expectations! 😍
It tells us the story of Zofia and Tom. Zofia was born in a storm, furious from day one a loud firecracker always ready to GO! Tom, born in a different kind of storm, was made for the quiet, those moments when the sea is still, calm and with the sunlight High in the sky. Tom was not made for the dark. That is until their lives collide and they learn how to be themselves and yet be what each other needs them to be. A boat in a storm. The light in the dark.
The Light in Everything is deep, honest and deeply moving. Showing that we are all different and yet we all get scared from time to time- no matter how brave we may seem on the outside. It also shows the importance of communication and community. We all deserve to feel safe and secure, we all deserve to be protected, heard and loved. Even those of us who were born in a storm.
⚠️ Word of warning this one deals with some hard topics so please look these up before you read. However they are treated with so much respect. I definitely think children who are going through these types of traumas would really feel seen and validated. That no matter what life throws at us we can get through it. There is light in everything eventually 🌊💛
June 27, 2025
✵ʀᴇᴄᴇɴᴢᴊᴀ✵
Cześć! Witam się z Wami w recenzji "Światła We Wszystkim".
Na początku chciałabym podziękować wydawnictwu Wilga za możliwość współpracy przy tym tytule. Wiele to dla mnie znaczy i liczę, że uda nam się kiedyś znów podjąć współpracę🥹💞.
"Światło We Wszystkim" to wzruszająca powieść dla młodzieży, która porusza tematy takie jak: nieprzepracowana trauma z dzieciństwa, nowa rodzina oraz choroba. Oczywiście nie ma książki bez skazy. Zacznijmy więc najpierw od wad tej powieści.
W niektórych momentach akcja była o wiele za szybka. Poznajemy Tommy'ego oraz Zosię, oni siebie też, a po kilku stronach już mama z Tommym wprowadzają się do Zosii. Strasznie mnie to zdenerwowało, ponieważ nie mogłam poznać lepiej bohaterów na początku książki. Potem jednak zaczęłam lepiej ich rozumieć, poznałam ich, a ich charakter, który z początku był dla mnie jak podkreślony kilka razy długopisem, uspokoił się. Odnosiłam też wrażenie, że książka mogłaby być o wiele lepiej napisana w pierwszoosobowej narracji, ze względu na porównania m.in. Zosii z burzą, morzem. Teraz przejdźmy sobie do zalet, bo ich też trochę mam. Kontrast pomiędzy bohaterami był cudowny, brakuje mi książek gdzie ten kontrast jest tak dobrze widoczny i oryginalny. To jak zostały opisane traumy w tej książce po prostu mnie urzekło, jak na kategorie wiekową 12+ były opisane bardzo dojrzale. Same opisy w powieści są wspaniałe.
Podsumowując, książkę mogę polecić, jednak zależy komu. Jej fabuła nie utrwali mi się w pamięci. 3/5.
Do zobaczenia w kolejnej recenzji!💘
[Współpraca recenzencka @wydawnictwo_wilga ]
Cześć! Witam się z Wami w recenzji "Światła We Wszystkim".
Na początku chciałabym podziękować wydawnictwu Wilga za możliwość współpracy przy tym tytule. Wiele to dla mnie znaczy i liczę, że uda nam się kiedyś znów podjąć współpracę🥹💞.
"Światło We Wszystkim" to wzruszająca powieść dla młodzieży, która porusza tematy takie jak: nieprzepracowana trauma z dzieciństwa, nowa rodzina oraz choroba. Oczywiście nie ma książki bez skazy. Zacznijmy więc najpierw od wad tej powieści.
W niektórych momentach akcja była o wiele za szybka. Poznajemy Tommy'ego oraz Zosię, oni siebie też, a po kilku stronach już mama z Tommym wprowadzają się do Zosii. Strasznie mnie to zdenerwowało, ponieważ nie mogłam poznać lepiej bohaterów na początku książki. Potem jednak zaczęłam lepiej ich rozumieć, poznałam ich, a ich charakter, który z początku był dla mnie jak podkreślony kilka razy długopisem, uspokoił się. Odnosiłam też wrażenie, że książka mogłaby być o wiele lepiej napisana w pierwszoosobowej narracji, ze względu na porównania m.in. Zosii z burzą, morzem. Teraz przejdźmy sobie do zalet, bo ich też trochę mam. Kontrast pomiędzy bohaterami był cudowny, brakuje mi książek gdzie ten kontrast jest tak dobrze widoczny i oryginalny. To jak zostały opisane traumy w tej książce po prostu mnie urzekło, jak na kategorie wiekową 12+ były opisane bardzo dojrzale. Same opisy w powieści są wspaniałe.
Podsumowując, książkę mogę polecić, jednak zależy komu. Jej fabuła nie utrwali mi się w pamięci. 3/5.
Do zobaczenia w kolejnej recenzji!💘
[Współpraca recenzencka @wydawnictwo_wilga ]
July 17, 2025
Współpraca recenzencka z Wydawnictwem Wilga:
„Światło we wszystkim” to książka, która stała się bardzo bliska memu sercu, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu odzwierciedla to, co przeżyłam w dzieciństwie. Gdy bohaterowie dowiadują się, że przez swoich rodziców już niebawem będą musieli razem zamieszkać, są załamani. Spodobało mi się, w jaki sposób zestawiono ze sobą te dwie postacie. Zosia jest głośna, spontaniczna i pewna siebie, zaś Tommy jest nieśmiały, zamknięty w sobie i ma wiele traum z przeszłości. Już od początku nic nie wskazywało na to, że ta dwójka kiedykolwiek się dogada. Stale się unikają, wściekają na siebie i marzą, aby wszystko było takie jak kiedyś. Los pisze jednak różne scenariusze i okazuje się, że choroba jednego z członków rodziny będzie w stanie zmienić nastawienie nastolatków. Ze wzruszeniem obserwowałam ich coraz dłuższe rozmowy i stopniowe przekonywanie się do siebie. Uważam, że to idealna pozycja dla osób, które przeżywają rozstanie rodziców i muszą przyzwyczaić się do życia w nowych realiach. Tutaj nic nie jest zafałszowane czy wyidealizowane, są za to prawdziwe emocje, obawy i lęk przed zmianą.
A to wszystko dzieje się tuż nieopodal oceanu, który w tej historii odgrywa równie ważną rolę.
„Światło we wszystkim” to książka, która stała się bardzo bliska memu sercu, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu odzwierciedla to, co przeżyłam w dzieciństwie. Gdy bohaterowie dowiadują się, że przez swoich rodziców już niebawem będą musieli razem zamieszkać, są załamani. Spodobało mi się, w jaki sposób zestawiono ze sobą te dwie postacie. Zosia jest głośna, spontaniczna i pewna siebie, zaś Tommy jest nieśmiały, zamknięty w sobie i ma wiele traum z przeszłości. Już od początku nic nie wskazywało na to, że ta dwójka kiedykolwiek się dogada. Stale się unikają, wściekają na siebie i marzą, aby wszystko było takie jak kiedyś. Los pisze jednak różne scenariusze i okazuje się, że choroba jednego z członków rodziny będzie w stanie zmienić nastawienie nastolatków. Ze wzruszeniem obserwowałam ich coraz dłuższe rozmowy i stopniowe przekonywanie się do siebie. Uważam, że to idealna pozycja dla osób, które przeżywają rozstanie rodziców i muszą przyzwyczaić się do życia w nowych realiach. Tutaj nic nie jest zafałszowane czy wyidealizowane, są za to prawdziwe emocje, obawy i lęk przed zmianą.
A to wszystko dzieje się tuż nieopodal oceanu, który w tej historii odgrywa równie ważną rolę.
May 12, 2022
Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing an ARC to review.
I absolutely loved October, October so I was excited to read The Light in Everything. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. The story itself was heartwarming, I suppose, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all. I fully understand that they had traumatic and challenging personal circumstances, which makes me feel bad that I just found them annoying! Perhaps it’s because I’ve never experienced anything similar myself. I feel like this could be a very powerful book for those that have.
I absolutely loved October, October so I was excited to read The Light in Everything. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. The story itself was heartwarming, I suppose, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all. I fully understand that they had traumatic and challenging personal circumstances, which makes me feel bad that I just found them annoying! Perhaps it’s because I’ve never experienced anything similar myself. I feel like this could be a very powerful book for those that have.
August 18, 2024
Als sich Zofias Vater Marek in seine Arztkollegin Fiona verliebt, treffen Zofia und Fionas Sohn Tom als Patchworkgeschwister aufeinander. Die Kinder, die nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten, wechseln sich als Icherzähler ab. Die impulsive, schlagfertige Zofia wirkt wild wie die Brandung und trainiert entschlossen dafür, in der eiskalten See zum „Fidschi“ zu schwimmen, dem legendären Felsen vor der englischen Küste. Tom dagegen hat Dinge erlebt, über die er nicht sprechen kann, und fürchtet die Dunkelheit ebenso wie Veränderungen. Tom hat Angst vor Hunden, und im Meer wird er nicht schwimmen, in dem es außer Quallen sicher Haie geben wird. Das Falten von Origami-Kranichen konnte ihm bisher in schwierigen Momenten gegen seine Ängste helfen.
Die beiden Elfjährigen lehnen die neue Situation entschlossen ab, obwohl Toms neues Leben sich durch den vertrauenswürdigen Freund Cameron und seine enge Klassengemeinschaft entscheidend gebessert hat. Zofia fühlt sich genervt vom zurückhaltenden Tom und muss den Raum, den er frei lässt, sofort lärmend füllen. Beide Kinder beschreiben in wundervollen Worten die Natur, scheitern jedoch daran, über ihre Ängste und Eifersucht zu sprechen. Marek möchte Zofia und Tom versöhnen, in dem er mit ihnen gemeinsam sein vor Jahren begonnenes Boot vollendet. Man hätte wetten können: Tom will gern schreinern, aber nicht mit dem Boot aufs Wasser; Zofia bestimmt sich zum Kapitän. Ihr macht das als Duo, ordnet Marek an. Als um das Überleben des Babys gebangt werden muss, dass Fiona erwartet, setzt Tom auf magisches Denken. Die Nachbarin, die ihn früher betreute, hat ihm von den 1000 Kranichen erzählt, die man in Japan aus Papier falten muss, um einen Wunsch frei zu haben. Als die Zeit drängt, falten alle mit: die Schüler der 5. Klasse, ihre Lehrer und Eltern …
Fazit
Katya Balen lässt in idyllischer Lage am Meer Vater und Tochter auf Mutter und Sohn treffen. Als Tom Zofia seine Ängste gesteht, erkennt er zugleich den Grund für ihr kratzbürstiges Verhalten. Auch sie hat Angst, in der neuen Familie ausgeschlossen zu sein, vor der winzig kleinen Schwester auf der Intensivstation und vor der Herausforderung des eiskalten Meers. Balen lässt uns Angst und Scham der Kinder bildhaft miterleben, aber auch das Bemühen der Eltern zur Familie zusammenzuwachsen. Besonders anrührend fand ich den Zusammenhalt der Schulklasse, die sich nach der Schule am Strand trifft …
Ein großartiges Buch, das Erinnerungen an "October, October" weckt.
Die beiden Elfjährigen lehnen die neue Situation entschlossen ab, obwohl Toms neues Leben sich durch den vertrauenswürdigen Freund Cameron und seine enge Klassengemeinschaft entscheidend gebessert hat. Zofia fühlt sich genervt vom zurückhaltenden Tom und muss den Raum, den er frei lässt, sofort lärmend füllen. Beide Kinder beschreiben in wundervollen Worten die Natur, scheitern jedoch daran, über ihre Ängste und Eifersucht zu sprechen. Marek möchte Zofia und Tom versöhnen, in dem er mit ihnen gemeinsam sein vor Jahren begonnenes Boot vollendet. Man hätte wetten können: Tom will gern schreinern, aber nicht mit dem Boot aufs Wasser; Zofia bestimmt sich zum Kapitän. Ihr macht das als Duo, ordnet Marek an. Als um das Überleben des Babys gebangt werden muss, dass Fiona erwartet, setzt Tom auf magisches Denken. Die Nachbarin, die ihn früher betreute, hat ihm von den 1000 Kranichen erzählt, die man in Japan aus Papier falten muss, um einen Wunsch frei zu haben. Als die Zeit drängt, falten alle mit: die Schüler der 5. Klasse, ihre Lehrer und Eltern …
Fazit
Katya Balen lässt in idyllischer Lage am Meer Vater und Tochter auf Mutter und Sohn treffen. Als Tom Zofia seine Ängste gesteht, erkennt er zugleich den Grund für ihr kratzbürstiges Verhalten. Auch sie hat Angst, in der neuen Familie ausgeschlossen zu sein, vor der winzig kleinen Schwester auf der Intensivstation und vor der Herausforderung des eiskalten Meers. Balen lässt uns Angst und Scham der Kinder bildhaft miterleben, aber auch das Bemühen der Eltern zur Familie zusammenzuwachsen. Besonders anrührend fand ich den Zusammenhalt der Schulklasse, die sich nach der Schule am Strand trifft …
Ein großartiges Buch, das Erinnerungen an "October, October" weckt.
May 5, 2023
Reading as on the Carnegie Shortlist.
I have mixed feelings about The Light in Everything. I think the dual narration was good and the fact they didn't overlap drove the story forward at a good pace. The emotions of Tom and Zofia felt real and not sugar coated.
For some reason I feel the same as I did with October, October: although the story is well presented and written, it feels like it's too predictable. I don't know if this is because I read a lot of books or I am too old and not the target audience, but it left me feeling like the book was ...ok. 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.
I have mixed feelings about The Light in Everything. I think the dual narration was good and the fact they didn't overlap drove the story forward at a good pace. The emotions of Tom and Zofia felt real and not sugar coated.
For some reason I feel the same as I did with October, October: although the story is well presented and written, it feels like it's too predictable. I don't know if this is because I read a lot of books or I am too old and not the target audience, but it left me feeling like the book was ...ok. 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.
Read
June 15, 2024Katya Balen is becoming one of my new favourite authors. I loved this gentle but fast-paced story of a family coming together.
June 24, 2025
szczerze, spodziewałam się czegoś o niebo lepszego.
bohaterowie są wykreowani w miarę, ale momentami ich głupota jest na poziomie chyba maksymalnym
szyk zdań też jest dziwny- niektóre zdania niepotrzebnie rozciągnięte były na 3 linijki, inne miały 4 wyrazy ( dosłownie)
fajnie, że mamy 2 perspektywy oraz była jedna scena pod koniec, która naprawdę podniosła ocenę tej książki, bo samo zakończenie też średnie
+za oryginalną fabułę
przepraszam za tę nieskładną recenzję, ale to są właśnie moje szybkie przemyślenia..
bohaterowie są wykreowani w miarę, ale momentami ich głupota jest na poziomie chyba maksymalnym
szyk zdań też jest dziwny- niektóre zdania niepotrzebnie rozciągnięte były na 3 linijki, inne miały 4 wyrazy ( dosłownie)
fajnie, że mamy 2 perspektywy oraz była jedna scena pod koniec, która naprawdę podniosła ocenę tej książki, bo samo zakończenie też średnie
+za oryginalną fabułę
przepraszam za tę nieskładną recenzję, ale to są właśnie moje szybkie przemyślenia..
April 3, 2023
A sweet little story and really good writing as always from Katya Balen. Although, I couldn’t help but hate one of the main characters!
February 12, 2023
This MG novel really pulls on the heartstrings. Tom, quiet and withdrawn and Zofia, extrovert and loud - all the things Tom can't deal with. Both from broken families for different reasons, Tom and Zofia are thrust together when his mother and her father fall in love. When Tom and his mum move in with Zofia and her father, their dislike of each other spirals out of control.
With blended families becoming more and more common, the author sensitively examines the impact on children who are already trying to deal with losing a patent, no matter what the reason. Domestic abuse, bereavement, bullying and trust issues play their part but, ultimately, this is a story of families, love and friendship.
With blended families becoming more and more common, the author sensitively examines the impact on children who are already trying to deal with losing a patent, no matter what the reason. Domestic abuse, bereavement, bullying and trust issues play their part but, ultimately, this is a story of families, love and friendship.
September 10, 2023
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen is a very heartwarming novel. It explores how two young people from completlely differnet worlds get along and eventually become a family. 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.
I really feel all the emotions by these two charaters thorough this novel. The author successfully brought the entire storyline to life. How Tom adapt to this brand new enviroment with so many new people and how he changes at the end was astonishing. I understand Zofia from the bottom of my heart. Sometimes, anger and fear (her storm) just stays and you never manage to get it out from you. The jealousy of children when they see almost all the people who loved you switched their attention to the "new" kid that you never liked. My heart aches when I was reading parts where she felt alone and decided to lock herself in the room.
The whole setting of the sea is very vivid. I can really picture the beauty of the beach and how lovely it would be to live next to it. The sound of waves always sticks to my head when characters are sitiing nearby the seaside.
Seeing characters change and grow through different events is really sweet and lovely.
I really feel all the emotions by these two charaters thorough this novel. The author successfully brought the entire storyline to life. How Tom adapt to this brand new enviroment with so many new people and how he changes at the end was astonishing. I understand Zofia from the bottom of my heart. Sometimes, anger and fear (her storm) just stays and you never manage to get it out from you. The jealousy of children when they see almost all the people who loved you switched their attention to the "new" kid that you never liked. My heart aches when I was reading parts where she felt alone and decided to lock herself in the room.
The whole setting of the sea is very vivid. I can really picture the beauty of the beach and how lovely it would be to live next to it. The sound of waves always sticks to my head when characters are sitiing nearby the seaside.
Seeing characters change and grow through different events is really sweet and lovely.
June 2, 2022
Beautifully written with imagery so immersive, it’s as if the sea is a carefully crafted protagonist in itself.
Zofia is brimming with a furious determination, Tom is quiet and spends his days in fear of what could come.
When their parents fall in love, the two are thrown together, forced to live as a family in a cottage by the relentless sea.
Although the pair believe they have nothing in common, when their parents announce they’re expecting a baby, Zofia and Tom realise their situation is a shared one.
Both think the mess can be solved by sending their hopes and wishes into the deep and unpredictable sea.
From the author of October, October, The Light in Everything is a middle grade novel which can equally move any adult who cares to pick it up and dive in.
An absorbing story of hope when you feel like you’re drowning and learning to trust when you feel alone.
Zofia is brimming with a furious determination, Tom is quiet and spends his days in fear of what could come.
When their parents fall in love, the two are thrown together, forced to live as a family in a cottage by the relentless sea.
Although the pair believe they have nothing in common, when their parents announce they’re expecting a baby, Zofia and Tom realise their situation is a shared one.
Both think the mess can be solved by sending their hopes and wishes into the deep and unpredictable sea.
From the author of October, October, The Light in Everything is a middle grade novel which can equally move any adult who cares to pick it up and dive in.
An absorbing story of hope when you feel like you’re drowning and learning to trust when you feel alone.
May 7, 2023
A lovely book with an amazing storyline
The ending was fab and he friendship they grew is amazing
Meanwhile it was hard to get into and I struggled to understand it in the middle
The ending was fab and he friendship they grew is amazing
Meanwhile it was hard to get into and I struggled to understand it in the middle
April 25, 2022
Katya Balen's, 'The Light in Everything' is a story about Zofia and Tom, two very different children who have to live together in a blended family when their parents fall in love. With a new baby on the way there is even more to be confused about and as tensions grow, the pair must learn to trust and navigate the pain they have buried deep inside.
As with her previous book, 'October, October', the story deals with complex emotions and the breakdown in communication between family members in times of stress and change. It shows how suppressed rage and frustration can damage, and how difficult it can be to express love. It deals with sensitive issues thoughtfully and respectfully. I liked the metaphor for light and dark and the clever evocation of Tom's anxiety and fear, as the reader is drip-fed his backstory, building a picture of what he and his mum have been through. There is an element of dramatic irony, as Zofia does not understand what we know, only later finding out.
However, I feel that her character arc is slow and not as developed and subtle as Tom's. She seems less empathetic as a character and her brash physicality and loudness as she rages against the world seem predictable. But then again, we are all unlikeable when we suppress negative feelings, - anger, pain and jealousy. Her life with her dad has been invaded and it is clear that she needs more from him (she feels like a ghost, as if no one is looking at her), but he is too distracted and her behaviour is too aggressive for him to cope with. At times I found him insensitive to Zofia's needs and I wanted him to give her more: more patience, more understanding, more of himself. He does provide a practical focus to try and bring the children together later, which become a crucial component in the story's climax and resolution, so he is somewhat redeemed.
Zofia swims against the current, literally and metaphorically, spiralling deeper into herself and alienating others who are reaching out to her. Though I enjoyed the metaphor of her 'stormy' personality and the sea, I felt that overall her character arc was less dynamic than Tom's. I became impatient for her to change and there was scope for a deeper interiority (with regard to her mum), which was perhaps not fully exploited.
The book is written in the first person with dual narrative voices, - alternate chapters for Zofia and Tom - which I found initially a bit jarring until I settled into the structure. Like 'October, October' there is some beautiful language to describe nature: 'We walk down the beach path that is surrounded by dark plum heather and whiskery tufts of seagrass. The sea is turning blue in the morning air...' which I loved and I would have liked more of, but it is always a challenge with the first person. October was a child intrinsically bonded with the wild, so the use of lyrical descriptions of the natural world suited her voice.
I found the end very moving. Katya always finds a way for her characters to reach out and touch the wider community's lives. She is a humane and intuitive writer.
As with her previous book, 'October, October', the story deals with complex emotions and the breakdown in communication between family members in times of stress and change. It shows how suppressed rage and frustration can damage, and how difficult it can be to express love. It deals with sensitive issues thoughtfully and respectfully. I liked the metaphor for light and dark and the clever evocation of Tom's anxiety and fear, as the reader is drip-fed his backstory, building a picture of what he and his mum have been through. There is an element of dramatic irony, as Zofia does not understand what we know, only later finding out.
However, I feel that her character arc is slow and not as developed and subtle as Tom's. She seems less empathetic as a character and her brash physicality and loudness as she rages against the world seem predictable. But then again, we are all unlikeable when we suppress negative feelings, - anger, pain and jealousy. Her life with her dad has been invaded and it is clear that she needs more from him (she feels like a ghost, as if no one is looking at her), but he is too distracted and her behaviour is too aggressive for him to cope with. At times I found him insensitive to Zofia's needs and I wanted him to give her more: more patience, more understanding, more of himself. He does provide a practical focus to try and bring the children together later, which become a crucial component in the story's climax and resolution, so he is somewhat redeemed.
Zofia swims against the current, literally and metaphorically, spiralling deeper into herself and alienating others who are reaching out to her. Though I enjoyed the metaphor of her 'stormy' personality and the sea, I felt that overall her character arc was less dynamic than Tom's. I became impatient for her to change and there was scope for a deeper interiority (with regard to her mum), which was perhaps not fully exploited.
The book is written in the first person with dual narrative voices, - alternate chapters for Zofia and Tom - which I found initially a bit jarring until I settled into the structure. Like 'October, October' there is some beautiful language to describe nature: 'We walk down the beach path that is surrounded by dark plum heather and whiskery tufts of seagrass. The sea is turning blue in the morning air...' which I loved and I would have liked more of, but it is always a challenge with the first person. October was a child intrinsically bonded with the wild, so the use of lyrical descriptions of the natural world suited her voice.
I found the end very moving. Katya always finds a way for her characters to reach out and touch the wider community's lives. She is a humane and intuitive writer.
March 13, 2023
Zofia loves her life in her small coastal town with her Dad. It has been just her and her father since she was a baby, after losing her mum. They do have a dog and cat too, named Pablo and Frida. Her dad often calls her feral, as Zofia is bold and loud, seeming to take up more room and space than normal eleven year olds. She’s fiery and brash, a storm personified.
The beach and the sea are Zofia’s favourite places, spending every hour she can down there with her friends from school or just she and Pablo. The water is cold most of the time, but Zofia is used to it and with her wetsuit on, she braves the waves when others wouldn’t dare.
Tom loves his quiet life with his mum in their little flat. His room is just the way he likes it, with his lights all around his room so when night falls he is ready to banish the darkness. School is rough as the other kids call him weird and either tease him or ignore him completely. Even though he knows his father can’t get to him anymore, Tom still can’t quite believe it. He’ll never forget being locked in the dark, or laughed at, and still turns to his origami to shut everything out when he’s overwhelmed.
When Zofia’s dad tells her he’s met someone, and Tom’s mum does the same, they instantly dislike the idea. Zofia’s fiery temper is stirred, and Tom tries to be happy for his mum. Neither want their lives to change. But then there’s the baby.
Tom moves in with Zofia and their parents beside the sea, trying to be brave but expecting more of what his dad dished out. Zofia can’t believe this boy who is supposed to be her age, but looks about seven, is so shy and jittery and frightened, all the time.
With a sibling on the way, both Tom and Zofia have to navigate the changes in their lives. Both have things to learn, courage to find and a new way of being together, in the making. Maybe sharing their sibling to be is a place to start?
Winner of the Carnegie Award 2022
Told in first person by both characters in alternate chapters - this story is simply beautiful.
Zofia’s character leaps off the page! She’s so tempestuous, fiery and full of energy and life. Tom is the polar opposite after a life with a commanding, impatient, controlling and abusive father, who is now where he can’t reach Tom and his mum. This contrast seems insurmountable, but slowly they find common ground through hate, anger, jealousy and guilt, and a shared project.
As they begin to understand each other, empathy, apology, kindness and friendship gradually develop. You might need tissues at the end like I did.
Absolutely gorgeous.
Age -10+ (Older readers will enjoy this novel too)
The beach and the sea are Zofia’s favourite places, spending every hour she can down there with her friends from school or just she and Pablo. The water is cold most of the time, but Zofia is used to it and with her wetsuit on, she braves the waves when others wouldn’t dare.
Tom loves his quiet life with his mum in their little flat. His room is just the way he likes it, with his lights all around his room so when night falls he is ready to banish the darkness. School is rough as the other kids call him weird and either tease him or ignore him completely. Even though he knows his father can’t get to him anymore, Tom still can’t quite believe it. He’ll never forget being locked in the dark, or laughed at, and still turns to his origami to shut everything out when he’s overwhelmed.
When Zofia’s dad tells her he’s met someone, and Tom’s mum does the same, they instantly dislike the idea. Zofia’s fiery temper is stirred, and Tom tries to be happy for his mum. Neither want their lives to change. But then there’s the baby.
Tom moves in with Zofia and their parents beside the sea, trying to be brave but expecting more of what his dad dished out. Zofia can’t believe this boy who is supposed to be her age, but looks about seven, is so shy and jittery and frightened, all the time.
With a sibling on the way, both Tom and Zofia have to navigate the changes in their lives. Both have things to learn, courage to find and a new way of being together, in the making. Maybe sharing their sibling to be is a place to start?
Winner of the Carnegie Award 2022
Told in first person by both characters in alternate chapters - this story is simply beautiful.
Zofia’s character leaps off the page! She’s so tempestuous, fiery and full of energy and life. Tom is the polar opposite after a life with a commanding, impatient, controlling and abusive father, who is now where he can’t reach Tom and his mum. This contrast seems insurmountable, but slowly they find common ground through hate, anger, jealousy and guilt, and a shared project.
As they begin to understand each other, empathy, apology, kindness and friendship gradually develop. You might need tissues at the end like I did.
Absolutely gorgeous.
Age -10+ (Older readers will enjoy this novel too)
August 6, 2025
3,75⭐️
Książka z zewnątrz wydająca się bardzo prosta, a w rzeczywistości zawierająca głębsze przemyślenia i przekazująca pewne wartości.
Poznajemy tutaj córkę z tatą, którzy żyją nad oceanem. Zosia jest żywiołowa, pełna energii i radosna. Jednak, gdy dowiaduje się o ogromnej zmianie w życiu zamienia się w wulkan gniewu.
Tommy, który ma stać się jej przyszywanym bratem jest spokojny, wycofany i cichy. Dwa przeciwieństwa, prawda?
Bardzo podoba mi się zaobserwowana tutaj zmiana tej dwójki bohaterów oraz wpływ przeszłości na życie młodego człowieka. Tommy ze względu na ciężką przeszłość z ojcem, miał wiele lęków i słabości. Zosia za uśmiechem ukrywała strach i odrzucenie. Tę dwójkę łączyło więcej niż na pierwszy rzut oka mogłoby się wydawać.
Rozdziały są naprawdę krótkie co sprawia, że szybko sie ją czyta. Momentami były one dla mnie ZA krótkie, ale nie przeszkadzało mi to jakoś bardzo. Perspektywę mamy ze strony dwóch głównych bohaterów co pomaga nam zrozumieć ich i poznać bliżej.
Jeżeli mam być szczerza to na początku nie polubiłam się z żadnych z bohaterów, ale pod koniec wszyscy zdobyli moją sympatię.
Mimo, że jest to lektura dla nieco młodszych czytelników oprócz historii możemy nauczyć się więcej o sobie i naszych rówieśnikach. Na przykładzie Zosii i Tommy’ego warto zwracać więcej uwagi na drugiego człowieka, bo nigdy tak naprawdę nie wiemy co kryje się za jego maską. Nigdy nie wiemy przez co tak naprawdę przechodził i dlaczego jest taki a nie inny. Kluczem do wszystkiego jest rozmowa, nawet jeżeli chodzi o dzieci.
Podoba mi się tutaj również jak została przedstawiona relacja rodzic-dziecko, zarówno z jednej jak i z drugiej strony. Mimo, że mamy do czynienia z dwójką dzieci zupełnie do siebie nie podobnych ich relacje z rodzicami wyglądają podobnie. Ta sytuacja jest ciężka dla wszystkich, jednak oboje rodziców stara się podejść do wszystkiego racjonalnie mimo, że nie jest to łatwe.
Podsumowując. „Światło we wszystkim” to historia pozwalająca nam na odkrycie cząstki siebie jak i innych. Uczy nas komunikacji oraz większej wyrozumiałości dla drugiego człowieka. Rekomendowałabym ją jednak młodszym czytelnikom.
P.S. Moją ulubioną sceną, która niesamowicie mnie wzruszyła była ta gdzie rówieśnicy i pracownicy szkoły wręczali żurawie głównym bohaterom, aby dzięki 1000 żurawi mogli spełnić swoje marzenie o uratowaniu pewnego życia.
Książka z zewnątrz wydająca się bardzo prosta, a w rzeczywistości zawierająca głębsze przemyślenia i przekazująca pewne wartości.
Poznajemy tutaj córkę z tatą, którzy żyją nad oceanem. Zosia jest żywiołowa, pełna energii i radosna. Jednak, gdy dowiaduje się o ogromnej zmianie w życiu zamienia się w wulkan gniewu.
Tommy, który ma stać się jej przyszywanym bratem jest spokojny, wycofany i cichy. Dwa przeciwieństwa, prawda?
Bardzo podoba mi się zaobserwowana tutaj zmiana tej dwójki bohaterów oraz wpływ przeszłości na życie młodego człowieka. Tommy ze względu na ciężką przeszłość z ojcem, miał wiele lęków i słabości. Zosia za uśmiechem ukrywała strach i odrzucenie. Tę dwójkę łączyło więcej niż na pierwszy rzut oka mogłoby się wydawać.
Rozdziały są naprawdę krótkie co sprawia, że szybko sie ją czyta. Momentami były one dla mnie ZA krótkie, ale nie przeszkadzało mi to jakoś bardzo. Perspektywę mamy ze strony dwóch głównych bohaterów co pomaga nam zrozumieć ich i poznać bliżej.
Jeżeli mam być szczerza to na początku nie polubiłam się z żadnych z bohaterów, ale pod koniec wszyscy zdobyli moją sympatię.
Mimo, że jest to lektura dla nieco młodszych czytelników oprócz historii możemy nauczyć się więcej o sobie i naszych rówieśnikach. Na przykładzie Zosii i Tommy’ego warto zwracać więcej uwagi na drugiego człowieka, bo nigdy tak naprawdę nie wiemy co kryje się za jego maską. Nigdy nie wiemy przez co tak naprawdę przechodził i dlaczego jest taki a nie inny. Kluczem do wszystkiego jest rozmowa, nawet jeżeli chodzi o dzieci.
Podoba mi się tutaj również jak została przedstawiona relacja rodzic-dziecko, zarówno z jednej jak i z drugiej strony. Mimo, że mamy do czynienia z dwójką dzieci zupełnie do siebie nie podobnych ich relacje z rodzicami wyglądają podobnie. Ta sytuacja jest ciężka dla wszystkich, jednak oboje rodziców stara się podejść do wszystkiego racjonalnie mimo, że nie jest to łatwe.
Podsumowując. „Światło we wszystkim” to historia pozwalająca nam na odkrycie cząstki siebie jak i innych. Uczy nas komunikacji oraz większej wyrozumiałości dla drugiego człowieka. Rekomendowałabym ją jednak młodszym czytelnikom.
P.S. Moją ulubioną sceną, która niesamowicie mnie wzruszyła była ta gdzie rówieśnicy i pracownicy szkoły wręczali żurawie głównym bohaterom, aby dzięki 1000 żurawi mogli spełnić swoje marzenie o uratowaniu pewnego życia.
April 14, 2022
Wow! Just wow!
I haven't read any Katya Balen books before but this has been all over Twitter so i wanted to read it.
Each chapter is called either Tom or Zofia.
Tom is an 11 year old boy who lives with his mum, Fiona. He is scared of every noise and especially of the dark. At night he has lots of lights on at night and he makes origami cranes (the birds) to help him get through the night. He is very small for his age. We find that they have had to leave their home quickly, more than once. Tom's dad is not a nice man and is the reason for Tom's fears. Tom is on teh outside of everything at school, he has problems wit bullies who had shut him in a cupboard with terrible results for Tom.
Zofia lives with her father, Marek, and we find that her mother died when she was very small. Their relationship is loving. Zofia is loud and stormy and seemingly brave. They live in a cottage beside a beach. This is where Zofia spends most of her free time with her friends from school and her best friend Dommie who lives next door.
One day Tom's mum tell him she has someone she'd like him to meet. Zofia's father tell her he has someone he wants her to meet. This hasn't happened to either of them before. Clearly their parents are bringing the families together.
Zofia is moody and mean. Tom is scared of Marek but so wants to make his mum happy. The two families continue to meet, but then Fiona becomes pregnant and she and Tom move to share the cottage on the beach. Tom is scared about going to another new school and imagines that it will be just the same as always. But it isn't and he's confused by these children who just accept him even though Zofia won't.
Tom is still scared, and he doesn't like it when he realises Zofia has been in his room but he keeps that quiet. Then things take a turn for the worse, only for Tom and Zofia to find out more about each other. Is Zofia as brave as she makes out or could it be that she's as scared as Tom?
This is a sensational book, read it!
I haven't read any Katya Balen books before but this has been all over Twitter so i wanted to read it.
Each chapter is called either Tom or Zofia.
Tom is an 11 year old boy who lives with his mum, Fiona. He is scared of every noise and especially of the dark. At night he has lots of lights on at night and he makes origami cranes (the birds) to help him get through the night. He is very small for his age. We find that they have had to leave their home quickly, more than once. Tom's dad is not a nice man and is the reason for Tom's fears. Tom is on teh outside of everything at school, he has problems wit bullies who had shut him in a cupboard with terrible results for Tom.
Zofia lives with her father, Marek, and we find that her mother died when she was very small. Their relationship is loving. Zofia is loud and stormy and seemingly brave. They live in a cottage beside a beach. This is where Zofia spends most of her free time with her friends from school and her best friend Dommie who lives next door.
One day Tom's mum tell him she has someone she'd like him to meet. Zofia's father tell her he has someone he wants her to meet. This hasn't happened to either of them before. Clearly their parents are bringing the families together.
Zofia is moody and mean. Tom is scared of Marek but so wants to make his mum happy. The two families continue to meet, but then Fiona becomes pregnant and she and Tom move to share the cottage on the beach. Tom is scared about going to another new school and imagines that it will be just the same as always. But it isn't and he's confused by these children who just accept him even though Zofia won't.
Tom is still scared, and he doesn't like it when he realises Zofia has been in his room but he keeps that quiet. Then things take a turn for the worse, only for Tom and Zofia to find out more about each other. Is Zofia as brave as she makes out or could it be that she's as scared as Tom?
This is a sensational book, read it!
January 26, 2025
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen
Tom is a very quiet, scared little boy who lives with his mum. The reason Tom jumps at every loud noise is because his father was not a very nice man and treated him and his mum very badly. Even though they escaped and haven’t seen his father in two years Tom is still very afraid of everything, especially the dark.
Zola is Tom’s complete opposite. She is loud, boisterous, unpredictable, has a raging temper and is a little bit spoiled. She lives with just her dad by the sea, her mum died when she was young, but she loves her dad very much and the life they have together.
Tom’s mum & Zola’s dad begin a relationship and soon a baby is on the way so they decide to blend their families and move in together. The children are extremely unhappy at this. They detest each other and love their life as it is. Will they be able to get along with each other for the sake of their parents and the new baby or will they continue to make life hell for one another?
This YA novel is poignant and beautifully written and explores the complexities of grief, trust, new beginnings and personal growth. From the very first page, Balen draws readers into a world of deep emotions, capturing the fragility of adolescence with stunning clarity.
The writing is both lyrical and authentic, making every page feel alive with heart and raw emotion. The way she explores difficult themes such as loss and domestic and child abuse, is done with such care and sensitivity, creating a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
What stands out most is how the author so seamlessly blends light and darkness, showing that even in the toughest times, there is always a flicker of hope. The characters are well-developed, their struggles very clear and so real, and their growth throughout the story is inspiring.
Overall, The Light in Everything is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. It reminds us of the importance of communication, the power of understanding, and the light that can be found even in the darkest moments. A must-read for anyone seeking a beautiful, soul-stirring story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Tom is a very quiet, scared little boy who lives with his mum. The reason Tom jumps at every loud noise is because his father was not a very nice man and treated him and his mum very badly. Even though they escaped and haven’t seen his father in two years Tom is still very afraid of everything, especially the dark.
Zola is Tom’s complete opposite. She is loud, boisterous, unpredictable, has a raging temper and is a little bit spoiled. She lives with just her dad by the sea, her mum died when she was young, but she loves her dad very much and the life they have together.
Tom’s mum & Zola’s dad begin a relationship and soon a baby is on the way so they decide to blend their families and move in together. The children are extremely unhappy at this. They detest each other and love their life as it is. Will they be able to get along with each other for the sake of their parents and the new baby or will they continue to make life hell for one another?
This YA novel is poignant and beautifully written and explores the complexities of grief, trust, new beginnings and personal growth. From the very first page, Balen draws readers into a world of deep emotions, capturing the fragility of adolescence with stunning clarity.
The writing is both lyrical and authentic, making every page feel alive with heart and raw emotion. The way she explores difficult themes such as loss and domestic and child abuse, is done with such care and sensitivity, creating a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
What stands out most is how the author so seamlessly blends light and darkness, showing that even in the toughest times, there is always a flicker of hope. The characters are well-developed, their struggles very clear and so real, and their growth throughout the story is inspiring.
Overall, The Light in Everything is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. It reminds us of the importance of communication, the power of understanding, and the light that can be found even in the darkest moments. A must-read for anyone seeking a beautiful, soul-stirring story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
March 21, 2023
Shortlisted for this year's Carnegie Prize. This is a super novel told from the POVs of Tom and Zofia, two children in their final year of primary school who are flung together. Tom, who lives with his mum, is a fearful little chap, scared of the dark, scared of everything; he is always expecting to be bullied or punished. Zofia lives with her dad and in his words, she is his feral child. She is loud and full of energy - the total opposite of Tom. These two children are flung together when their parents start seeing each other and Tom's mum becomes pregnant. They hate each other. The POVs are honestly written, Tom's fear is tangible. His fear of the new house, the new school - will his peers accept him? To calm his fears, he folds paper - he creates origami structures - and every night he counts the seconds to see how long he can sty in darkness before he had to switch all his lights on. Zofia's POV is full of anger at having to have Tom and his mum invading her home. But, also you can see that underneath her anger is fear - fear that her dad is being taken from her, fear that when the baby comes she will no longer be his girl. With a love of the sea and swimming, she spends her time counting the seconds to see how long she can hold her breath under water. This is a lovely story which looks at emotions and relationships and childhood anxieties. And the descriptions of the sea and the other children that Tom meets - excellent.
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