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Birdsong
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?
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?
104 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2022
12 people are currently reading
462 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 86 reviews
July 15, 2022
A wonderful story about hope and perseverance and the beauty of music.
Annie loves music and finds music all around her. However, after a car crash seven months ago, she has lost the ability to manoeuvre her fingers, thus making her incapable of playing her beloved flute. To add to the woes, her mom has lost her job and they have shifted into a small apartment where the only view from the window is buildings. However, one day, she spots a boy in the little garden below her building. Noah is doing his best to save the little blackbirds’ nest. Annie and Noah bond over this duty and the lovely music of the blackbirds reignites Annie’s passion to give her flute another go. But tragedy strikes again and it is up to Annie to see what she can make of the new situation. The story is written in the first person point of view of Annie.
Annie’s age isn’t mentioned anywhere in the story, and I guess this is a good decision because it opens up the tale to a wider age range. The lyrical writing adds to the charm of the book. It is almost as if it were paying an ode to nature. There are so many ideas that the book raises – the healing power of music, the marvels of nature, the importance of persevering and not giving up hope.
The illustrations are in grayscale and somewhat gloomy, but they match the story well.
The book is suitable for ages 8-12. Definitely recommended.
Trigger warning: There is an animal death. (It is by natural causes but still, better to be aware of this in case your child is sensitive about this.)
4.5 stars from me.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Birdsong”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Annie loves music and finds music all around her. However, after a car crash seven months ago, she has lost the ability to manoeuvre her fingers, thus making her incapable of playing her beloved flute. To add to the woes, her mom has lost her job and they have shifted into a small apartment where the only view from the window is buildings. However, one day, she spots a boy in the little garden below her building. Noah is doing his best to save the little blackbirds’ nest. Annie and Noah bond over this duty and the lovely music of the blackbirds reignites Annie’s passion to give her flute another go. But tragedy strikes again and it is up to Annie to see what she can make of the new situation. The story is written in the first person point of view of Annie.
Annie’s age isn’t mentioned anywhere in the story, and I guess this is a good decision because it opens up the tale to a wider age range. The lyrical writing adds to the charm of the book. It is almost as if it were paying an ode to nature. There are so many ideas that the book raises – the healing power of music, the marvels of nature, the importance of persevering and not giving up hope.
The illustrations are in grayscale and somewhat gloomy, but they match the story well.
The book is suitable for ages 8-12. Definitely recommended.
Trigger warning: There is an animal death. (It is by natural causes but still, better to be aware of this in case your child is sensitive about this.)
4.5 stars from me.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Birdsong”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
November 22, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Birdsong is a heartwarming and beautiful story aboutva girl called Annie. Annie's recently been in a car accident and has lost the movement in her fingers which is devastating for her as she loves playing her flute and making music. Annies mother then loses her job and this means they now have to move to a smaller place. Annie befriends a boy (Noah) who is trying to save a birds nest. Annie has a lot of healing to do both physically and mentally and her relationship with her mum has been fractured too. Annie's new friend Noah grow closer through their joint love of music but then more tragedy strikes Annie's life. This book was only short at 104 pages but is such an emotional and heartwrenching story from start to finish. It teaches so much about hope, perseverance and even nature. The illustrations are very fitting to the theme of the book and I felt they were a good match.
Birdsong is a heartwarming and beautiful story aboutva girl called Annie. Annie's recently been in a car accident and has lost the movement in her fingers which is devastating for her as she loves playing her flute and making music. Annies mother then loses her job and this means they now have to move to a smaller place. Annie befriends a boy (Noah) who is trying to save a birds nest. Annie has a lot of healing to do both physically and mentally and her relationship with her mum has been fractured too. Annie's new friend Noah grow closer through their joint love of music but then more tragedy strikes Annie's life. This book was only short at 104 pages but is such an emotional and heartwrenching story from start to finish. It teaches so much about hope, perseverance and even nature. The illustrations are very fitting to the theme of the book and I felt they were a good match.
July 7, 2022
When I played, the whole world faded away.
Because I so enjoyed one of Balen's previous books, October, October, I was thrilled to be approved by the publisher for an ARC of this one.
This slender volume, barely 100 pages, reads more like a short story than a novel, but packs an emotional wallop.
Though she was all set to attend an elite music school, a terrible accident has left young Annie both unable to play the flute, and forgive her mother. The silence between them is truly deafening.
Can a new friend, and some new responsibilities put the music back in her soul?
Another lovely story by Katya Balen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for the chance to read this.
Because I so enjoyed one of Balen's previous books, October, October, I was thrilled to be approved by the publisher for an ARC of this one.
This slender volume, barely 100 pages, reads more like a short story than a novel, but packs an emotional wallop.
Though she was all set to attend an elite music school, a terrible accident has left young Annie both unable to play the flute, and forgive her mother. The silence between them is truly deafening.
Can a new friend, and some new responsibilities put the music back in her soul?
Another lovely story by Katya Balen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for the chance to read this.
June 28, 2022
✨ "We had to find our music again. It was wrapped up in fury and anger and pain and sadness, but it never left us. It's magic."
I teared up! What a beautifully written story about trauma, healing, hope and finding the courage to get back up on our feet after tragedy. Annie is a well-developed protagonist whom I rooted for and whose journey I enjoyed following. I loved the parallels between her and the female blackbird, as well as her budding friendship with Noah. The author also did a great job in addressing guilt. The grayscale illustrations looked so beautiful even on my Kindle.
Don't be fooled by the short length as this moving and uplifting novella packs quite the punch!
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
I teared up! What a beautifully written story about trauma, healing, hope and finding the courage to get back up on our feet after tragedy. Annie is a well-developed protagonist whom I rooted for and whose journey I enjoyed following. I loved the parallels between her and the female blackbird, as well as her budding friendship with Noah. The author also did a great job in addressing guilt. The grayscale illustrations looked so beautiful even on my Kindle.
Don't be fooled by the short length as this moving and uplifting novella packs quite the punch!
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
June 2, 2022
Really enjoyed this middle grade novella that deals with family relationships and dealing with crisis.
This short novel was simple but moving. I connected with all the characters, and reading about music and blackbirds immersed me in the story.
Some things seemed a bit too on the nose, but ultimately this was a sweet, short novella.
This short novel was simple but moving. I connected with all the characters, and reading about music and blackbirds immersed me in the story.
Some things seemed a bit too on the nose, but ultimately this was a sweet, short novella.
December 27, 2022
A beautiful children’s novel. I read this to increase my knowledge of newer children’s literature. I was so impressed with the beautiful wording, gentle approach to difficult topics and wonderful storytelling through music. Balen’s storytelling is refreshing, hopeful and uplifting.
May 29, 2023
Another delightful book from Katya Balen. Something so life-affirming and hopeful in this book. It’s slim and can be finished in less than 30 minutes, but the story stays with you longer than that.
June 20, 2023
Till sommarkursen
Men så fin och rörande barnbok!
Men så fin och rörande barnbok!
December 17, 2024
Zoomed through the last few chapters this morning. The kids were all ready for Christmas and then there's me reading about birds being eaten by foxes 😭
April 27, 2023
Omg hur gammal är hon egentligen, vilken jävla unga kan byta ut putor så vardagligt på en flöjt????
(Fint skriven o sånt dock)
(Fint skriven o sånt dock)
June 14, 2022
ARC was given by NetGalley & Barrington Stoke in exchange for an honest review.
This review is being published before the release date (July 7th, 2022)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Car accident, trauma/PTSD, grief, death of an animal, brief mentions of blood
Wow, what a powerful read. Wow, wow, wow! I always find that middle grade books have some of the strongest themes that kids need to read about and this is definitely one of those books. Filled with conversations of finding one’s passion again after a tragic accident, finding the strength to move on past tragedy, and so much more. Birdsong is one of those reads that can make anyone feel seen.
Annie Ford loves music and has a special talent with the flute. However, after tragedy strikes, Annie loses her ability to play her beloved flute. Now after moving and having her world turned upside down, Annie struggles with finding the motivation to allow herself to heal or even talk about the feels she’s suppressing inside. Until one day she meets a boy named Noah, who tends to a blackbird family in the bushes. Soon, Annie not only made a new friend, but slowly realizes that with the help of these feathery friends, she’s slowly beginning to heal.
I really enjoyed Annie as our main character! Annie is a main character who’s had her entire world turned upside down and I think there’s going to be so many children who will end up relating to Annie, and what’s she’s been through. For myself, Annie reminds me of a lot of some of the things that I experienced and felt as a kid. I feel like I say this all the time with middle grade books, but I truly wish I had had a book like this growing up because seeing characters like Annie can change your perspective especially when you’re a kid. And Annie is far from being a perfect main character. She’s angry and grieving, but healing and scared of if she has a future with her passion. She’s all of those things as she navigates so many changes.
There’s also a theme of healing and how healing is never linear, but also how you can begin your healing journey in the unlikeliest ways/places. And I really loved how the author used the blackbirds as the center of Annie’s healing journey. Of course, Noah and music helps, but the blackbirds really help Annie and her journey back to the the that brings her the most joy. Annie finds her way to healing and forgiving the person she’s the most angry at too. All of it flows so well together and it’s a steady process of ups and downs, but it’s such a good theme we need to see more often in books.
My only major issue with this book is that it feels so short. Actually, it feels shorter than most middle grade books. I think if the author would have added more to the story, like a few chapters, then I think it would add to what’s already established in the story. However, I feel like I say this with most books that are on the quicker side of reading.
Overall, this was a really wonderful and emotional read. I really enjoyed so many themes within in this book and just reading from Annie’s perspective was such a nice treat. Again, this is a short read and would be perfect for reading challenges or something to read if you’re looking for those fast reads (for all your traveling adventures too).
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
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This review is being published before the release date (July 7th, 2022)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Car accident, trauma/PTSD, grief, death of an animal, brief mentions of blood
“There is music everywhere – if you know how to listen.”
Wow, what a powerful read. Wow, wow, wow! I always find that middle grade books have some of the strongest themes that kids need to read about and this is definitely one of those books. Filled with conversations of finding one’s passion again after a tragic accident, finding the strength to move on past tragedy, and so much more. Birdsong is one of those reads that can make anyone feel seen.
Annie Ford loves music and has a special talent with the flute. However, after tragedy strikes, Annie loses her ability to play her beloved flute. Now after moving and having her world turned upside down, Annie struggles with finding the motivation to allow herself to heal or even talk about the feels she’s suppressing inside. Until one day she meets a boy named Noah, who tends to a blackbird family in the bushes. Soon, Annie not only made a new friend, but slowly realizes that with the help of these feathery friends, she’s slowly beginning to heal.
I really enjoyed Annie as our main character! Annie is a main character who’s had her entire world turned upside down and I think there’s going to be so many children who will end up relating to Annie, and what’s she’s been through. For myself, Annie reminds me of a lot of some of the things that I experienced and felt as a kid. I feel like I say this all the time with middle grade books, but I truly wish I had had a book like this growing up because seeing characters like Annie can change your perspective especially when you’re a kid. And Annie is far from being a perfect main character. She’s angry and grieving, but healing and scared of if she has a future with her passion. She’s all of those things as she navigates so many changes.
There’s also a theme of healing and how healing is never linear, but also how you can begin your healing journey in the unlikeliest ways/places. And I really loved how the author used the blackbirds as the center of Annie’s healing journey. Of course, Noah and music helps, but the blackbirds really help Annie and her journey back to the the that brings her the most joy. Annie finds her way to healing and forgiving the person she’s the most angry at too. All of it flows so well together and it’s a steady process of ups and downs, but it’s such a good theme we need to see more often in books.
“I fill the space around me with music. I don’t play anything that I’ve learned. I just play. I play for me and I play for the bird who has lost so much.”
My only major issue with this book is that it feels so short. Actually, it feels shorter than most middle grade books. I think if the author would have added more to the story, like a few chapters, then I think it would add to what’s already established in the story. However, I feel like I say this with most books that are on the quicker side of reading.
Overall, this was a really wonderful and emotional read. I really enjoyed so many themes within in this book and just reading from Annie’s perspective was such a nice treat. Again, this is a short read and would be perfect for reading challenges or something to read if you’re looking for those fast reads (for all your traveling adventures too).
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Blog|Instagram|YouTube|Ko-fi
September 26, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Earlier this year Katya Balen managed to pull off the feat of not only winning the Carnegie Medal, but the Shadower's Choice Carnegie too, for her book 'October, October.' Whilst I enjoyed October, October, I was sceptical about whether or not it was in actuality, a children's book for grown ups. I'm fully willing to take the L on that one - I was wrong. When I saw Balen had another book coming out I decided to give her another go.
I'll start by saying that Birdsong is pitched younger than I usually go for - I reckon this book sits more comfortably in the Upper KS2 readership than the lower KS3 that makes up our youngest cohort. That being said, Birdsong is a beautiful little book about resilience and the importance of friendship and community to that resilience. It was the perfect early Autumn cosy read! I'd recommend this to anyone who knows a young child who is trying to make sense of a traumatic event they might not be fully able to understand yet themselves - I think it would be a great source of comfort.
Earlier this year Katya Balen managed to pull off the feat of not only winning the Carnegie Medal, but the Shadower's Choice Carnegie too, for her book 'October, October.' Whilst I enjoyed October, October, I was sceptical about whether or not it was in actuality, a children's book for grown ups. I'm fully willing to take the L on that one - I was wrong. When I saw Balen had another book coming out I decided to give her another go.
I'll start by saying that Birdsong is pitched younger than I usually go for - I reckon this book sits more comfortably in the Upper KS2 readership than the lower KS3 that makes up our youngest cohort. That being said, Birdsong is a beautiful little book about resilience and the importance of friendship and community to that resilience. It was the perfect early Autumn cosy read! I'd recommend this to anyone who knows a young child who is trying to make sense of a traumatic event they might not be fully able to understand yet themselves - I think it would be a great source of comfort.
August 12, 2022
Annie loves music. But following a devastating car crash, she is unable to play her beloved flute and withdraws from her music. When she has to move, she meets Noah who introduces her to a hidden blackbirds’ nest. Can the blackbirds’ songs draw her back to the music that she loves?
This is a beautiful book, exploring themes of loss and sadness. Annie’s emotions are raw and etched on every page. But it is a book of hope, that there can be light following darkness.
Published by the experts at Barrington Stoke, this is a book designed for children who find reading more tricky but who still want to read something that appeals to their age and interest level. I can think of several children in my class who will enjoy this.
This is a beautiful book, exploring themes of loss and sadness. Annie’s emotions are raw and etched on every page. But it is a book of hope, that there can be light following darkness.
Published by the experts at Barrington Stoke, this is a book designed for children who find reading more tricky but who still want to read something that appeals to their age and interest level. I can think of several children in my class who will enjoy this.
August 21, 2022
A very well written book. Lovely melody to the sentences and chapters and an honest, yet magical story told.
February 2, 2023
Beautiful short story, lovely message about not giving up and companionship.
April 30, 2023
Sometimes you just have to read an uplifting kids book that you would’ve found so cringe when you were actually a kid but now you’re here and this is so sweet and I love it :’)
November 8, 2023
Beautiful.
March 8, 2023
A nice but predictable story suitable for readers who struggle to access traditionally published texts, such as those with dyslexia or EAL
August 9, 2022
Without a doubt this is one of the best books I've read. Celebrating music being all around us, while gaining back courage and strength. Absolutely beautiful. A must read for anyone older than 7.
July 10, 2022
Birdsong packs a heartwarming punch. Annie has been in a an accident with her mother, and her injured arm means that she is longer able to play the flute, her beloved instrument. To make matters worse, their deteriorating financial situation means they have to move. Annie is angry at the world, and at her mother. But then she meets Noah, who takes care of a sweet blackbird family -- until one day the mother bird loses her desire to sing. Will Annie and the Mamma blackbird find their music again?
This is a powerful novella about the effects of trauma and the healing power of music. It's very short, and of course accessible like all Barrington Stoke novels. It would be ideal for a short class readaloud for students in Years 4-7, or for anyone who understands the transformative power of music.
This is a powerful novella about the effects of trauma and the healing power of music. It's very short, and of course accessible like all Barrington Stoke novels. It would be ideal for a short class readaloud for students in Years 4-7, or for anyone who understands the transformative power of music.
June 27, 2022
This was such a sweet little story. Girl suffering after an accident finds a friend who helps her find a way to move forward by taking care of birds. I thought this was middle grade but it was very short and really would probably only be appealing for older elementary children. It was sweet and had good lessons in it. I’ll be putting it in my back pocket to save for when my children are a little older.
November 5, 2022
Oh, what a wonderful and emotional story that will make you cry happy tears at the end! Annie used to love playing the flute until one day a car crash changed everything. Now Annie spends her time upset and angry at her mum and the world and unable to enjoy the music around her that she once did. But when she and her mum move to a new home in a block of flats, Annie soon meets a boy called Noah. Noah shows Annie a blackbird nest and together they look after the two blackbirds and listen to their song.
This is such a lovely and emotional read which I just couldn’t put down from the very first pages. Annie hears music in everything, but after a terrible car crash she keeps reliving some of the trauma of the accident. The accident has left Annie unable to play her flute, with her hand unable to properly work and press down the keys properly anymore. This leads to Annie to often get angry and keeping her anger and annoyance of everything inside. When Annie meets Noah though the two develop a lovely friendship through caring for and watching over the blackbirds.
I like what happens in this story. Annie’s life now, moving to a new home, having to adjust to a life without her music is hard for her but it’s a story I’m sure many can relate to. When she meets Noah and begins to watch the blackbirds with him, she ends up listening to the birds music. I love what happens as the two watch the birds and get closer to them day by day. There are some lovely moments in this story and some heart-breaking ones too, especially when something happens later on and makes you feel so sad. However the story is ultimately a very uplifting one, with a lovely and good ending for Annie, the birds and everyone else too. I really love the very ending, how everything comes together and how those last words just make you smile so much and want to cry happy tears!
There are illustrations throughout the book on various pages and these are so lovely that they really capture the magic and mood of the story so well! The illustrations are all in black, white and grey and you can really feel the atmosphere in each picture, with the characters expressions shown well and the general look of the images, almost misted in the way they look, making this feel so magical and emotional. The book is filled with thick pages of yellowed paper and the text is especially dyslexia-friendly with spaced paragraphs, bigger than usual writing and a special font used that makes it easier to read for anyone with dyslexia or general eyesight problems. The book is also just under 100 pages making this a good and easier read for reluctant readers too.
I have really enjoyed this story so much and feel so emotional after reading it. There are moments when you feel heart-break but then the story is so lovely and heart-warming too that it’s the perfect ending that will make you smile and get tearful, in a good way, too! I would recommend this to anyone, especially people who love music and animals. The story is one that many can relate to, moving home and feeling like you can’t succeed at something in life, but it’s such a wonderful story of hope and friendship that I’m sure everyone young and old will enjoy reading this!
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
This is such a lovely and emotional read which I just couldn’t put down from the very first pages. Annie hears music in everything, but after a terrible car crash she keeps reliving some of the trauma of the accident. The accident has left Annie unable to play her flute, with her hand unable to properly work and press down the keys properly anymore. This leads to Annie to often get angry and keeping her anger and annoyance of everything inside. When Annie meets Noah though the two develop a lovely friendship through caring for and watching over the blackbirds.
I like what happens in this story. Annie’s life now, moving to a new home, having to adjust to a life without her music is hard for her but it’s a story I’m sure many can relate to. When she meets Noah and begins to watch the blackbirds with him, she ends up listening to the birds music. I love what happens as the two watch the birds and get closer to them day by day. There are some lovely moments in this story and some heart-breaking ones too, especially when something happens later on and makes you feel so sad. However the story is ultimately a very uplifting one, with a lovely and good ending for Annie, the birds and everyone else too. I really love the very ending, how everything comes together and how those last words just make you smile so much and want to cry happy tears!
There are illustrations throughout the book on various pages and these are so lovely that they really capture the magic and mood of the story so well! The illustrations are all in black, white and grey and you can really feel the atmosphere in each picture, with the characters expressions shown well and the general look of the images, almost misted in the way they look, making this feel so magical and emotional. The book is filled with thick pages of yellowed paper and the text is especially dyslexia-friendly with spaced paragraphs, bigger than usual writing and a special font used that makes it easier to read for anyone with dyslexia or general eyesight problems. The book is also just under 100 pages making this a good and easier read for reluctant readers too.
I have really enjoyed this story so much and feel so emotional after reading it. There are moments when you feel heart-break but then the story is so lovely and heart-warming too that it’s the perfect ending that will make you smile and get tearful, in a good way, too! I would recommend this to anyone, especially people who love music and animals. The story is one that many can relate to, moving home and feeling like you can’t succeed at something in life, but it’s such a wonderful story of hope and friendship that I’m sure everyone young and old will enjoy reading this!
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
October 21, 2023
Annie is angry. Her whole life has been smashed to pieces after a terrible accident.
Before the car accident, Annie was a talented musician with her flute almost an extension of her own arm. But now her fingers don't work like they used to, and the music that used to effortlessly flow from her seems to have dried up completely.
She doesn't see the point in the physiotherapy exercises for her injured arm, secretly worried that they won't work and too scared to really find out. It's only after having to move to a smaller home and meeting a bird-loving boy, that she even wants to leave the house.
Noah is a boy who hears and loves a different kind of music - the song of the birds that live around them. His love and care of a blackbird family intrigues Annie and she is soon helping him. Enjoying being outside, Noah's company and a task that isn't all about her recovery, Annie begins to use her arm without over thinking it.
Tragedy strikes but through that external love and care of another, Annie finds her way back to the song and music of the world around her, reigniting it within her.
A beautiful story from the winner of the Carnegie Medal. Written for Dyslexic or Reluctant readers, Birdsong is a perfect storm of emotions - anger, loss, grief, happiness, and then hope. The illustrations compliment this story perfectly as a young girl deals with the uncertainty of getting her life and love of music back after a car accident.
A new friendship without expectation or judgement along with Nature as a balm, is the perfect way to begin a healing process much needed for the character to move on.
No matter what Katya Balen writes, she always leaves me spellbound, smiling, or with my heart aglow. Birdsong left me with all three.
Dyslexic Title
Reading Age 8 - Interest Age 9+
Before the car accident, Annie was a talented musician with her flute almost an extension of her own arm. But now her fingers don't work like they used to, and the music that used to effortlessly flow from her seems to have dried up completely.
She doesn't see the point in the physiotherapy exercises for her injured arm, secretly worried that they won't work and too scared to really find out. It's only after having to move to a smaller home and meeting a bird-loving boy, that she even wants to leave the house.
Noah is a boy who hears and loves a different kind of music - the song of the birds that live around them. His love and care of a blackbird family intrigues Annie and she is soon helping him. Enjoying being outside, Noah's company and a task that isn't all about her recovery, Annie begins to use her arm without over thinking it.
Tragedy strikes but through that external love and care of another, Annie finds her way back to the song and music of the world around her, reigniting it within her.
A beautiful story from the winner of the Carnegie Medal. Written for Dyslexic or Reluctant readers, Birdsong is a perfect storm of emotions - anger, loss, grief, happiness, and then hope. The illustrations compliment this story perfectly as a young girl deals with the uncertainty of getting her life and love of music back after a car accident.
A new friendship without expectation or judgement along with Nature as a balm, is the perfect way to begin a healing process much needed for the character to move on.
No matter what Katya Balen writes, she always leaves me spellbound, smiling, or with my heart aglow. Birdsong left me with all three.
Dyslexic Title
Reading Age 8 - Interest Age 9+
August 18, 2022
Birdsong
By Katya Balen
Publisher Barrington Stoke
From the author of October, October comes the beautiful novella, Birdsong.
An ideal read for anyone who has lost their confidence, doubted themselves or had their resilience knocked back.
Young teenager Annie is struggling to get on with her life after a devastating car accident so much so that her anger has the upper hand.
So moving house is not a welcome choice, alongside her inability to play her beloved flute in a new town, feeling alone and isolated.
Then she meets Noah, a gentle twitcher and lover of nature, and her musical world is slowly returned to her. Beautifully written and illustrated, the words and silences between the two characters proves how genuine friendships and acts of kindness really can turn someone’s life around.
But it is the connection with nature and the children’s empathy towards it that sets this novella above others. A beautiful recovery, showing strength, friendship and hope we can all read and put into practise.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of children’s books.
#Netgallery
#Barringtonstokes
By Katya Balen
Publisher Barrington Stoke
From the author of October, October comes the beautiful novella, Birdsong.
An ideal read for anyone who has lost their confidence, doubted themselves or had their resilience knocked back.
Young teenager Annie is struggling to get on with her life after a devastating car accident so much so that her anger has the upper hand.
So moving house is not a welcome choice, alongside her inability to play her beloved flute in a new town, feeling alone and isolated.
Then she meets Noah, a gentle twitcher and lover of nature, and her musical world is slowly returned to her. Beautifully written and illustrated, the words and silences between the two characters proves how genuine friendships and acts of kindness really can turn someone’s life around.
But it is the connection with nature and the children’s empathy towards it that sets this novella above others. A beautiful recovery, showing strength, friendship and hope we can all read and put into practise.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of children’s books.
#Netgallery
#Barringtonstokes
May 27, 2022
After a car crash Annie can’t play her flute any longer and she looses her love for music. She’s mad at her mom and mad that she can’t play the flute. But then she meets Noah. He shows her a hidden blackbirds nest and their friendship starts to grow. Can Noah or even the blackbirds help her to find her passion for music again?
The book is written in a way that everybody should be able to read it. The publisher calls it Hi–Lo (High Interest–low ability). I never heard of this before but I really liked the idea of that.
It was a cute story and for more advanced readers it will also be an easy and fast read.
The plot was very predictable for me but I still enjoyed the story.
There were a few moments where I wished that would be more explained or a bit more detailed. Sometimes the story felt a little flat and not a lot emotions were included.
After all I think it’s a nice story for young readers and that it’s worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barrington stoke for this EARC!
The book is written in a way that everybody should be able to read it. The publisher calls it Hi–Lo (High Interest–low ability). I never heard of this before but I really liked the idea of that.
It was a cute story and for more advanced readers it will also be an easy and fast read.
The plot was very predictable for me but I still enjoyed the story.
There were a few moments where I wished that would be more explained or a bit more detailed. Sometimes the story felt a little flat and not a lot emotions were included.
After all I think it’s a nice story for young readers and that it’s worth reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barrington stoke for this EARC!
June 6, 2022
I've read October, October by Katya, so I know how much emotion she can pack into a story. This is a shorter book, so I sort of thought it wouldn't have that punch. Boy, was I wrong! Katya puts just as much into this book as she did October.
When I read the blurb, I got the idea that Annie was deafened in the accident. That's not what happened, but the actual injury might be worse. I can't imagine having to deal with it at that age. Katya does a fantastic job keeping things at the reader's level without dumbing anything down.
I read this in an ebook format, but in print this will have all of Barrington's usual additions - cream coloured paper, special font, careful spacing. They're amazing reads.
This is absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to see what Katya comes up with for her next novel - she's on my autoread list now and I will be waiting eagerly to see what she puts me through next!
When I read the blurb, I got the idea that Annie was deafened in the accident. That's not what happened, but the actual injury might be worse. I can't imagine having to deal with it at that age. Katya does a fantastic job keeping things at the reader's level without dumbing anything down.
I read this in an ebook format, but in print this will have all of Barrington's usual additions - cream coloured paper, special font, careful spacing. They're amazing reads.
This is absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to see what Katya comes up with for her next novel - she's on my autoread list now and I will be waiting eagerly to see what she puts me through next!
May 31, 2022
This is a beautiful book telling the story of Annie who following a car crash is left unable to play the flute which brings her joy. Following the move to anew home with her mum, Annie befriends Noah a boy who is fascinated by blackbirds. Annie too is enthralled and learns the connection between birdsong and her challenge to pay the flute again. This is a sensitive and charming book bringing the reader closer to nature and recognising the beauty of simplicity. This is a book I will be reading to children of 8-10 and encouraging them to explore the nature around them. A message of hope and perseverance as well as a window into nature’s magic and influence . A winner
July 1, 2022
This was such a lovely story. Annie struggles with an injury, unable to reconnect with the music that was her passion, and fearful of trying to recapture it in case she fails. Then an unexpected friendship helps her confront her fears and recapture her future. It's so beautifully written, the wonder of nature and the song of the blackbirds are perfectly captured, as are Annie's turbulent emotions as she faces both the accident and moving on. This packs so much into a short story, proving yet again what wonderful books Barrington Stoke produces. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Barrington Stoke for the ARC in return for an honest review.
March 5, 2025
This book is a brilliantly narrated story about friendship and overcoming trauma. There is light comedy speckled throughout the storyline which kept me engaged, as an adult listening to the story.
I borrowed from BorrowBox through my local library. The pronunciation was spot on and the way the story is spoken was easy to follow. I found myself giggling at times with the story and gasping at other parts which is unusual in books for me nowadays, much less in a childs book. I think this is a brilliant story to listen to and would recommend.
The way Balen has wrote about music is truly beautiful.
I borrowed from BorrowBox through my local library. The pronunciation was spot on and the way the story is spoken was easy to follow. I found myself giggling at times with the story and gasping at other parts which is unusual in books for me nowadays, much less in a childs book. I think this is a brilliant story to listen to and would recommend.
The way Balen has wrote about music is truly beautiful.
June 5, 2022
Birdsong is an incredible middle-grade novel about a young girl struggling to find a "new normal" after a car accident damages her way of connecting with the world. This heartwarming story reminds readers that friendship, strength, and bravery come in many shapes and sizes.
As a special education teacher, the high-interest low-vocabulary aspect of this novel will make it a great addition to my classroom library. I will definitely be using this in my lessons/novel studies once it's published!
ARC provided by NetGalley and Barrington Stroke in exchange for a fair review.
As a special education teacher, the high-interest low-vocabulary aspect of this novel will make it a great addition to my classroom library. I will definitely be using this in my lessons/novel studies once it's published!
ARC provided by NetGalley and Barrington Stroke in exchange for a fair review.
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