Ghostlines 

I really enjoyed Ghostlines because it had a lot of mystery in it and it never got boring to read. The main character is this girl called Tilda and after Albie comes over to the island from the mainland, he doesn't enjoy it. Albie gives Tilda two days to change his mind about the island. she shows him lots of different places on the island that seem magical and intriguing. It is a book that can definitely be read by all sorts of people and ages and will be enjoyable as well. My favourite character was Tilda because she persevered when trying to make Albie think differently about the island and she was brave, inspiring and energetic. I would highly recommend the book and it is an easy read that is super enjoyable.

Chloe

Dauntsey’s Carnegie Shadowing

‘Ghostlines’ was an interesting read, although I didn’t enjoy it as much as other books. It is about a girl named Tilda, who lives on the island of Ayrie. One day, a boy named Albie moves to the island and Tilda desperately wants to show him her home that she loves so much. Albie doesn’t seem interested, so Tilda promises to show him the forbidden island that is supposed to be haunted. It follows them as they discover the island and realise that it isn't what it seems to be. This story is focused on friendship and accepting change. I thought the ending was quite underwhelming and some bits of the plot was kind of random but I would recommend this book to readers who like to read touching stories with nature.

Hailey

Helkats & Hardbacks

My expectations were set low for this book after talking with my friends about it, but I didn't think it was that bad - the plot was a bit bland, but relatively original, and the characters were built nicely. I felt that Rowan's name was repeated way too often - almost every other page - but it did emphasise her connection with him, and how important he was. I think that the fact that Tilda never wanted to leave Ayrie was a bit unrealistic - surely she would have thought about it once or twice - and that the "ghostlines" should have played a much bigger role, considering that that was the title of the book. Overall, I found that the plot was original, but a bit slow, and the characters were developed well. 7/10.

Aashaz Z.

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is by Katya Balen and a is a really good book. I thought the book was really fun and I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, as it is perfect length of book and a book that can be enjoyed by a variety of different people. It follows the story of a girl - Tilda - living on a remote island called Ayrie. Her life is seemingly perfect, except for one name that brings back many painful memories to her – Rowan. When a new boy arrives on the island, she is desperate to show him everything, however, he doesn’t seem to be interested. But Tilda is sure that even he can’t resist a forbidden haunted island. I liked the way that the book compels you to keep reading and it is impossible to put down. My favourite character was Tilda, because she is always so optimistic and fun, and the book was serious in some parts but funny in others. I enjoyed the fact that it had a happy ending, and I would recommend this book to an age range of about 9-14. If I could change one thing about the book, I would change the amount of punctuation, because there weren’t many commas, exclamation marks, colons, and no speech marks. I think it would make some parts a bit clearer if there was more punctuation, but overall, I extremely enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all readers.

Gaia

Helkats & Hardbacks

After hearing some more negative views from my classmates I did not have high hopes for this book, however it surpassed them greatly. I loved the gradual increase in the characters relationship. And also the realism and the relatable struggles they both went through. I really enjoyed this book.

Oliver

Tenbury Page Turners 26

I thought this book was alright. The story takes quite a while to get started but when it does it was quite interesting. I believe that a younger audience such as someone moving to secondary school would relate more to this book. The language was quite intriguing and paints vivid images of the scenery.

Yusuf K

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found this book very interesting to my usual genre in a good way. I found the book had a really slow start.

Daisy

Redhill Reviewers

I really enjoyed this book because the plot was really detailed and the character descriptions were incredible! The beginning really hooked me in, I was captivated by the first few sentences. Overall, this book was definitely on of my favourite Carnegie books I've read so far. Well done!

Skye W

Vista Academy Littleport

I also really enjoyed the setting in this book, the rural enchanted island is a perfect way to show the type of character Tilda is. She lives for Ayrie and it is well suited to her. It is a good place to tell a story of friendship like this, and it also shows how tourism can impact the locals of places.

Felix L

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I quite enjoyed Ghostlines because it was a very descriptive and emotive book. It's about a girl, Tilda, who lives on an island and her life is very good. But then this boy, Albie arrives and he hates everything that Tilda likes, and Tilda shows him the secret island that no-one is meant to go there. I enjoyed this book because it showed emotive language and portrayed the characters feelings very well. 7/10.

Sebastian H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines isn’t the kind of book I’d usually read, although I thought the main character was easy to empathise with due to the author’s ability to descriptively write about the main character’s personal experiences well.

Dexter

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book was originally not something I was expecting to like as much as I did. I think truly the developing relationships between the characters makes it just so magical and unique along with the gorgeous plot, obviously. I also think the concept of being a ‘newcomer’ will definitely hit a special part in many younger teens hearts with the change to secondary school, so all in all a very relevant/ relatable story!

Bethan

Horsham BOok HUNTers

I found Ghostlines quite hard to get into and I thought it was a bit boring. The story felt slow and not much happened to keep me interested. I didn't really connect with the characters, so I didn't care much about what happened to them. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book very much and it wasn't really my type of story.

Lucas

Bookwizards

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a book about the struggles of starting anew and living life on a remote island. It covers many themes such as friendship, identity and family and it follows the characters Tilda and Albie through their adventures together. I liked the style of writing as I felt a connection with the characters, and it made me feel as if I was there. I also enjoyed the uncommon setting of a small island where the atmosphere of the book becomes more intimate and peaceful. I would recommend this book to a Y5-Y6 as I felt there could have been a more dramatic climax to this story. Overall, I enjoyed the characterisation and atmosphere of the book. I would give this book a 4/5 rating.

Sofia

CSGS Page Turners 26

Ghostlines is a beautiful book about adapting to change and letting people adapt in their own time. I enjoyed this book, all through ,and would definitely read again.

Pola

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines is set on a little island which is called Ayrie. It is never told that it's Scottish but it gives me the type of vibe that it is. The main character, Tilda, is a brave nature-loving character who tries to befriend Albie, who is a new person on the island and is feeling homesick. They go on an adventure which heals their loss and change. The book also uses a lot of 'and's and I really like this - it is my winner.

Lucas

Hope Valley Literati

It’s a simple book about how strange it is when things change in your hometown. I felt that the target audience was for younger readers, and that they would enjoy reading it more.

Amelia

Horsham BOok HUNTers

I really liked this book, I liked the way the author portrayed the friendships across the island, and I liked the way Albies friendship with Tilda develops and how it shows how hard it can be to be a newcomer or to understand what someone's going through. I would definitely recommend this book probably to someone younger (10-12 year olds) but I did still enjoy reading it even though I'm older.

Isabella

Cleeve Carnegie

I enjoyed Ghostlines because the characters we're very relatable which made the entire story more believable. My favourite character is Albie because he loved the puffins. I like how the author created a backstory for the island and left the protagonist's brother a mystery for most of the book.

Abigail

FCC Book Group

I really enjoyed Ghostlines! The setting of the island was really nice and well described, and really made me want to visit it! Some people felt that the book was slow to start, but I disagree. It was really nice to see Albie progress and grow to accept the island, and belonging wasn't really a theme I have seen before, so that was nice. Finally, the plot with Rowan was hinted at throughout the book, but I thought that it was a bit unrealistic that the only reason he was ignoring her is that he didn't know what to say, but it wasn't that bad. Overall, I really liked it!

Edward L

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book’s fast pace was enticing; I loved how the protagonist’s thoughts flowed.

Sophie

Horsham BOok HUNTers

My overall impression of Ghostlines was very good because it keeps the reader engaged all the way through. A moment that sticks out the most was when Albie the boy doesn't like anything but Tilda doesn't give up keeps trying to make him love the island. The book describes everything with a lot of detail and that makes everything interesting. It promotes the importance of freedom by the main character having a lots of freedom and doing whatever she wants also she encourages other people to make their own decisions.

eugenia

Sale High Readers

a work of art

Thomas

Sale High Readers

This book is about a girl named Tilda who lives on a tiny island where everyone knows everyone and nothing ever changes. She is dealing with the sadness of her brother leaving, so she tries to befriend Albie, a lonely new boy who hates the island. To change his mind, she takes him on a risky, forbidden kayak trip to a nearby island rumoured to be haunted. The dangerous journey across the sea completely changes how they both see home. I enjoyed this book a little because it has very descriptive descriptions of nature.

Lucas

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I loved this book , from the way thet it makes everything feel magical to the story itself. I adored this book but it had nothing missing and thet is why I would give this book a 9\10 and with a really big heart emoji next to it. I found the precise wording mesmerized me as much as Ayrie mesmerized tourists. Amazing.

Nayra

The BSGC Carnegie Collective

I really enjoyed this book, especially the perspective that was used. It was written from a young girls perspective and you therefore get to see her frustration and youthfulness in different parts of the story. I loved how the plot always kept you guessing and how nothing was really that serious but when your seeing it through the eyes of a 10 year old, we as the readers got to feel the fear that she did. I think it was written amazingly and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Georgia

LSST Library Shadowers

The cover of Ghostlines does not give much away about the story, which makes it intriguing. It creates a sense of mystery and encourages readers to find out what happens inside. As the story unfolds, the connection between the cover and the plot becomes clearer. Overall, the cover is effective because it sparks curiosity without revealing too much.

Ishaan

MTS Northwood

Elsie

Tractors

I enjoyed Ghostlines by Katya Balen. It was a really unique plot and it was really nice to read. It was very gripping and I loved the action. I didnt really think that it involved the reader 100% though. The ending was written very well in my opinion but was a bit too quick. I think it was quite believable because of the feeling of guilt towards her brother and how Tilda thinks her island is perfect. The emotions were so raw and powerful that they made me feel as if I were in the story. The interaction from say Albie and Tilda were so awkward and raw they just felt like they were arguing right in front off me. The way that Katya Balen writes is so relatable and the pace in which it is written really resonates with my brain and how it is wired. The descriptions were so true and the words and onomatopoeia she used felt like the book was coming alive in my hand. I really enjoyed this book and others that Katya Balen has written and am very much looking forward to more books from this inspiring author.

Layla

Broadland Bookworms

Tilda lives on Ayrie, where everyone knows everyone. The big event of the year is the puffins’ migration. Then the tourists leave and the Silent Season begins. It’s perfect for Tilda. One day, however, when the Silent Season is just beginning, a new boy, Albie, arrives and Tilda feels curious. There’s a mystery about this new boy. He refuses to join in with the Ayrie kids’ activities and he’s not interested in anything! Except for the secret island. The haunted one. The forbidden one. So Tilda agrees to go on the adventure of their lives. I loved Ghostlines. I was wary when I read the title, because I thought it might be a ghost story and I don’t like ghost stories as much as adventure or mystery stories. To my delight, however, despite the title, it is absolutely an adventure story and not a ghost one. Therefore, if you haven’t read Ghostlines yet, because you don’t like books about ghosts, I’d absolutely recommend reading it. Ghostlines has so much in it. There’s adventure, mystery, family drama and animals all in the same book! This is the first book I’ve read by Katya Balen and I shall definitely be reading more! I couldn’t put it down.

Erin

Larkmead

Ghostlines is an amazing book about friendship and a close-knit community. Tilda is a 10 year old girl who has lived on the island of Ayrie her whole life, Alby is 10 as well and has been brought from the city to the island of Ayrie and is not happy about it. Alby misses the city and his friends and wishes that he never had to move to the island, Tilda on the other hand loves the island and its community and is determined to make Alby like it too. Tilda tries her hardest to get Alby involved in the activities that she and her friends love doing on the island, but when she sees that Alby isn’t trying to enjoy himself she gets impatient. What I love the most about the book is how it feels like i am in the mind of a 10 year old girl and I can actually feel the annoyance that Tilda does when Alby starts talking badly about the island and the frustration when he decides he doesn’t like it at all. The fact that Tilda is in the middle of a small crisis (her big brother Rowan leaving and not calling or texting) makes me think that maybe the reason she’s trying to make Alby like the island so much might be because she doesn’t want him to leave like Rowan did. I love the sense of freedom that the kids in the book have, and how they can do virtually anything they want on their home island. The turning point of the book for me is when Alby and Tilda travel to the spooky haunted island and make a fort. I think that this is the point that brings them together and they turn from enemies to friends quite quickly. And obviously, the most important part when the puffins finally fledge and leave the island for the year. This is a big moment in the book for Alby, who finally seems to accept his place in the community and see the magic of the place. But when a storm rolls in, everything goes wrong. Alby goes missing and when Tilda realises that her kayak is missing it could only mean one thing. Alby had tried to escape. Tilda travels to the forbidden island alone (well apart from her cheeky, vegetable eating dog Moses) and to her relief finds Alby there trying desperately to save the puffins from the ongoing storm and also to her anger, because Alby has destroyed her beloved sea kayak which also means, there won’t be enough room for all of them to get off the island safely. Then things get even worse! Tilda falls down a rock face and sprains her ankle badly and the tide is coming. Luckily, they get saved and when Tilda wakes up in her bed, her big brother Rowan is there and promises that he won’t leave without her knowing again. Tilda and Albys friendship stays strong despite the fact that he has broken her sea kayak. Overall this was such a great read! At first I had my reservations, not wanting to read a book that was for younger children. But as I got into it I realised I couldn’t put it down! Katya Balen is such a good author and I highly recommend this book :)

Frankie

Tractors

Fantastic plot. One of the best books I've ever read. Made me want to keep listening to it. Highly recommend to all ages .

Abigail

The Amersham Shadows

I found it a bit boring and hard to read

carol

St Mary Magdalene Story Seekers

it was adventurous and mysterious

carol

St Mary Magdalene Story Seekers

Ghostlines: Ghostlines by Katya Balen was a heartwarming, beautiful book. It was all about adapting to change and how you shouldn't be afraid to try new things. This book celebrates friendship and community, but it also has a sense of resilience. The writing style really made me feel like I was there with Tilda and Albie. I loved this book because of its closeness between characters, the way people can rely on each other. It was wonderful to find the secrets of Ayrie and to follow Tilda through the wonders of the island and her troubles with her brother. Overall, Ghostlines was an amazing book that said a lot about not being afraid to be an outsider and that you should always attempt new things.

Zainab

ParkLrc

A brilliant book with a interesting setting, where wildlife and nature plays a key part in the story itself and the characters involved. The characters themselves are very in depth and each one seems to have a story. I found the ending great but I'm rather surprised at the way it went. Overall a great book.

Eva M

BFS Umbra

I would give this book a 3/5 because I like the idea but I found that the book was really slow passed and that it was not really exited and that it was not very action packed as that is what I enjoy.

Sophie

Bassingbourn Readers

I think it is a good book because it had a good ending and it was very engaging.

Raya

Bassingbourn Readers

I think this was my favourite Carnegie as it involved everything I would class as a good book - a bit of humour, a bit of action and lots of cheerful parts. I would recommend this for 10-15 year olds as I found it amazing.

henry

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This was a lovely heartfelt book filled with lovely description that really made me feel like I was there. I definitely enjoyed this book, however, I just thought that it took too long for the action to happen and when it did it just sort of let me down as I was expecting a bit more. Overall, this was a lovely book but it felt more like daily life to me then something out of the ordinary.

Amelia

Bassingbourn Readers

I really liked ghostlines because of the detail and I loved how it showed that Tilda was very curious and adventurous and wanted to meet new people and was able to adapt to change.

Hollie

Bassingbourn Readers

I liked this book- it was wholesome, and the characters were adventurous. I liked how the main character had had something happen in her life that affected her badly (her brother leaving), and how it was explained and resolved in the end. However, I thought the book was a bit too predictable and the plot wasn't deep enough for me.

Hania

The Narrative Navigators

This book was very interesting and a story about family and friend relationships.I enjoyed reading the main character Tilda and her confident wild ways as she explores the island of Ayrie and her unrelenting desire to make Albie feel the same about her island as she does. All while she deeply misses her brother and navigates a life without him in it. I also really liked the fun little page illustrations though feel that they perhaps should have been puffins.

Anon

SHS Book Club

I really enjoyed the mystery elements of this story and how at the beginning of the story you don't know what has happened to her brother Michael. I picked this book because of the title and cover because I usually like horror books and this seemed like it might be about ghosts. I feel this story is important because it shows are opinions should be valued and everyone should be heard out.

Alex

SHS Book Club

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a beautiful atmospheric story full of hart and adventure. Set on a world, windswept island, it follows young Martha, who lives with her dad and her loyal dog, Finn. Martha loves the sea and noes every rock and tide line, but something strange is happening – she keeps seeing and hearing things no one else dose, whispers from the water and shadows that feel almost real. Balen writes with such warmth and feeling, making the island feel like its own character: world, magical, and a little bit mysterious. Martha is such a lovey main character – brave, curious, and full of questions, and her bond with Finn is so sweet and real you’l feel like you no them both. As she starts to uncover old secrets and stories from the past, what starts as a mystery turns into a story about family, belonging, and learning to listen to the world around you. Its a touching, exciting and sometimes a little bit sad story, but also full of hop and wonder. The writing is lovely, simple but powerful, and it pulls you in from the very first page. Perfect for anyone who loves nature, adventure or stories with a touch of magic.

Peace

Vista Academy Littleport

I really like this book how it is quite fantasy-based. The main story really fits the theme of the book itself. The description is vivid and very clear. I like it how it is quite adventurous like exploring a haunted island. Overall I think it is just a good book in general.

Tahmeed

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found that Ghostlines was a bit difficult to get gripped to, and it was quite easy to predict what was going to happen. Although the characters were interesting and there was a sweet friendship, in parts of the story, I felt confused whether the main character’s, Tilda’s, brother had died or had left them and some events that took place felt boring and not connected to the plot. Perhaps if there was a deeper dive into Tilda’s brother or more of a backstory for the characters, they would feel easier to relate to. I also disliked how the description seemed to not have any grammar - some sentences were too long and you wouldn’t be able to say them out loud in one breath because there were no commas - and the dialogue was all in italics, like the whole story was just in Tilda’s head. So, I rate Ghostlines a 5/10.

Mae

Helkats & Hardbacks

Ghostlines is an achingly beautiful middle-grade novel exploring the meaning of home, the pain of losing a sibling, and the healing power of nature and friendship. It follows Tilda, a fiercely loyal island girl tasked with befriending an angry newcomer, Albie, as they navigate loss, a forbidden haunted island, and a dangerous storm. Five stars ⭐

Faith

Waddesdon Shadowers 26

The main character in this book is called Tilda she lives on a Scottish Island with her Ma and Da. The islands total population is approximately 91 and no one ever moves there; just tourists visit. But everyone even the tourists love it there; it’s beautiful. But when a new boy moves to the island Tilda is buzzing to show him everything! However, this boy hates the island and desperately wants to go back home to the mainland. So in an attempt to convince him island life can be fun, Tilda sails with him to the forbidden and haunted island. This book is for anyone who wants a cosy, gentle and heart warming read. I loved the setting and how passionate the girl was about her home the audiobook reader was brilliant and made the story so much more life like and was perfect for the character.

Hermione

HHS 2026

I really enjoyed Ghostlines by Katya Balen because it felt mysterious and a bit spooky, but also really real. Tilda lives on this quiet island where everything feels safe and familiar, but then Albie comes along and hates everything about it. I liked how their friendship was complicated and felt natural, and the part where they go to the secret haunted island was really exciting and a little scary. The book made me think about how different people can see the same place in completely different ways, and how sometimes you have to take risks to really understand someone. It’s a really good mix of adventure, mystery, and friendship, and I think lots of people my age would like it.

Kristia

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

Ghostlines was a very magical and adventurous book. At the start it took me a while to get into because there was too much description and it was very boring but, as I got further into the book it was impossible to put down. The author made the characters really easy to picture and likeable.

Nyree

FCC Book Group

This book was a very good read and it kept me engaged throughout. I think the ending was bit too happy and unrealistic, and whilst ghostlines do feature, they do not play a big part in the book and so the title could have been a different one. It is a cheerful book and is about finding your place. I really enjoyed it.

Mark

Bassingbourn Readers

This book was amazing! Listening to it on an audiobook meant I could much easier understand the plot and it was super immersive. Katya Balen is an incredible author and really captures all the characters which felt very real and well thought out. I would definitely recommend this book if you love descriptive storytelling. I would recommend the book more for younger years, however it would be suitable for anyone, with its themes of friendship and finding your place, which can be interpreted on different levels. Overall, my favourite book!

Olivia

Bramcote College Library

Ghostlines by Katya Balen has a really atmospheric and emotional writing style, but overall I found it quite difficult to get into. The book explores some interesting themes and has moments that feel powerful, but I often found the plot confusing, which made it hard to stay fully engaged with the story. At several points, I wasn't completely sure what was happening or why certain events were important. Because of this, I spent more time trying to work out the plot than actually enjoying it. While Balen's writing is descriptive and the characters feel well developed, the way the story unfolded just didn't click with me. Overall, Ghostlines has some strong ideas and a unique style, but the confusing plot made it difficult for me to fully appreciate it. I can see why readers who enjoy more abstract or emotional stories would like it, but personally, it wasn't one of my favourites.

Diya

Herschel Shadows

I found this book very sweet and I think the friendship that formed is very nice. It’s quite realistic especially for when you move to a completely new place, so I think all the emotions that are displayed in this book are justified. It’s overall just a very nice book which I would recommend.

Chloe

Norwich High Bookworms

This book was am amazing read, I enjoyed it so much! The author really captured the child-like voice and the description was beautiful. It made you feel like you were experiencing life on the island alongside the characters, and was overall incredible.

Clemmie

St John’s Book Groups

Joe

Rad readers

Sophia

Core Jewellery Group

A great story about friendship and an amazing little island, I loved getting to know all the characters and the island. It was interesting too see how Tilda was so determined for Albie too live the island like she does. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a tale of adventure and friendship

Alex

The Mockingjays

I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It greatly interested me from the beginning with its description of Ayrie and the relation it has to foreigners and visitors. When people visit remote islands such as Ayrie, they partially come for the landscapes and partially for the spectacle of watching people's lives. The lives of the inhabitants of Ayrie who's lives are so different from their own with their lack of the internet, cinemas, arcades and other forms of constant electronic stimulation. When people come to visit remote islands, they often come not to explore the island but to watch this foreign way of life whilst regarding their own way of life as arbitrarily superior. This is a bargain however as tourism is a large source of Ayrie's income. The exploration of these ideas of tourists and islanders forming an in group and an out group through Albie and Matilda was eye-opening. The honesty with which the main character explains their experiences of tourists is only possible because of the narrative voice that Balen chose, Matilda - a young girl who speaks to us honestly. I found Matilda's descriptions provoked memories of how I experienced the world as a younger person whilst still using sensory and sometimes visceral imagery. My favourite use of Matilda's internal dialogue is how we learn of Rowan. At first he is obfuscated to the reader just as he is to her. Our discovery of Rowan is Matilda's rediscovery and in this makes it feel so real. Balen did a great job making me care about not only the characters and the immediate plot, but Ayrie and other similar real islands. That is the lasting impact I think it has had on me and for that I thank Balen.

Ossie

MTS Northwood

This book is another book for a younger audience like Popcorn, Lizard Nobody, and Wolf Siren. The other younger books felt much easier to get through than this and had a better plot. I thought this book was really hard to get through and you could predict everything. The puffins were also added for no reason and weren't dived into. The book could have been better and I feel like even younger people wouldn't read it. The book also reinforces the really average books picked this year, last year and last last year's worst books would have been easier to read than this.

Muyang

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is about a girl that lives on the island of Ayrie and shows a boy all the wonders of it such as: the fairy pools, the dens they build all across the islands and the puffin nests. But when all fails she shows him the cursed island where a boy supposedly died. I like this book because it showed how some people can be non-excepting at first but most people will eventually stuff for what it is. I would recommend this book to any age-group as it fits well in every age.

Bruno

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines is a very touching, beautiful story that not only explores the themes of new change and friendship, but also the pain of being neglected by someone close to you. I personally admire this novel enormously, as it promotes the concept of slowing moving on from extreme hardships by finding joy in small moments. From Tilda constantly blaming herself for her older brother abandoning the island, to her eventually meeting Albie and showing him what she loves about her home, it is a wonderfully written and heartfelt story.

Kanika

BIS Book Club

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a beautifully written story full of adventure, emotion and friendship. The setting of the Island of Ayrie was described so vividly that I could easily imagine the sea, cliffs, puffins and storms. Balen uses lots of imagery throughout the novel, which made the island feel alive and helped create a magical atmosphere. The descriptions of nature were some of my favourite parts because they made the story feel both peaceful and exciting at the same time. I also liked how the book explored themes of friendship, trust and family. The relationship between Tilda and Albie develops slowly and realistically as they learn to understand each other. Tilda’s determination to help Albie feel at home showed kindness and loyalty, while the story also explored how difficult change and loss can be. I thought the family relationships added emotional depth to the novel and made the characters feel believable and relatable. Overall, I really enjoyed Ghostlines because it combined adventure with heartfelt emotions. It is a touching story about finding where you belong and learning to trust others, with beautiful writing and strong imagery throughout. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotional adventure stories and books about friendship and family. Katie Hibbs

Katie

BCS Book Squad

I enjoyed reading this book, I liked how the themes are used in this book, I liked the plot twists as well and that every place has a purpose. The characters make sense and are believable. The tension used in the book creates a sense of mystery that made me want to read on further in the book. The plot makes sense. I also found it pretty heart-warming and emotional as well. The description of the places was vivid and really good and kept me engaged with this book. Overall 8.5/10.

Kamran

Booky Wookies

An amazing book about adjusting to new places, how everywhere is special in It's own way and how you can never forget where you come from.

Liora

Hasmonean Pages

I really enjoyed this book as it involved lots of plot twists, which was my favourite part, but there are some confusing bits. Those parts wasn't really clear for me. Another thing I liked was how the main character's friendship gradually strengthens.

Olivia

Willow Book Whispers

I found this book really sweet and heart-warming however, I found it quite slow and a bit too descriptive. I thought the start of the book needed to be sped up a bit as it took quite a while to get going whereas I feel the ending needed to be slowed down a bit. Overall I liked this book but it was just a bit too slow.

Harry

The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

I really enjoyed Ghostlines. It was a fun and light-hearted but also touched on serious matters at the same time. Like birdie, it reminded me of the Emma Carol books that I used to read when I was in year six. Honestly, I would recommend it to anyone but most likely to someone in the younger years. Again, all the characters were really realistic and the topics it touched on I thought quite easily happen to a lot of children.

Nell

Willow Book Whispers

In my opinion it was a book that I really good that I enjoyed. My favourite part was when the Albie didn't like the island but then Tilda decided to try to change Albies mind about the island they live on. But the part that kind of breaks my heart is that Tilda is so determined to persuade Albie she canoes through a storm to the forbidden island just to save him from the storm.

Gabriele

Willow Book Whispers

I felt a bit mislead by this book as i was imagining a deep, intriguing storyline when in fact the storyline was quite basic and boring. Apart from this, I liked how the book used quite descriptive language and was an easy read. This book may be for some people but definitely not for me.

Paris-capri

BFS Umbra

A really nice story following themes of finding friendship, understanding and mysteries that I really enjoyed reading about!

Abigail

The Shadows of Silverdale

I liked this book because it was a beautiful story about growing used to things out of your control, and I loved the twist at the end with the ghost lights, and the amazing daft dog ;3 I did not like how some of the chapters where only 2 pages long. I would recommend it to someone who likes adventure, twists, and ghosts.

Ellie

Willow Book Whispers

I think that the book ‘Ghostlines’ was a great book which I deeply enjoyed throughout reading. It has a very moving message and uses symbolism (the puffins) to show how something can go but also come back which I really loved. The storyline is really nice, and I loved how the protagonist (Tilda) is represented and her knowledge grows throughout the book. Katya Balen clearly goes into a lot of detail about Ayrie and the characters thoughts which helped me to understand how they were feeling. I really enjoyed this book; it was my favourite read so far.

Anna

Willow Book Whispers

I really enjoyed reading this book! I found the amount of descriptive language very interesting, and it allowed me to picture the setting really well. I also found the fact that throughout the whole book, we find out more and more about Rowan. The only thing that I didn't enjoy about the book is that the events were stretched out over a large number of chapters, but other than that I really enjoyed Ghostlines!

Anna

CSGS Page Turners 26

The book ‘ghostlines’ by Katya Balen is a very nicely written book that combines adventure, friendship and emotional growth. The story follows a girl named Tilder that lives on an island and found out a boy named Albie moved onto her island and struggles with the change from moving from the mainland. They both go to an island that it is believed to be haunted but becomes both an actual adventure but also adventure of belonging, loss and friendship. One of the book’s strengths is its vivid image of nature. Balen’s description of the sea, wildlife, weather and island life creates an atmosphere that the island is an actual character. The book also handles emotions with sensitivity. Tildas feelings about her brother moving to the mainland and Albie’s difficulties with moving into the island are written with honesty and depth. Rather than just making the book about the adventure, the story explores how people carry memories, connections, and a sense of home with them – a theme that reflected Tilder’s idea of the ghostlines and traces of journeys and relationships that remain even when people move on. Overall, I think that this book is an emotional but adventurous novel, telling people that you should see the best of everything even if you don’t like it. I give this book and 9.2 out 10 because I think that it was an interesting book and appealing for people that like mystery books like I do.

scarlet

Larkmead

Ghostlines is a very heartfelt book about friendship and island life. It follows a young girl called Tilda and a boy named Albie. The story is about how their friendship develops. It is a very good book that is engaging and fun to read and I would recommend it to all young readers over the age of 7. I would give this book a rating of 3.5/5 stars.

Isla

Weald of Kent Grammar (Sevenoaks)

This was a really good book. I love the storyline and the artwork on the cover. If I was rating this, I would give it 5 out of five stars! BTW, I ship Albie and the main character😏

Sophie

Bassingbourn Readers

I found Ghostlines quite emotional and deeply moving because it shows the feeling of being left behind belonging and grief like perfectly and I also love poetic sea soaked writing made this one of my favourites this year, absolute banger, I'd give it a solid 9.5/10

LAKSH L

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I have been waiting for a book where children (regardless of gender) can run free and just be children. Yes, we have books like Maze runner, but i rarely ever see girls be able to do what they want and own the day and the night. Ayrie sounded like a beautiful, beautiful island. And I would absolutely love to live somewhere like that. The community was beautiful and everyone knew everyone. Nowadays, there are many big cities, but here it was like a giant family. The book was gorgeous but i really thought it was just going to be a cute little read, and no problems would arise, I was surprised.

Matilda

Mansell Library Reviewers

I really liked reading this book and the setting for it was very engaging. I liked the way that Katya Ballen used the isolation as a good thing for some people but as a bad thing and a danger for others. I thought the use of themes of friendship was very effective and the whole book had a warm feel. The vivid description was really good for helping me imagine the setting and I could basically picture the whole of Ayrie, and thought it had a beautiful statement.

Martha

CSGS Page Turners 26

Imagine, an island. Not a craggy, rocky, foreboding skerry, a serene, grassy isle with cottages nestled at its heart. With a vibrant island community, stunning sea caves, and teeming rockpools, this place is a sight to behold. This is the astonishing island of Ayrie. We turn our attention to two individuals: Tilda and Albie. Tilda is a helpful person who always tries her best. She loves life on Ayrie, and everything is perfect until Albie, a boy from the mainland, arrives to live on the isle with his mother. Because he is the newcomer, Tilda wants to welcome him and show him all the island’s wonders, but Albie does not like one thing about it and was quite rude to her at some points. Tilda finds this hard to comprehend but then she forgot about one thing; the forbidden island, the one that’s haunted. Albie eventually grows to like Ayrie like I grew to like him. I recently read October, October and it was wonderful! In my opinion, Katya Balen is one of the best writers of this generation. I liked this book because it wasn't too complicated. It was quite a nice, straightforward read. My favourite part was the night with the puffins when Albie started to see the beauty of Ayrie. I would recommend this book, not just for fans of Katya but for everyone. This is a beautifully crafted book, and I will give it a rating of 9/10.

Jacob

Larkmead

Annabelle

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I think Ghostlines is a good book if you are in to adventures and mysteries. I would recommend this book for people aged 7 or 8 because it has some spark of adventure in it. I think it also had a trait of exploration with the haunted island. I would rate this book a 7.5/10 because is make you want to read more.

Ayaan N

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is a fantastic book about a girl called Tilda. When a boy moves to her island (Ayrie), and seems to hate it, she is determined to show him how amazing it is and make him love it. Together they explore and find new adventures. The book highlights themes of home and how it can differ in different places. Tilda learns to understand and see things from other people's perspectives. If you enjoy books about friendship, community and nature, this would be a good read for you. Overall I would rate a 7/10

Adele

The Shady Bookhounds

This book made me laugh, cry and felt like an emotional roller coaster. This book is the blend of a sad book and the happiest book I've ever read. the beauty in the book is real, from the amazing description of the coastline to the fact i could picture every single detail. It was amazing, what an incredible book. Every aspect was detailed and perfect. What an incredible book.

Skyla

STAGS Shadowers

I really enjoyed reading Ghostlines for the Carnegies Book Award. I thought the FMC was cool and I really liked the setting of the book being on a remote, isolated island because I liked the nature and the uniqueness. The themes of friendship were carried throughout the book and I thought the characters were really relatable. I would really recommend it!!

Ishara

STAGS Shadowers

I think that Ghostlines is a book that can help us understand how to make new friends, since the main male character has trouble doing that. Also, I like how in the end that character then helped do the right thing.

Charlie

STAGS Shadowers

A lovely, easygoing book about friendship and coping with change. I loved escaping to the freedom of the picturesque island of Ayrie, adventuring with Tilda and Alfie. It captures the power of nature beautifully.

Skyla

STAGS Shadowers

I enjoyed reading Ghostlines for the Carnegie book awards. I found it good to read overall. I liked the setting of the book being on a small, islolated island as it added to the overall vibe of the book.

Betsy

STAGS Shadowers

a wonderfully written book about friendship and small island life would really recommend as it has many themes of friendship freedom and beauty

freya

Sale High Readers

An exciting tale of mysteries, friendships, and life on a lonely island.

Jack

Epsomians

I found that this book had beautiful descriptions that transported me to the world of a scottish island. However, I often found it difficult to read due to the pace of the book

Maeve

Thomas Tallis Reads

This book is about a girl called Tilda who lives on a remote island called Aryie. But when new-comers arrive a boy called Albie just doesn't want to be seen as an outsider and hides himself away in fear of so. But when Tilda mentions another island which is supposedly haunted that soon sparks interest between the two giving them a fun adventure and a few mysteries to solve. Overall I think the book was good, however I don't like that it was written in the present tense I think that more drama and suspense could have been created from the past as the story long 'mystery' of her brother wasn't really made clear throughout if he was really missing, dead or if he was even her brother.

dainton

Vista Academy Littleport

Reading "Ghostlines", for me, was truly a stunningly beautiful experience. The description of the island in such astounding detail, the evident, real-feeling perspective of a child, and the relationships and dynamics between characters all seemed so well written, and I can tell that "Ghostlines" was an authentic labour of love from Balen. Tilda and Albie's friendship slowly progressed with the assistance of the "ghost" island, despite all doubts and challenges, and made for a thrilling storyline, yet I believe the moment which moved me the most was the unveiling of Tilda's relationship with her brother, Rowan. An extremely exciting and sweet book, and I can only commend Balen's work of wonder.

Michi

Tractors

The captivating and moving Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a story of friendship and growth, acceptance, and change. In the story, Tilda, a little girl who is passionate about living on the island, sees everything the same way until the day when a new boy named Albie arrives and has problems fitting in. At first, Tilda believes that everybody is supposed to see and love the island the same way, but later on, she realizes that every person can interpret the world and every event in his/her own particular way. The setting described in the book is very powerful, thanks to the wild nature, the harsh island conditions, and many more elements that create an atmosphere of immersion. Both main characters go through some hard times which push them out of their comfort zones and let them become closer.

Luna

St Angela’s Reading Angels

'Ghostlines' is a great tale about two children from very different backgrounds, who learn to respect each other and both come to learn new things about the world outside and within Ayrie - which itself has been portrayed wonderfully as a small and tightknit community.

James

Southmoor Shadowers

Although I do think this was a good novel, it seemed to be targeted at younger readers and this meant that I found it less engaging than perhaps someone who isn’t as old as me might. It was a rather sweet story, but I don’t think it was one of my favourites.

Isabel

Crypt Bookworms

The main character is called Tilda and she lives in Ayrie. It's adventurous and it has great emotion. I love it - it's a wild and emotional story you'll enjoy it forever. It's one of my favourite books and it's where everyone is friendly to each other they all know each other and for Tilda it's perfect.

Chloe

SJCSChatterbooks

This book is really great. It is all about settling in and adventures and its all about this island, Ayrie and everyone knows each other but then a newcomer, Albie who doesn't want to be there, but a person calledTilda wants to make him feel home. If you are into adventures, friendship and excitement - this is for you.

Elijah

SJCSChatterbooks

I Loved Ghostlines!! If you like the sea, friendship and a bit of mystery then you will LOVE this book. When you start reading reading it is almost impossible to stop. It was so intriguing. I love how Moses is always with Tilda and I LOVE the bathtub squad I really really recommend this!!!!

Ella

SJCSChatterbooks

I really loved this book as it was a bit mysterious, but in a good way, the book was brilliant and I would definately read again.

Oliver

Ossett Academy LRC

I found this book very engaging and I loved how it introduced and kept you involved with the story all the way through. I also really liked how the book was written and was scattered with events which kept the book interesting. Personally , this book was my favourite and I enjoyed reading it.

Pyrros

NDHS Book Group

I really enjoyed Ghostlines because it was relaxing to read, as the descriptions are very detailed and immersive. I also like how it didn't just give you all the information about Rowan and the island, which made it a bit mysterious. I did think it was a bit short and not much really happens. I also really liked the bond between Tilda and Moses, her dog as it felt realistic and and at times, funny.

Alfie S

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the storyline and characters. The island of Ayrie truly was a lovely setting and the characters were loveable. Towards the start I did genuinely dislike Albie but as the story progressed and we see his actions with the puffins, he slowly became one of my favourite characters. I also really liked Tilda and I felt that the ending suited the story really well, being a nice way to close off the book. Maybe I might have liked it a bit more if more development happened with Rowan, but otherwise, an enjoyable read.

Sofia

BFS Umbra

Ghostlines , a brilliant book about a girl named Tilda. Tilda lives on an island that's so beautiful and perfect.... but it is not for everyone. When a new boy moves in from the mainland Tilda struggles to understand why he doesn't also think it's perfect; just like she couldnt understand when her brother Rowan, left. My favourite character is probably Tilda, especially because of her amazing character development and adventurous personality. I loved the way it was written. This is a more realistic and adventurous book, so if you like adventure and firendship, this book is for you.

Arietty

The Shady Bookhounds

This book was alright and I did like the end but I felt like the beginning was a little boring and basic. However, I loved the nice ending.

Amelia

SHHS shadows

I think this was a very deep book which is surprising because it was able to also be very kid-friendly, following the protagonist trying to make friends with an anti-social person is a weirdly relatable topic. Also puffins are 10/10

Oscar (Occa)

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Imagine living on a Scottish island that is paradise. You can hear the sound of waves breaking as you drift off to sleep after a long day kayaking and exploring. You can taste the salt in the sea breeze. You can see the miles of churning waters home to many sea creatures. This is the life of Matilda. She loves living on Ayrie with puffins and a tight community. For her, life couldn’t be better. But Albie thinks otherwise. In his view, Ayrie was the worst decision for his mother to make. Away from the safety of the mainland and through rough seas to a place with storms and power cuts. He feels isolated and trapped. Will he ever be able to fit in? I loved Ghostlines! Katya Balen’s way of writing draws you in from the first sentence and keeps you transfixed until the last. She lets you imagine what the island looks like without overdoing the amount of detail and pulls on your heart strings. The themes of belonging and adventure are showed really well and I liked how the chapters were a good length so you could easily stop without being midway through one. 9/10

Alice

Larkmead

Ghostlines has a very good storyline - I wish I lived in Ayrie. There is a massive twist at the end concerning the forest (which I will not spoil) but overall it's a really good book. The way of writing is annoying at first, but you get used to it.

Leah

Hasmonean Pages

Ghostlines is about a boy called Albie and a girl called Tilda. Albie is from the mainland, whereas Tilda is from Ayrie, an island. When Albie moves to Ayrie, he originally misses home, but then realises that Ayrie isn’t so bad after all. The plot is relatively interesting. It’s quite slow towards the beginning, but it gradually picks up pace and tension, ending in a very dramatic moment near the end. The plot is quite realistic, so this story could have almost happened in real life. The themes in the book include friend and sibling relationships, and moving to a new place. The themes are quite simple and suitable for a younger audience, which is why I would recommend the book to children aged 8-12 (as I’m 13, I thought it was a bit young for me). The main characters are probably Albie and Tilda. There is a big contrast between them; Albie hates the island at first, but Tilda has loved it all her life. However, it was quite obvious at the start that although they had very opposing ideas about the island, they would be good friends by the end of the book. My favourite character is Tilda, as she is kind, and brave. However, one thing I would be interested to find out more about would be why Albie moved to the island, as I don’t think his mum’s reason was very well explained. Overall, I would rate the book 7/10, though people younger than me may rate it higher as it is more suitable for them.

Lauren

Watford Girls

I really enjoyed this book because I really loved Tilda as a character, she doesn’t give up easily and she tries her best. I really liked the description for the island and the story line. I thought the end could have been better but I still really enjoyed this book.

Heidy

Rainbeau Readers

Ghost Lines was a good read. The ghost parts are creepy with whispers and cold spots, but it’s not just scares. There’s also a mystery you solve with the main character, and the friendship in the story makes it feel real. If you like tense stories with more than just ghosts, give it a try.

Aasyah

Lostock High Readers

Overall, Ghostlines was an enjoyable read, since it gave a modern twist on a traditional thriller. The whole book is action packed, and each event propels the book forward through the plot. The complex mystery of the atmosphere of Ayrie keeps the reader involved and hooked at all times, whilst the logic of the world stays believable. Each character possesses different personalities and motivations that are distinct and authentic, whilst the interactions and friction between the characters creates deep, captivating relationships that contribute to the world building of the mystifying island. The protagonist’s psychological depth and emotions allow a connection with other characters and the reader, and this alongside the unsettling environment created ensures the story is never dull. In the dialogue, Balen uses a technique called stream of consciousness (which is seen sometimes in modern writing and omits the use of speech marks) and although sometimes it is poetic, it can be hard to follow, since there are times when you cannot differentiate between the protagonist’s internal monologue and the story; it also relies on combining long sentences together with “and” or the using commas, which can sometimes feel slightly tedious. That is my only criticism, since all the other aspects were of a high standard. The book is quite a good read, and that is widely due to the world building alongside the characters authentic emotions and motivations.

Evy

MTS Northwood

This book is perfect for people who have experienced grief or who are experiencing it currently. I totally recommend this book for people who love nature and for those who may sometimes feel like they are an outsider. This book helped me understand about grief and the feeling of insecurity when moving to a new environment!! The characters ( Albie and Tilda ) in this book are relatable and most of the time you feel like your actually there with them in the world of Ghostlines!! Phoebe

Phoebe

The Chapter Chasers

This book was very interesting and taught me how to explore the world. I felt like it has a slightly slow introduction, but in the end it really was an experience. I also felt like I had some sought of experience with this as well. I also enjoyed the characters and how this is an island... it is very cool. In summary I found it enjoyable and as I said, a slightly slow start, but a solid 9 out 10!

NOAH

LatLit

Ghostlines was a book about a girl called Tilda, who is trying to make friends with the new boy called Albie after her brother left for the mainland. I found this book uninteresting, and I felt that not much happened. I thought that Albie changed his mind about Ayrie very quickly and that it was unrealistic that everyone was happy and that Rowan was the only person who left in a long time as most people wouldn't enjoy living on a remote island in the middle of nowhere. I thought the way they made friends was nice, and how they went to the secret island together. I would recommend this to someone about 11 years old, who likes book with more description and not exiting plot. Overall i give it 4/10.

Robin. O

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda who lives on an island and is grieving from her brother leaving to the mainland. When a boy called Albie comes she tries to convince him to stay as she doesn't want another person to leave the island even though his mind is already made up.This is where the real story begins and I loved how the plot sped up throughout the story.

Conor D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines was an overall good story. It's mostly poetic and starts slow, but then gets better as it goes on. I enjoyed the thrilling ghostly side of the story with the haunted island and overall, a good stetting and atmposphere.

Taha

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines, Kayta Balen is about a girl called Tilda who lives on the island of Ayrie, where everything is familiar, everyone knows everyone, and nothing much changes. For Tilda, it's perfect. Then a new boy arrives named Albie. Everything Tilda shares about Ayrie, Albie hates. The quiet, the wildness, the isolation. But Tilda has one last idea. She'll take Albie to a secret island. The one that Ayrie kids are forbidden to explore. The one that's haunted. And what they find there will change them both forever. Overall I would give this book 3/10

Ethan

Glossopdale Readers

Ghostlines is a book about a girl called Tilda who lives on a small island called ayrie where everyone knows each other. But one day a new person called Albie arrives from the main island. Albie is a shy character who misses his old home. Tilda tries to make Albie comfortable on the island but fails, leading her to take him to the forbidden island. This book was full of adventure and friendship.I would recommend this book to adventure lovers. 4/5

Henry

Glossopdale Readers

This book was about a girl who lives on an island and then a boy comes and she is told to try and help him feel welcome but the boy doesn't like her.my favorite character is Tilda because even when she faces challenges she still perseveres and she follows her gut.I enjoyed this book but I would have hopped that it would been a bit more scary so i think that the name was a bit misleading.

eunice

BFS Umbra

I liked Ghostlines because the writing makes the island feel real, and the emotions between the characters come across clearly what I didn’t like was that some parts were a bit slow at the start, and I wanted the story to move faster.

Mohammed

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found the way the writing so clearly showed the way a fairly young girl thinks to be incredibly clever and convincing, especially with the choice to show dialogue in italics as opposed to quotation marks, which I found very close to what it can sometimes feel like in conversations - almost an extension of your thoughts rather than a separate chunk of dialogue followed by the character's own, separate thoughts. I also liked how the setting of a remote Scottish island helped the reader to understand Tilda's view of her brother leaving the island, something most people would understand as wanting a change but Tilda, having only known what life is like on the island and being young, doesn't see how this is a reasonable thing to do, especially when she used to be so close with her brother. Overall, I would recommend this book.

Sophie

KECHG Shadowers

This book is amazing about a puffin island, a secret island and a boy who just wants to go home. If you’re into adventure books with a bit of action then you will love this book.

Arthur

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines... 🎉🎉 My last review. I feel so happy I've finished this, but kinda said cause it was nice talking to you people, even if you never answer back. Thank you for reading my reviews.💖💖✌🏽 Here you are. I’ll give Ghostlines by Katya Balen a 7/10. I liked the creepy mystery around the haunted island and the ghostlines, and I thought it was really sad when you find out how much Rowan's leaving still affects Tilda. I've felt the pain of separation, so I kinda feel what she's going through. My favourite part was when Albie went missing during the storm, and everyone had to work together to find him, because it was super tense and actually made me nervous. I also appreciated how Rowan came back in the end when it really mattered. My favourite character is Tilda, this is because of her wild and feisty personality, but with a vulnerable side, she reminds me of myself. Energetic and Stubborn. My favourite quote is "I think that home is a thousand different things that shift and change and stay the same. It's where you're from and where you're longing for and where you love and where you belong and where you're coming back to, and sometimes it's everything, and it's everywhere." Frank says this to Ray when navigating the deeply isolating and complicated dynamic while living on a remote, tide-swept island. Frank shares this profound reflection about what "home" truly means as they both struggle with feelings of displacement, belonging, and the meaning of returning.

Fatimah

BAS Reading Champions

Ghost Lines by Katya balen was a really enjoyable read. I liked how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their lives, which kept me interested throughout. The friendships in the book felt realistic, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters grew and changed. Some parts of the story were quite emotional, but there were also lots of hopeful moments. The book explores themes of family, friendship and belonging in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. Overall, I thought Ghost Lines was a great book with an interesting story and memorable characters. I would definitely recommend it to other readers my age.

Kyle

MTS Northwood

I really enjoyed this book, and thought that it was very descriptive of the beautiful place it was set in. I liked the characters most of the time and all in all thought it was a really great book!

Maya

St Kaths

Inspired by the mystical and rugged Scottish Isles, Ghostlines takes place on the remote island of Ayrie, with only 98 habitants, one of them being Tilda. She is in love with the natural beauty of her surroundings, from the coves to the fairy pools, and has a tight-knit group of friends. When a new boy, Albie, arrives on the island, she is determined to show him how wonderful Ayrie can be, but nothing seems to inspire him or change his boredom. Can a forbidden, secret island off Ayrie, only reachable by boat (or sea kayak), change Albie's mind, or is Tilda's enthusiasm all for nothing? The book really feels authentically told from an excited, anxious 10-year-old girl's mind, while also showing the unexpected charm of the quiet corners of the world, like Ayrie. Her deepdown affliction with her brother, Rowan, is heartbreaking. I would definitely recommend this touching, magical book.

Ayaansh

OP No Shelf Control

I quite liked this book due to the exciting and almost magical environment that was created throughout the book and I loved learning more about the island and about Tilda's life. However, I felt that it ended rather anticlimactically - after the plot and tension being built up and intensified, it abruptly stopped without any real drama or climax. I also didn't like the portrayal of Rowan as being an antagonist throughout the story and how the portrayal of his decision of wanting a different life was hated by everyone and viewed as 'abandoning' Tilda when I thought that there was nothing wrong with him wanting to move on with his life. This was sort of countered at the end of the book with his return, but his apology wasn't necessary and just contributed to the overall contempt felt by the residents of Ayrie towards the mainland, which contributed to me not liking aspects of the book’s message and themes. I also wanted to find out more about Albie and hear his point of view and understand more about his background as I don't think that his mum's reason for coming to the island was well explained.

Tim

St George’s Dragon Readers

I really enjoyed this book and I liked the setting and storyline. I thought the message of the book was quite nice and I liked the wild, nature - filled atmosphere.

Nadia

St Kaths

At first I thought that the book was not very 'me ' but as I read on I enjoyed how the different characters were represented and how they relied on each other . Overall I really enjoyed how the book flowed through the chapters .

Jess

Westborough

I really enjoyed 'Ghostlines', though I’m not sure it would be my winner. It tended to move on from things very quickly and I felt that the character of Rowan, Tilda’s brother, was unrealistic. I do think that it is a very pleasurable read, and is a nice escape from reality. 6.75 out of 10.

Lucy

Sullivan Shadowers

A very interesting novel with a beautiful setting and interesting characters.

Liadan

Sullivan Shadowers

Ghostlines is a thrilling adventure that had me on the edge of my seat while I was reading it. It’s set in the small community on the island of Ayrie. Tilda shows a new arrival, Albie, around the island. She’s in a race against time to convince him to stay, before he tries to return to the mainland. The story includes, haunted islands, puffins, seals and ghosts. I thought this book was very good and I enjoyed it once I got into the plot as I found it a bit slow to begin with. I would recommend this book to year 4 upwards.

Oliver

The Fitzharrys Shadows

In Ghostlines, the main character, Tilda, is forced to help a new boy, Albie, tour around the island. However, everything about this island, Albie hates, being unhappy at his mother for ruining his life. Tilda, determined to help this new boy, decides to take the new boy to a secret, apparently haunted island. There, their entire life changes as they are swept up in a thunderstorm, but luckily, people from the main island come to rescue. Overall, I think this book portrays the emotions of humans very well, being relatable. Themes such as loss and anger and other feelings are all experienced through the main character. While the book may get a bit boring sometimes, I would still say this is a great read.

Bowen

The Perse Carnegians

Katya balen has done it again! she has created another wonderful book full of nature and experiences of people. I liked it because of the differnt views from the small island.

Jennifer

GreatB00ks

Ghostlines is set on Ayrie, an island where everyone knows everyone and there is a strong sense of community. One day, a newcomer, Albie, comes to the island and meets Tilda. Tilda is a young girl whose brother Rowan has left for the mainland. Albie is initially upset at the island because he misses the mainland, which makes Tilda frustrated. Tilda takes Albie to the island where ghosts supposedly live. Albie slowly becomes friends with Tilda. One day, they rescue some baby puffins, but when Albie is worried about the baby puffins, he takes them to the island in the middle of the night alone. Tilda can’t find him but she sees the Ghostlines, paths that people have taken before her. This book explores themes of friendship, growing up, and adventure. I like this book a lot because of its message, and so I would rate it an 7.5/10.

Siddharthan

The Perse Carnegians

I thought this book was quite nice and not too hard to read or to think about. In the book, there is an island called Ayrie, and the main character called Tilda has to get Albie to feel like he belongs there. She does this by taking him to a smaller island that all children are forbidden from going to. They do this for a few days until there is a storm. this results in the puffin fledglings not knowing where to fly to as there is no visible moon, and Albie overhears that the puffins won't make it. Albie decides to take it upon himself to save the puffins, by kayaking to their island and putting lots of lights out so the puffins land on the island rather than dying in the storm. Tilda then decides to go and save him, and this is where some 'ghostlines' guide her around the dangerous rocks. Once on the island, she becomes the one who needs saving. once she is saved, Albie decides he does like it there and then they all live happily ever after. This book was showing lots about friendships and belonging, and i would say that if it had a message, it would be that it takes time to get used to new things and that it takes time to make friends.

Edward M

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This is an exciting adventure book about a girl named Tilda who lives on a tiny island and has to deal with a new boy who is grumpy from the mainland. She tries to win him over by taking him on a dangerous boat trip to a forbidden and haunted island.

Hasini

BAS Reading Champions

Tilda lives in a small island called Aryie and she loves it there. Albie recently moved from the mainland to Ayrie and he hates it and wants to go home. Tilda and Albie go to the secret island to explore and name it Alda. One night Albie and Tilda go missing and they were found by Rowan and brought to Ayrie there home. I generally loved this book because I was so fascinated to know more about their adventures to discovering a new island

Michelle

Vista Academy Littleport

Ghostlines is a great story about determination and bravery. Tilda is a girl who perseveres when a new boy from the city below refuses to accept Ayrie. Albie has just moved from the city which is a ferry journey away and wants nothing to do with neither Tilda or Ayrie. Ayrie is a tiny island where everyone knows everyone which means something like a newcomer not loving everything about Ayrie confuses Tilda. She is determined for Albie to like her island just as much as her and will go to great heights to achieve that. When they find themselves stranded on an island far from home for the both of them trust becomes the only thing that can save them when Tilda hurts her ankle. This is was a great Carnegie entry I loved it!

Manon

Tractors

Ghostlines is a book about a girl called Tilda (who has recently lost someone – we find out who they are and how later), who lives on an island called Ayrie and is trying to convince a mainlander boy (Albie), who has recently moved, to stay on the island that she calls home. I think it got off to a bit of a slow start for me, but I like the overall plot of this story, and how the author hints at important details throughout the book.

Jack

TBGS READERS

I liked reading Ghostlines, although I thought it started out slowly, it was very beautifully described all the way through. I do think though, that there was a lack of action all the way until they stayed the night on the forbidden island. I liked the way that Tilda slowly let bits of information slip about her brother (Rowan) and it showed how much that topic hurt her. I liked how it was written as if it was a girl of Tilda’s age telling it, and how cozy it was. I found it really interesting the ‘small island things’ that Tilda takes for granted, like seeing seals all the time and how that compares to how people in the cities would think about that.

Iris

The Perse Carnegians

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a novel featuring a female character that feels unseen and unable to integrate. This novel interested me due to its slight mysteriousness and reflection of emotions; however, sometimes it turned too slow. In general, Ghostlines deserves 7/10 as it has an interesting moral but is boring.

Ellie

Balla Bookworms

Was really good and amazing

Raziela

Lostock High Readers

Tilda lives in the island of Ayrie, which only has 93 residents. That was until a boy called Albie and his mother arrived to live here. Albie was homesick as he didn't like being so far away from his home which is in the mainland. Tilda then shows Albie around the island, but Albie hates everything. But Tilda had one more place up her sleeve: she tells Albie about an island that children are forbidden to go to. I really loved this book because Ayrie was like a magical world, free from noise and it gives you a sense of peace. my favourite character would be Albie because he is funny and shares similar hobbies with me, although he didn't have to be rude! Finally, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for some mystery and ghosts, even though the book didn't have any ghost characters.

Ibsan

The Perse Carnegians

Ghostlines is a very enjoyable book about belonging and finding your place in the world. The story follows Tilda and Albie as they struggle to find their place and understand each other. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to others.

Reading Heroes

The book 'Ghostlines' is really engaging. It is a really adventurous book. This book also shows how a child would feel leaving all of their friends and family behind and moving to an island they've never been to! The language that Katya Balen uses is really descriptive, I could feel I was there with the characters!

Khanak

The Amersham Shadows

Mominah

The SBSJs

This was a beautifully written book, and I enjoyed it immensely! The world building was especially good; I felt I could better relate to the characters and immerse myself in the story because the island of Ayrie was so well described. The author paid particular attention to small details that other writers would have omitted, and it really shows in the quality of this book. The dialogue, although not particularly gripping, feels right for the story. It would be weird for two children of Albie and Tilda's age to have long, emotional dialogues as soon as they met, so the abrupt exchanges at the start of the book make a lot more sense. Overall, this was my favourite of the eight books and there is honestly nothing wrong with it!

Leo

The Perse Carnegians

In terms of crafting, language use, atmosphere and setting, this is definitely one of the best books on the list this year for me. However, again like many books this year it is aimed at much younger readers. As a result, parts of the plotline (moving from city to country, unlikely friendships) were not original. But the setting was, and all the nature description and imagery throughout this book was fantastic. (Especially loved the puffins!) I was slightly confused on the title of 'Ghostlines', as these weren't really a major part of the story, and when they were referenced I don't feel they fitted with the rest, because they were a 'magical' element which jarred with the other more realistic parts of the book. In addition, I really disliked the use of italics instead of speech marks. It interrupted the flow of the book and didn't add or relate to anything. But overall, I thought this book was really well crafted for its age category, and I would definitely recommend for younger readers.

Mabel

The High Storrs Shadows

I absolutely loved this book. I like how the author wrote the book as how a child would write, but used language sophisticated enough to be a good book. I love how Tilda and Albie slowly warmed up to eachother and how Rowan's disappearance lingers on her before he returns. It's getting really hard to choose my favourite Carnegie book now!

Miguel M.C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book 'Ghostlines' was enjoyable, exciting, and full of adventure. I found the main character, Tilda, to be fun, brave, and determined. Even though she faces many challenges and fears throughout the story, she still tries her best to show Albie around the island and share all the amazing things about it. Her courage and kindness made her a very likeable character. I also enjoyed the setting of the island because it felt mysterious and completely different from everyday life. The author used detailed descriptions that made it easy to imagine the island and the characters’ adventures. The friendship between Tilda and Albie develops throughout the story, which adds emotion and makes the book more interesting to read. I liked how the story mixed adventure, mystery, and friendship together, keeping me interested the whole way through. Overall, I really enjoyed the book because it was imaginative, exciting, and fun to read.

Lowri

St George’s Dragon Readers

i liked this book , it was very imaginative

Eden

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

I loved Ghostlines because it was really engaging and I felt like the plot was written in a way that was easily understandable but with a vast vocabulary.

Chloe

SDG Reads

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an emotionally charged, beautifully crafted middle-grade novel about the true meaning of home, change, and the invisible ties that connect us. Set on the remote, wild island of Ayrie, the story follows Tilda, whose idyllic life is disrupted by the arrival of Albie, a grumpy newcomer from the city.

Zoe

SDG Reads

I enjoyed this book because I loved the sense of family and connection - everyone on the island knows each other. I really liked the setting and it made me want to live on a little island surrounded by nature. It was definitely a book for younger ages as there was very mild peril and the ending was slightly predictable.

Abigail

St George’s Dragon Readers

I liked reading Ghostlines, but I thought the plot could have been a bit more interesting. The side plot with Tilda's brother was nice, but I wish it had been a bit more detailed - it left me with a lot of questions. However, other than that, it was a very well-written book, and I liked the fact that it was set on an island, away from the rest of the world. Overall, it was an enjoyable book to read.

Alexandra

Chiswick Carnegie

I thought that this book was a compelling and intriguing read. I could feel like I was in the story and the characters felt real. A brilliant novel that was mystical and emotional.. This book could have a real chance of winning.

Wilbur

NDHS Book Group

This book's description was so good and you really made me love the island as much as Tilda does. This such an amazing way to give us an insight of life in a small island. Really hope you win and good luck

Pippa

St John’s Book Groups

This book in my opinion is terrible, the writing has nothing special to it and is very slow on the plot. The book it was to slow on the action and seems repetitive. The chapters don't show many difference. I got too bored when reading it so I handed it back at chapter 20. Honestly not for me.

david

Reading Wizards

I really enjoyed this book as i found the story very interesting. The only part I disliked was how Tilda acted towards Albie at the beginning of the book as she thought that the island was perfect and he was weird for not liking it. i would recommend.

Hasan i

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I liked this book as it shows good representation of disability and i enjoyed the adventurous storyline featuring the two characters called Tilda and Albie. Tilda is my favorite as she is represented as a fierce and curious character that both live on an island. I loved how the author has explored the friendship aspect. I would recommend to ages 9-14. Overall this is an amazing book.

Sophia

BFS Umbra

I loved this book so much! The writing style of the long sentences and descriptions was so nice to read, as if you were getting a sense of Tilda's thought process and how many things were rushing round her head. I loved the island and the idea of a community with the shared treehouses and fairy pools and all these beautiful places. I really related to Tilda's exasperation at why Albie didn't like the island but I think loads of people would relate to the feeling of trying to fit in to a place you don't feel like home in. Slowly finding out small parts of the full story of why Rowan left was sad but enticing and the fact that he came back when Tilda needed him was really lovely. Overall it was just a beautifully written book that told a beautiful story. I've also read 'October, October' by this author that was also phenomenal.

Florence

Carnegie Shadow Judges MEAC

This book was quite an interesting read. The start of the book was a merely basic life, but after the travel to the haunted island, the story gets more exciting and becomes action packed. The exposition was quite long with the inciting incident and rising action being slow. However, once the climax was reached, everything got better. The use of pathetic fallacy to present the feelings of Tilda came along quite well with a very heart-warming ending. Overall, this story was an amazing read. :)

Raf

Ousedale Olney

This book I pretty much read in one sitting, and rather quickly too. I was that desperate to finish this interruption and continue reading the Hobbit for the second time. As you might be able to tell, I do not like this book. As with many of the Carnegie award books this year I (deep breath in): thought the plot was baseless, the characters simple, the theme from the title itself not prominent enough, and storyline secrets (in this case 'Rowan') revealed long after they should have. Taking a step back and looking at the plot you'll find it is rather unoriginal - a child from the city moves to the remote countryside and has a hard time settling in. The characters, starting out despising each other, suddenly are best friends forever after the span of two days, which I think is completely unrealistic. I also think we should know who 'Rowan' is and what he did sooner in the novel so that we can understand the protagonist's "trauma" (her brother simply moved to the mainland). To conclude, I'm afraid I didn't like 'Ghostlines' (which was only mentioned in passing maybe twice), but that's not exactly a surprise, 3/10.

Rory

KES Readers

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a beautifully written and emotional story about friendship, belonging, and finding home. Set on the remote island of Ayrie, the novel follows Tilda, a girl who loves her quiet island life, and Albie, a newcomer who struggles to fit in. As the two explore the island and its mysteries together, they slowly learn to understand each other and themselves. One of the best things about the book is Balen’s descriptive writing. The sea, puffins, storms, and wild landscapes are described so vividly that the island feels alive. The story also explores deeper themes such as change, loneliness, grief, and growing up, but in a way that is easy for younger readers to connect with. The relationship between Tilda and Albie feels realistic and heartfelt. Their friendship develops slowly, making the story more believable and emotional. The mysterious “ghostlines” and the forbidden island add tension and adventure, keeping the reader interested throughout. At times, the story moves quite slowly, especially in the middle, and some readers may find the reflective writing style a little too detailed. However, the emotional depth and strong atmosphere make up for this. Overall, Ghostlines is a touching and thoughtful novel that mixes adventure with emotion. It is perfect for readers who enjoy nature, friendship stories, and beautifully crafted writing.

Fateha

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

Personally, I loved the choice of words in this book. all the metaphors and similes were really beautiful. However, the characterization could have been more original, and the plot could've had a better climax. Overall I loved the writing but the plot could've been better.

Tesla

CSGS Page Turners 26

This book was quite good, i think it explored how that not everyone does not see things the same way, and i loved the twist with rowan. Also, the writing style reminds me of the shatter me series writing and I felt it showed what was happening inside her brain. This was my second favorite after boy i love.

Zoe

County Shadows

The book was really enjoyable to read. It was easy to get interested in and I particularly loved the mystery of what happened to Rowan and who he was in the beginning of the book. Also, i enjoyed how Tilda came to understand why Rowan did what he did.

Chloe

GreatB00ks

In this book, I liked the message that change can be a good thing if you believe it can be. The shorter chapters made it easier to read it quickly and more often.

Martha

The SBSJs

I loved the themes of feminism and representation of disability

Martha

The SBSJs

Ghostlines is a really lovely story about Tilda's life on a remote(ish) island. Throughout the book there are themes of difficult feelings of abandonment and characters feeling quite tragically misunderstood - while this is great for building empathy for younger readers, I think that many older reading may find some of it a little over-hammed. The imagery of the different sea canoe designs among the group of friends made enjoyable reading, along with picturesque descriptions of different areas of the island, however for most people, while being nice to read, I would think was quite unrelatable in regards to their experiences verses Tilda's. I enjoyed reading Ghostlines for the gentle story it is, but I would be hesitant to recommend it to most people over 11, as I didn't feel the story had much depth to it, whereas younger readers would probably find the adventurous angle to the story far more exciting.

Mrs Sirrelle

BFS Umbra

This is an amazing book. It's appropriate for all ages! I would highly recommend reading this. This is a great book for the reader who likes adventures, friendship etc. I would literally die for this book because I want to read it over and over again and feel like I am reading it for the first time. This book has lots of characters but my favourite is Tilda because I think I am adventurous just like her. this book is about a new boy, arriving to the island of Ayrie and trying to settle down even though he hates Ayrie and this is when Tilda stepped in to show the real beauty of Ayrie. So will Albie change his perspective of Ayrie and make his decision to stay there? This story is inspiring and nostalgic and it made me read faster just to see what happens next. We can learn a lot from Tilda as she takes dangerous risks. The thing that stood out most to me is accepting big, unwanted life changes and building trust in new friendships. Overall this book is absolutely amazing so I would 100% recommend you to read this!!

Prarthona

The Paragons

Ghostlines is a great book about adventure and I would recommend it to ages around nine years old

Theo B

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book, Ghostlines, is about exploring the theme of ‘friendship’, ‘belonging’, and ‘home’. The book starts off introducing the main character, Tilda, who is a girl living on the island of Ayrie where everything on the island is familiar. The island Tilda lives on is an island where there are Puffins, this leads to many tourists coming and going on the island for around half a year. When the tourists finally leave, Tilda feels more peaceful and calm. When the book starts, the tourists have finally all left. The boat from the mainland is back, bringing goods to the islanders. Surprisingly, the boat not only carried food, it also transported a boy and his mom. She tries to be friends with the new boy and to make him feel included, but that wasn't going to plan. The new boy is the complete opposite of what Tilda is. Everything Tilda is interested in, Albie hates. After countless attempts, Tilda is left with one last idea. She’s going to take Albie to the secret island where no one is allowed to go. Apparently that place is haunted. Their trip to the island changed Tilda’s view of Albie completely.

Bonnie

The Lotus Readers

The book “Ghostlines” by Katya Balen explores the theme of friendship, empathy and belonging. The story is written from the perspective of the main character Tilda, a 12 years old girl living on the island of Ayrie. She is presented as wild and fierce but also vulnerable as she carries the weight of guilt and loss. I found the book interesting because Balen uses two contrasting characters, Tilda who lives on the island and Albie, a newcomer from the mainland, to explore the emotional complexities of acceptance and friendship. Their different perspectives of home allows the reader to resonate with both characters, making the book more relatable. Another part of the book I liked is the use of descriptive languages to illustrate vivid settings on the island. It helped me visualize the setting vividly and experience a deeper level of emotional resonance. Overall, the book is very compelling because it balances the theme of nature but also empathy and belonging.

Sua

The Lotus Readers

Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda living on an island called Ayrie. The plot starts when a new boy called Albie arrives and he doesn't like Ayrie that much until Tilda offers to show him to the island everyone believes is haunted and ghosts live there. I liked how the author immediately set the cosy cottage vibe but also a subtly eerie and creepy vibe as-well. However, there were somethings I didn't like. I didn't like how Tilda was too attached to her brother, Rowan, and honestly felt like the only thing that Tilda thought about when she wasn't showing Albie around. I also didn't like how for the first 90 pages or so, Tilda offered Albie to show him around, Albie refuses, Tilda walks away angry. I also felt like their friendship developed too quickly. Finally, I didn't like the writing style as it felt reminiscent of a book written by a primary school student.

Leopold

The Perse Carnegians

Florence

Sandroyd Bookivores

Prarthona

The Paragons

Interesting book just slow to start. Albie was definitely a touchy subject as you could have empathy at times but at others you could be incredibly annoyed at this character. The main character definitely had an interesting plot as she was blaming/feeling grief for her brother leaving without really realising what was going on. I would rate this a 6/10 as again it was a slow start with almost no interesting content.

Joseph c

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thought Ghostlines was an amazing book, the best so far! My favourite thing about it was the balance between exiting and having a thoughtful and meaningful perspective with a great happy ending. I loved this book 11/10.

alfie c

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

"Ghostlines" by Katya Balen is an imaginative story that depicts a girl called Tilda, and a boy called Albie. The plot is mainly focused on a normal life, with a few, but small differences, that don't really make an impact. The plot didn't have any impactful, or thrilling events. The characters didn't have anything unique about them and there were many loose threads that were left, tangled within the story that could've been used to make the story more emotional. The sentence structure was made up of loads of "ands" which made the sentences the most annoying thing to read. Overall, it wasn't the best read and left a lot of key events unused. 3/10.

Elliott

Hope Valley Literati

I really loved this book as it was very adventurous and fun because I loved learning about island life. I would definitely recommend it to 9- 13 year old. I would rate it an 8/10 for it's good nature and personality.

Sophie

Orpington Library Younger Teens Group

This book was very lovely, it was a bit emotional but was so heart whelming

Maliha

BAS Reading Champions

This was a great book and my most favourite book amongst the Carnegie books .The book was magical and the description of the places was really amazing and made me feel the book .It was a perfect adventurous story. I think the main characters are a bit young. Anyways this was a great book and was my favourite. This was an incredible and a wonderful book in my opinion.

Priyanila

The Wells Readers

My review is that was very nice featuring friendship and adventure, I mean this book wasn't too bad but if I had to rate it a 5.7/10.

Miracle

The Wells Readers

This book has lots of memorable parts like when Albie went to the secret island to try and save the puffins and when Albie got punched in the face. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I think it should earn the Carnegie Medal.

Lucas

The Wells Readers

Loved it, great book and story telling.

Dorothy

SDG Reads

I did not love ghost lines. The writing was great and it was quite interesting but it didn’t keep me engaged the whole time. I think if you have an interest in ghosts and easier reads this is the book for you. However, I did like the tackling bias views.

Blaise

Bookwizards

good book lots of detail. i liked how Albie was a sort of shy character at the start but really adventurous and extravagant towards the end. I'm not a huge fan of throwing up so i didn't enjoy reading that part. also i didn't really feel that the puff release was that big in the story, i sort of felt that the island was way more dominant . suggest this book for 9+ 6.5/10

Olivia

Stratton shadowers

Ghostlines was alright. I liked the book, but I have read better ones. I liked the part where Rowan comes back and the parts where they visit the island, but other than that, the book was a bit boring. Overall, I liked this book.

Hamzah S

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an exquisite, atmospheric middle-grade novel that beautifully explores the complex nature of grief, belonging, and the healing power of the wilderness. Set on the rugged, wave-battered island of Ayrie, the story follows twelve-year-old Tilda, who desperately loves her isolated home, and Albie, a resentful city boy uprooted and forced into her small community. To prove the island's magic to him, Tilda makes a reckless decision to boat across to a forbidden island steeped in ghostly myths, only to find that the most painful hauntings are the emotional "ghostlines" left behind by her estranged older brother. Written in Balen’s signature lyrical and immersive prose, the book moves at a gentle, thoughtful pace, transforming the wild coastal environment into a living mirror for human emotion. Perfect for readers aged eight and older, it is a deeply moving, five-star masterpiece about navigating change and finding connection in the wake of loss.

Angel

St Angela’s Reading Angels

This was a great book with an interesting story line. I liked how you don't know why Rowan, her brother, has left until the very end and how all you get it little hints to why. For me this made the story more interesting and made me not want to put it down. I liked how the book addressed the feeling of being an outsider from multiple points of view including what it is like to be the outsider or what people see when they look at the outsider. I liked how there were hints about the outsiders' life before he came but we don't know why he left until the end. This technique of delaying an idea is expertly incorporated throughout the story making it impossible to put down. Overall a great book although the language was a bit young for me it was still an enjoyable read.

Kate

Diary of a Wally Kid

This book is SO good!!!!!!!!! “Ghostlines” is a sweet tale of a young girl called Tilda who lives on the small island of Ayrie, where everyone knows everyone and nothing really changes. However, her perfect island is disturbed when the new boy, Albie, arrives. Every thing Tilda loves about Ayrie, Albie hates. He despises the beautiful peace and quiet, the isolation of nature, even the wildness of the island that she shares every day! When Tila is given the job of showing Albie around Ayrie she feels like all hope is lost. Except she has one last idea. She will take Albie to the secret island. The one that’s forbidden from all Ayrie kids to explore. The one that’s haunted. And what they find there changes them forever... My favourite part of this book was the ending, as it was so heart-warming and sweet. The emotions and characters felt very realistic, and they helped to tell the story. My favourite character was Tilda as reminds me of me as she is very curios and kind. She is very adventurous and courageous and always ready to help someone whatever the situation. I like Katya Balen’s style of writing because it gave me this grip to keep reading, like it was some sort of curse that I couldn’t break. I just kept reading and reading and couldn’t stop! I wish this book was part of a series as I was disappointed when it was over. I would recommend this book to people who like reading adventure stories. Overall, I loved this book, and I will be reading more of Katya Balen’s books soon. 😊

Gwen

Vista Academy Littleport

Ghostlines is a mysterious and emotional story filled with adventure and suspense. I enjoyed the island setting and the way the characters’ friendships developed throughout the book. The story was engaging and meaningful, making it a memorable read.

Shalini

Lostock High Readers

Ghostlines was not a book I was really looking forward to reading, and it did take me half a book to get into it, but once I did, I actually began to appreciate it. Its writing style was very believable as a young girl, and i found the way of doing speech cool and unique. But one thing I didn't find believable was how the beloved, kind, loyal big brother didn't even try to reply to her messages. I understand that he 'didn't know what to say', but honestly, I think that in real life he would have at least said something, even if it was inadequate. However, this is just my opinion, and i know he had a lot of teenage angst going on. All in all, this wasn't my favourite book (though it is probably in the top 3 so far) but it had its moments, and i enjoyed Tilda's journey. 3 stars.

Arianne

The High Storrs Shadows

this was a very good book and the overall story was capturing it definetly showed the diffrences between the main two charecters and how they were brought up. I liked how easy it was to read and pick up on when you read it. The only thing i didnt like was that it took a while to get to the climax but when i did it was very good.

Lily

THS Book Crew

This book is such a heart warming book. Demonstrating the struggle of immigrating and emigrating from one place to another. The main character Tilba is someone who I love, she is not perfect but she strives every single day to be

valerie

Redhill Reviewers

9/10 it was very good but i wish they would have explored a little bit more about the place.

jaanavi

BAS Reading Champions

I really enjoyed reading this book. I read a chapter or two to my mum most nights and we always wished we had time to read more! It was calming to read but also exciting at the same time and I was really pleased with the happy ending.

Sofia

Sale High Readers

I love this book so much! It drove me on a path of spirituality and I felt an even stronger connection to the ocean as I read.

Stevie

SDG Reads

I really enjoyed this book, it showed a sense of freedom and childhood and growing up all through one book. I love the fact that we were kept in secrecy about who the character Rowan was until the very end and I think that really helped us feel for Tilda and the sense of missing him. Ghostlines is about two young children who become friends and go on an adventure together, I found the book interesting and you can clearly see life from a young child's point of view. I think the book could be better if we heard a bit more of Albies life on the main land and on the island itself but other than that I think it was a wonderful book.

Jemima

Tractors

Ghostlines is a very good book which i really enjoyed. I felt the ending was very unexpected but good all the same

emily

Carnegivores

I really enjoyed this book! I found Tilda a loveable and interesting character and paired up with Albie really made the cutest friendship! Although I loved the book in the sense of the plot and characters, I found the use of full stops far to little. Other than that I would really recommend this book to people slightly younger than me. The writing style was vibrant and colourful, making the book feel all the more real, and I found myself getting quite attached to the characters. In conclusion I really enjoyed this book and will probably recommend it to a few people I know!

Cassia

Diary of a Wally Kid

Ghostlines was a book wrapped up in mystery. It represented the feeling of being an outcast and the uncertainty of not fitting in. This book emphasized the way young children feel when they are presented with something new ; some are inviting whilst some just want to go back to how they were. In addition to this, it also showed the way children react to someone leaving or separation as a kind of grief and as a sinking feeling. The book was set extremely well and I could defiantly picture everything crystal clear. In my opinion I recommend this book to those who relate to just wanting to "go back home". As well as this, I believe anyone should be able to read this book if wanted.

Kat

Waddesdon Shadowers 26

I have found this book really interesting and pretty easy to keep track in most parts of the books and i like the suspense in it and mysterious.

Roxie

Waddesdon Shadowers 26

The main plot line is quite interesting, and I was drawn in by the unique setting. My favourite part was Kayla and her friend going to the island and setting up a camp together. I was surprised when it was revealed that other generations went to the island, especially since during the whole book, it was said that everyone wasn't allowed to go to the island. However, the writing style made it harder to read, especially with the repetition of "and". Overall, I would give it a 4/5.

Rheanna

Herschel Shadows

This book was quite good, I felt that Tilda had a bubbling personality which perfectly contrasted with Albee, I do think that them being able to take a kayak and go all around the Island whenever they want sounded that convincing, and the font when people speak really annoys me and makes it feel like they’re constantly whispering I give it 7/10

Clodagh

Sullivan Shadowers

Ghostlines is a very captivating book that entices you and bribes you to read more. It has a wonderful story and is quite sad at the start because you think... (edited to prevent spoilers). I think this is a beautiful finishing and it is definitely a must read novel.

Amaru

SCD Pageturners

This is quite a nice book about Tilda and her fear of separation between people she cares about, and Albie shows that if you give things a chance you'll see that it isn't so bad after all. I liked the reunion of Rowan and Tilda, and I also liked the puffins.

Freya

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

Very good story, I really enjoyed reading it. However, I was not fond of how the italics were used.

Amna

JGHS Carnegie Reading Group

This book is about a girl and her dog (Tilda and Moses) attempting to help a new boy settle into life on the small island of Ayrie. The new boy (Albie) comes from the mainland, and misses everything about it. He does not want to be stuck on a remote island away from his friends. So Tilda offers to take him to a forbidden island a boat ride away. I really enjoyed Katya Balen's storytelling, especially her descriptions of life on a small island and Davy's sad story. Her language is like reading a poem. My favourite character was Albie, because I think I relate to him - going to a new place and just wishing you could go home, until you make new friends. I also like how much he cares about the baby puffins. I would recommend this book to people who like adventure and miss home.

Theo

The WH shadowers

Kaya Balen has such a beautiful, unique voice and can create characters that feel so real, and that is part of what makes her one of my favourite authors. This book was so thoughtful, and the descriptions of the island and the hills really resonated with me. I loved the characters as well, and I thought the whole book was brilliant.

Martha

IVC Readers

I enjoyed Ghostlines because of the detail when all of the beautiful scenery of the island Ayrie was described so you feel like you are there yourself. I like how the whole story is from Tilda's point of view because she tells you a lot about herself and where she lives so you can really understand and enjoy the book Ghostlines. It is interesting to learn that even when Tilda and Albie are complete opposites in personalities at the start of the book they learn new ideas and ways of thinking from each other and this makes them become even better friends. An amazing story about friendship and adventure.

Olivia

Bassingbourn Readers

Ghostlines is a wonderful adventure filled novel about family, friendship and secrets. On the island of Ayrie, nothing changes and everyone knows each other. Nothing was different until Albie came. He hated the island because how isolated it was, but Tilda was determined to make Albie like the island of Ayrie, so she took him to the secret island (the one that's forbidden for Ayrie kids to explore) and what they see there, will never be unseen. It will change them forever. My favourite character is Tilda because of her bravery and kindness. I love the theme of the novel as it is all about friendship and finding your way in life. I would rate this book an 8/10; I would recommend this book for 9-12 year olds as it is full of fun and adventure.

Emily

The Shady Bookhounds

I really like this book because it explores kind of vintage things but modern things as well I really recommend this book

saharsh

Carmel Shadowers

Although this book was exciting, I think that the author could have added humour and make it more frightening.

Saeed

SHLA Carnegies Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is a lovely well written book; it tells the intricate story of Tilda and Albie on the island of Ayrie where everybody knows everyone but nobody knows Albie and his ma. Tilda reaches out to become friends with him. At first, he refuses but she is persistent. What seals the deal was when they go to an island which is said to be haunted. Thankfully, it brings them closer together. After they went to the island, during an unforgiving storm, Tilda gets hurt. Her brother comes from the main land to see her. It is a lovely thoughtful lesson about bridges in family being rebuilt. I would rate this book a 5/5. I would recommend this book to 7 to 13 year olds

aurora

Larkmead

The book Ghostlines if a very thrilling story and its fully packed with adventure. This book involves making friendships, braving dangers and resilience. It start of when a boy called Albie moves from the main land and tries to fit into the community with the help of Tilda who was born there. When they become friends they decide to go to a haunted island at night and that's when Tilda realises if Albie is going to stay at the island at all.

James

Bookwizards

Ghostlines is a book about Tilda, who knows and loves everything about the tiny island named Ayrie that she calls home. Famous for its puffins, the last of the visitors are leaving when he comes off the boat. Albie. A boy from the mainland, who determinedly hates everything about Ayrie, the sea caves and the fairy pools, the hidden gifts, the same few people who live there. When Tilda is forced to tour Albie around the island, his increasing disdain of the place she loves starts to frustrate her. She might’ve given up, if it wasn’t for Rowan. Rowan. Her fun, playful, musical, amazing big brother. Tilda and Rowan used to be so close, and he too, loved Ayrie. But as he turned 17, it all started changing. He didn’t want Tilda hanging out with him. He stopped playing songs for her on his guitar. Then he left. To the mainland. Desperate to at least make SOMEONE fall in love with the island, Tilda decides to take him to the ghost island. The haunted one. They slowly become friends, and Tilda starts to heal. But one night, after rescuing some stranded puffins, Albie worries for them in the storm, desperate to shelter them. He takes them to the haunted island. In the dark, Tilda has no hope of finding him, and the island, without breaking her boat. But then she sees the Ghostlines; trails of boats before, glowing in the ocean. The book symbolizes friendship, leaving, and people changing. Overall, I loved this book, though the blurb was a bit misleading.

Maria

The Perse Carnegians

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is about Tilda, who lives on a small island and finds it hard when a new boy arrives and they end up going on an adventure and learning about friendship and belonging. I really liked this book because it feels emotional but also a bit exciting and the island setting is really nice to imagine.

Hannah

Vista Academy Littleport

A thought provoking and intriguing story about the complex nature of human emotions and sense of belonging. A boy arrives on the island of Ayrie with feelings of disconnect, anger and resistance. These heavy feelings are gradually shed when the protagonist, Tilda, serves as a vehicle to cultivate a sense of belonging and connectivity. Balen has explored this complex theme through amazing storytelling. I felt emotions of curiosity and trepidation whilst reading this gripping story. The lingering question of whether the boy will choose to stay or leave gives the book a powerful ending. A tale for those who have a predilection for intricate human emotions.

Fareed

The SGS Book Bandits

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an exciting book about a girl called Tilda who has been told to show the new boy called Albie around Ayrie, his new island home. Ghostlines keeps you wanting to find out what will happen next and if everyone will find the place where they feel like they belong. This book shows true passion for friendship and a sense of what is right. I would recommend this book to readers aged 7+ as a kind, adventure book.

Annabelle

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines is really good at setting the scenery of the island and the suspense in it makes you want to keep reading. The characters are really easy to relate to making you imagine them better, I really enjoyed this book.

Niamh

Waddesdon Shadowers 26

I really enjoyed reading Ghostlines. This is because I liked the idea of it being set on a remote island where everyone knows each other. I really liked Tilda's determination to make Albie like Ayrie.

Iliana

Redhill Reviewers

Ghostlines is an amazing book. It talks about a girl and how a new boy came to the island to stay. I recommend this book to people who love trying new things. I didn't finish it because it was not for me. 4 stars!

Armani

Redhill Reviewers

Ghostlines is about a new boy who arrives on the island of Eyrie. So Tilda has to show him around and tries to make him like the island. I really liked this book because it shows you what happens on a small island and how some people like that and some people don't. I think that is was elongated - some chapters could have been paragraphs or even sentences. 3 out of 5 stars.

Ava

Montsaye Shadow Readers

Ghostline is an interesting and adventurous story that immediately caught my attention. The main character, Tilda is zealous and enthusiastic which makes her very enjoyable to read about. From the beginning of the novel, her curiosity and excitement about her island make the setting feel vivid and alive. I especially liked how determined she was to make Albie feel welcome when he first arrived on the island. Even though Albie seemed quiet and uninterested first, Tilda never gave up on trying to show him around and help him feel included. Overall, I found the book engaging because of its adventurous plot and Tilda’s enthusiasm and bravery that make her character easy to admire.

SiYeon

The Lotus Readers

Great book but took a while to build up to anything and went on a slow start. I would definitely recommend it to others though!

Ethan

TBGS READERS

I think ghostlines is a wonderful book. The story is very interesting, told through the eyes of Tilda, a girl who lives on Ayrie - a Scottish island with a small population. The book starts with Albie, a boy from the mainland, arriving on the island and finding it hard to fit in. He develops throughout the book and becomes more and more accustomed to the island, eventually accepting that the island can offer just as much as the mainland can, just in different ways. The characters are some of the most clear and unique of all the books on the shortlist this year, they really felt like real people and that's what I think made reading this book so enjoyable. The community of Ayrie also reminds me of my primary school where there where 60~ students, 2 years per class (rather than 2 classes per year like at most primary schools) and everyone knew everyone. The story manages to maintain a clear flow without being predictable and builds up pace without having a boring start. A truly gripping read. I loved it.

Ivo

The Shady Bookhounds

Ghost lines is a brilliant book, with incredible imagery, to match an incredible setting. Set on a Scottish island, the isle of Eyrie, the unique setting vastly increasing to the appeal of the book. A great adventure story, only betrayed by the slightly soppy ending.

Ben

TBGS READERS

This book is very good with lots of twists

Blue Cover

HAEC Books and Biscuits Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book as I found it really descriptive and the story line works really well. The book shows a boy coming into a new place and at first it seems like his entire life is being taken away from him. He befriends Tilda and eventually he starts to feel at home on this brand new island. They have adventures together and soon they both start to realise that home doesn't have to be just one place. This shows us that sometimes change can be scary but you will start to enjoy it if you give it a chance

Hannah

Esher High

Full of adventure and mystery the ghost story had me scared about what would happen next the description was amazing it made me feel like I was there and spying on them i liked the danger element of the story as well the book was so interesting I had trouble putting it down it was a wonderful adventure

Ellie

Ms Dodd’s Carnegie Team

Ghostlines was a fun, short adventurous book. I enjoyed the childish adventures and the images it creates it your mind. I think it was a fun, short book. However, the ending could have had more depth to it, and for me, it was a book for a younger reader as it wasn't thrilling or scary. On the whole, it was a wholesome book but, it was trying to hard to be emotional, and it focuses too much on a child trying to do the things that wasn't their problem.

Ella

Redhill Readers

I liked the secrets of both islands, all the adventures you could have on them but my favourite bit was the Puffin Night

Beatrice

Cottingham High School

A heart-warming and glorious read! I love the way this book is written as the repetition of 'and' really highlights Tilda's love, eagerness and naivety towards Ayrie, her family and the mainland. I loved the imagery of Ayrie and the secret ghost Island of Alda. A relational depiction of 'new people' coming into your circle and having to navigate your differences. The description of the storm and the build up of tension when Albie goes missing was great. So pleased we had a happy ending. The secret of Rowan was a great thread throughout. Would highly recommend to ages 10-13 year olds. 5/5 stars.

Fiona

The Carnegie Coast Readers

Ghostlines is a story about belonging, family and identity. It's an adventurous book, and I really liked it. The main characters, Tilda and Albie, didn't get along well at the start, but they became friends by the end. The island of Ayrie seemed really magical. I really enjoyed this book and I will give it a 5/5.

Adidev

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I found it quite a good book, I think it was targeted towards people who like people who fight for their home. It was interesting how the young girl tries to persuade a newcomer to like her home and for them to stay. Maybe there could be a prequel to show what happened to Rowan.

Teddy

Cake a Book Club

A pleasant read, but unfortunately lacked the character and substance to really stand out. The plot was barebones, with little character development and an ending that was almost predictable to the point of annoyance. However, I'm still glad I read it due to its wholesome atmosphere.

Matthew

Talking Books

Je'lescia

Core Jewellery Group

I found Ghostlines quite nice throughout and I loved the relationship between Tilda and Albie. I also enjoyed how Ayrie and Albies relationship changed throughout the novel. Overall I enjoyed the book and I would give it a 7/10 and I also enjoyed the character development throughout

jack a

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book was really empowering, The adventure for the two kids that didn't get off to a good start to being friends has taught me to try and persevere. Rowan sounds like the big brother I will never have. The island of Ayrie sounds like a magical place filled with wildlife and fun. I loved the plot and the short chapters. Moses is a lovely dog filled with kindness and laughter. The book overall was a gentle read and was calming. It was a good book however it wasn't my favorite.

Lilah

Ousedale Olney

I enjoyed the way the author presented the way of a new boy settling in to his new home on a faraway island.

Albert

Carnegivores

The book “Ghostlines” by Katya Balen is about a girl named Tilda who is trying to convince a boy who came from the mainland to stay and love Ayrie. His name is Albie. Albie is very skeptical at first and does not like the way people live on Ayrie at all. He doesn't like the way things are and likes the mainland much better because that’s where he grew up. Tilda is tasked with trying to make Albie love Ayrie, which poses an extremely difficult task. In the end, Tilda takes Albie to a haunted and prohibited island near Ayrie as her final resort. This works, and Albie slowly gets more excited about going to the island, and his love for the island gradually increases. This book should be read for people who like adventure stories and for people who are in middle school, as it doesn't have too difficult language in it.

ZeRui

The Lotus Readers

The novel book “Ghostlines” written by Katya Baten is about a young girl named Tilda feeling grief about her older brother who left for the mainland last summer. Tilda loves her free life on the island of Ayrie. This book has the perspective of a quiet, lonely boy missing the city life adapting to change as a newcomer, Albie, moves to Ayrie after living his whole life on the mainland in a big city where no one knows each other. Tilda tries her best in making Albie love this island as much as she does but the amount of places that she has taken him, he isn’t interested. The friendship between Tilda and Albie grows stronger and stronger as they begin to know more about each other. Albie's attitude only begins to soften when he is taken to a dangerous, forbidden, and "haunted" neighboring island. I would recommend this book to readers in middle school or who enjoy nature based adventures.

Alyssa

The Lotus Readers

Ghostlines is an adventure story in which the main character, Tilda, tries to convince Albie (the new boy) to like Ayrie Island, where she lives. Her quest leads her to the forbidden island, which they name Alda Isle. It was a gripping read, and I enjoyed the suspenseful, terrifying atmosphere on the 'haunted' island. I liked the author's descriptions of the scenery, and I felt as if I was really there. The book has an important message – make sure to be empathetic and try to accept other people's decisions, which is displayed brilliantly in the heart-warming ending. Overall, of the books I've read so far for the Carnegies, Ghostlines is one of my favourites and I really enjoyed it.

Louis

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines was a really sweet book. I loved the relationship between Tilda and Albie, and I thought the way Albie slowly began to like Ayrie was incredibly well written. I loved the descriptions and the ending was great. I would definitely recommend this to younger readers. 10/10!

Emily

The Broxbourne Readers

An interesting story about the love of family, loss and the power of bonds between friends and siblings. The vivid descriptions were relayed in a wonderful way that wove into the storyline, so the setting very much added to the plot rather than taking away from it. Quite a heartfelt, sincere story. I would give this one 4/5 stars.

Sadia Sahi

Herschel Shadows

I really enjoyed Ghostlines as it had a well built story and characters. I enjoyed the world building and the descriptions of the landscape. Overall nothing else to say 9/10

William S

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is a gentle, emotional story about a girl named Tilda who loves her small island home more than anything. She knows every cliff, every puffin, and every wave, and the island makes her feel safe, especially after losing her brother Rowan. When a new boy called Albie moves to the island, he feels lonely and misses his old home, and Tilda tries hard to make him like the island too. Their friendship slowly grows, especially when they decide to explore a nearby island that everyone says is dangerous and haunted. This adventure helps them understand each other better and face the sad feelings they’ve both been carrying. The book uses simple but beautiful language to show how nature, friendship, and memories can help people heal, and how “home” is not just a place, but a feeling of being understood and cared for. I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend this.

Fatima

BAS Reading Champions

"Ghostlines" by Katya Balen is a story about a young girl (Tilda) who lives on an island in Scotland and enjoys everything about it, when a young boy (Albie) comes to live there too and struggles with the change of environment. The plotline itself was quite slow but it worked really well with the way that Tilda's internal dialogue was written - very fast paced and using a LOT of connectives - to reflect the way younger children speak and explain their ideas to others. I also enjoyed the way that Tilda had her own ideas, opinions and feelings about more "grown up" topics such as her brother leaving the island and the way that Balen described those more conplicated emotions. I would definately reccomend this book to EVERYONE that likes adventure stories with epic emotional storylines that aren't too upsetting.

Kristina

The Laureate League

I disliked this book. The first off-putting thing for me was the writing. I unfortunately am very particular about certain things, and one of them is the way books are written. In Ghostlines, sentences are often a paragraph long or follow the same structure every time. This made it hard for me to follow the book and enjoy the metaphors - although the ones I did manage to spot were very creative. Despite the title of the book being 'Ghostlines', very little was said about them; I feel like they came out of seemingly nowhere. Perhaps this book would've appealed to me more if the ending didn't feel rushed or incomplete. I did however like the message Albie gave Tilda: to listen to people's problems instead of trying to come up with solutions.

rida

HGS Book Club

Ghostlines is an enjoyable read about a girl who shows around a visitor to her home island, determined to make him stay since her brother didn't. I liked Tilda's developing relationship with Albie. I also liked the ending of how Rowan came back and found it heartwarming. Katya's use of ands and rambling on the sentences was particularly effective with a young main charecter. However, I found the book hard to get into and I was almost forcing myself to read. However I whizzed past the second half in two days. I enjoyed the ending and found everything wrapped up nicely. 2.95/5

Emaan

Carnegie Shadow Judges MEAC

I rather enjoyed this book , it wasn't my favourite of the Carnegies but I found it a good read. Because the main character was a bit younger than me I couldn't get with the story at points, as well as the fact that I have no older siblings. But I really enjoyed the fantasy, the escapism from the internet and phones in this book and the storyline of her brother and him leaving. I feel like I wanted more with the ghost island as it felt a little underwhelming to me. But I would definately recommend this book.

Betty

CSGS Page Turners 26

I preferred this book to other Carnegies that I have read. I liked how it showed how change can be scary but how Albie handled it well and in the end helped the puffins. I also loved how Rowan came back and I had predicted it from the start. One thing i will say is that the author used the word "and" a lot, witch ended up making some sentences nearly a page long. I don't know if this was intentional, but it got quite repetitive towards the end.

Connor F

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found this book to be VERY boring. I was stuck between Ghostlines and Birdie for the WORST book of the shortlist. There was almost nothing about "ghostlines" and i just didn't like the characters very much. At least it was a short story just like this review. 2/10

Elliott.H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

It is a good book about a girl living on an island away from a mainland. The plot seems good and has many possibilities.

Ruby w

The Chapter Chasers

'Ghostlines' is about a new boy who arrives on the island of Ayrie and Tilda who needs to make him love it. I really liked this book. It touches on how people deal with grief and losing people. It also shows the difficulty of moving house and not belonging. I would definitely recommend this book. I award it 3 out of 5 stars.

Olivia

Montsaye Shadow Readers

Olivia

Montsaye Shadow Readers

Ghostlines is a story about belonging, family and identity – linked to the past and the present. We all have ghostlines – those memories, passed-down tales and connections to people and places. The book itself has this ethereal element that’s woven into every chapter, every line, every word. Ghostlines is a beautiful story where the author tries to make readers connect with the struggles of trying to fit into new situations or befriending a newcomer. The use of contrasting characters, representing the struggle that we as humans still go through today that stops us from trying to connect with people that differ from us, enhances the book and Tilda’s human struggle. It gives the characters and book humanity, and it helps readers relate to and attach to the characters in Ghostlines. It really emphasises the importance of connection, camaraderie, and friendship in daily human life. I enjoyed reading this book; however, there were moments where wording was rather confusing, causing readers to question what Rowan’s relationship was to Tilda. Ultimately I enjoyed reading this book, and I think others would too.

Hoang

The Lotus Readers

I have read many amazing books by Katya Balen, and this one did not disappoint. I loved the mystery surrounding her brother’s disappearance and Tilda’s determination to teach Albie to love the island. Although the ending felt a little unrealistic, I still found it to be a heartwarming story that deserved its place on the Carnegies shortlist. I think it is aimed at readers slightly younger than us, but it was still a great read!

Mackenzie

Rainbeau Readers

To say I liked this book would be lying. I absolutely loved it! The description made me feel as if I really was on Ayrie. The characters felt well introduced and realistic enough that you could relate to them without it breaking the magic of the book. If you ask me, then I would tell you it was a good balance of fairy-tale descriptions of the island’s scenery and gripping action scenes. In all honesty, I found it impossible to put this book down! To me, the idea of ‘following the ghostlines’ is genius and the way it was weaved in through the story equally amazing.

Nina

The Perse Carnegians

Ghostlines is an amazing novel that's both captivating and heartfelt! It tells the adventurous story of Tilda and Albie, exploring themes of friendship, family, and the bond we have with nature. I think it would really resonate with young readers who enjoy deep emotional stories. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone aged 9 and up

Andrea

CSGS Page Turners 26

I loved this book! I wasn’t too exited to read this as it was not something I would usually read but it turned out to be one of my favourites that I have read so far.

Ronan

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2025/26

Quite fun with a definite sense of thrill. Wonderful adventure away from the real world. Fantastic book that holds truth about friendship and kindness and love.

Aylin

CSGS Page Turners 26

Overall, I enjoyed this book because of it's genre which is is a mix of fanasy and realistic. This book is about a 10 year old girl who lives on the island of Arie near Scotland. She owns a dog called Moses who always goes on adventures with Tilda. Later in the book she and her new friend get into Tilda's new kayak and go to an island a little away, an island that children, or anyone can't go to. In conclusion, this book was a good hit and I would definitely want a older child to read it because it's about a real life island and has a very good story line.

Caitlyn-lily

Teen Book Club

I really enjoyed Ghostlines. The book is so adventurous and shows the natural beauty of the world. Katya Balen shows how hard it is when your family grows apart and how the absence of them is in every step you take. Ghostlines is so full of magic and mystery. The book has so many twists and turns that makes it so much more intriguing and fun to read. Overall Ghostlines is full of adventure and mystery that really lets the mind come to life with imagination.

jess

Diary of a Wally Kid

I love this book! In some books you don't feel you know the characters, but Katya Balen has lifted that veil. At some points, it feels a bit cliche, but the big twist at the end was worth the wait! I love the idea of an island sanctuary- highly reccomended!

Annabel Mycock

Esher High

I loved Ghostlines. It was a very relatable read and the main character, Tilda, was really lovable. I've read another book by the author, and obviously Balen did NOT disappoint! I loved the way it was written, with all its "and"s and continuous non-stop thought process. I loved the way it explored life on an island. Would recommend to those who love an adventure. Five stars!

Kayla

SCD Pageturners

I absolutely LOVED this book, the imagery pulled me in like no book I've read recently. I really felt like I grew up beside Tilda. The only thing is I thought that the story didn't link to the title "Ghostlines"- I appreciate that book titles are hard to come up with but the Ghostlines only appear a couple of times and Tilda didn't purse finding them again. This was a really nice change from the dystopian I usually read. A beautiful book about friendship and kindness 10/10

Klara

The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

This book is amazing, the ending was so sweet, i couldn't put the book down. It was so descriptive and i loved how the characters developed as the book went on instead of it just starting with everything, it had hidden bits that you could only find out by continuing the book. I don't think i have ever read a book as descriptive and un-put-down-able as this one, i could feel the emotions for all characters.

sunday

LaviShadow26

Very interesting, I love how the reader is introduced to the island at the same time as Albie.

Jamie

JGHS Carnegie Reading Group

I think this is a really good book because it's very heart-warming. It's also very descriptive, so I feel like I've been to the island as well. The only thing I don't like about this book is that the sentences are too long.

Anita

St George’s Dragon Readers

This is an amazing book that made me connect with the characters and made me really want to explore every inch of Ayrie for myself. The book asks a very interesting question: what happens if you're tasked with making friends with a stranger when you have only known the same 90 people your entire life? Turns out it is very difficult; nearly impossible actually, especially if they are homesick and had no say in being isolated on a small island. The book is a must read for those that love compelling tales of friendship and what it is like to feel suddenly uprooted from your life. Albie misses his friends; but Tilda makes sure that he makes new friends through her persistence and determination to make Albie love the place that she loves and values. I like the bits where Albie changed and started to love the Island, the puffins, and the people.

Toby

The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

I have enjoyed this book very much this showed adventure and fun my favorite part is her getting to know the mysterious boy. I really felt like i was there in the book this is a read i will read again and again. This was a really powerful statement saying who ever you are there will be someone helping you.

Imogen

Ousedale Olney

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a deeply engaging novel set on a remote Scottish island inhabited by puffins. The story follows the main character, Tilda, as she shows Albie, a newcomer to the island, its most fascinating and memorable locations. The narrative is so compelling that I would love to see Balen write a sequel. ​The story is a heartwarming journey centered on a young girl’s love for her home. As Tilda tries everything in her power to share that passion with Albie, they find themselves on a treacherous journey to a haunted island. I loved the emotional range of this novel—moving from the happiness of shared discovery to the terror of being stranded. There is also a gripping subplot involving Tilda’s brother, where unanswered texts leave her (and the reader) deeply concerned and intrigued about his fate. ​I highly recommend this book because of the intense emotions it evokes. It is a fantastic read that I could hardly put down.

Sydney

The Book Explorers

The fact that the book explores the theme of young people finding themselves. I personally believe that Tilda finds it interesting and disrupting that the new boy (Albie) has arrived on her 'peaceful island'. The fact that they have to go to a new island and they start to discover their past memories in an attempt to gain a bond with Albie shows how some teens may feel like they have to fully open up about their past before making friends.

diogo

Elms Shadowing 2026

I really liked the fantastical fantasy that the world is placed in and I was really submerged in the book because of how the sentences were phrased. For example the metaphor, boat's rope is burning fire. I overall would it 8/10.

Henrique

Elms Shadowing 2026

Although I did not finish the book, I believe that the expression of how relationships are forged and the contrast in their opinions, such as Tilda liking the quiet and wildness of Ayrie whereas Albie hates it, sets up such an interesting story of how they would inevitably grow closer throughout their journey, I really wish I could've finished the story, as it truly had me entranced in their tale.

Cole

Elms Shadowing 2026

'Ghostlines' by Katya Balen was a book about a girl who lives on a remote island and likes exploring the nature surrounding it. I found this book very hard to get into and for me it was a very slow start. But after halfway through the book picked up and it became a lot more interesting. I would recommend this book to people who like the genre adventure. I personally didn't enjoy the book so overall, I would rate this book a 2.5/5.

Lukshmi

CSGS Page Turners 26

Ghost lines is a book about finding a place for someone who doesn’t have one. The book is set on the island of Ayrie, and follows the story of Tilda, a girl who has lived there her whole life, and Albie, who has just moved there from the city. Tilda has a job to show Albie around and interest him in the area. When that fails, she takes him to the secret island. The one that is haunted. The one where kids are forbidden to go… It was a very good story, and had an interesting plot . I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in story’s about friendship and adventure.

Sandy

Larkmead

This book is more on the spookier side of books. I really enjoyed it when they thought that the green swirly thing was the ghost because it gave me a sense of excitement and nervousness at the same time. My least favourite part was when the boy kept rejecting the girl who wanted to help it was also nice when her brother came all the way from the mainland just to see his sister. My favourite character would probably be the dog because he was just really funny.

Linnea

Chapter Chats

The book is very hard to get into and used "and" too much. It felt there was no plot for the first half of the book and only got interested when they decided to go to the island. It felt like the book was trying to be a fantasy book but failing. 5.5/10 Slow read

George

Cleeve Carnegie

i like how in the book Tilda wants to make Albie feel welcome by showing him the magic of the island

Tamera

Dunraven

Ghostlines was a very interesting book and one of my favourites

Isla

Fullbrook Bookworms

I really enjoyed Ghostlines as it has a gripping and interesting story line with incredible characters.The story involves a young girl called Tilda who lives and grew up on the island and has never been to the mainland. She meets a boy called Albe who has just moved to the island. Albe is not particularly keen on making friends and can’t see the beauty of the island that Tilda can. Tilda can’t understand why he doesn’t like it but is determined to make him love the island in the same way she does. Ghostlines has key themes and ideas woven through the whole book creating links to the reader's message about friendship throughout. Furthermore, I love how Tilda perseveres to share the joy of the island with her new friend Albe. Katya Balen uses beautiful descriptive language to create a magical image of the island for the reader as well as amazing character development. I would highly recommend this book to all but especially those who enjoy adventure books. Overall, I think it is an amazing and inspiring book.

Hattie

Chiswick Carnegie

A well-written book, there were some excellent bits. I really disliked the beginning, as there's a lack of inverted commas and far too many "ands" at the beginning. However, as I continued to read the book, I noticed the "ands" less and less. The ending was a little bit unexpected. You can figure out the ending a bit from the climax, but it was still a bit unexpected. The biased narrator was what really made the book great. There were many parts that wouldn't have worked as well as they did with an omnipotent narrator, which just makes the book a little bit better. My personal favourite Carnegies book ever is "Little Bang"; this book falls just short of "Little Bang", so gets a 9.5/10.

Thomas

Hope Valley Literati

The contrast of a new boy coming to the island and the unfamiliarity with him and the island and the island with him and the attempts to grow into the island throughout the book is intriguing

Tristan

Horsham BOok HUNTers

The story follows a young girl who lives on a remote island, she spends her time exploring the wild coast and watching the birds, until she discovers an abandoned boat and the secrets it holds. This is a book about nature and solitude and finding the magic in the world around you. I really liked the beautiful and descriptive language the author used for the island and the ocean, it made me feel like I was actually there. I also enjoyed how the story felt mysterious and exciting when the boat was discovered. One thing I did not not like was that the book was rather short and I wanted to know more about what happened to the characters. Also, sometimes the pacing felt a bit slow - with a little too much description in places. Overall, it was a haunting and lovely story that makes you think - I would recommend it to other readers (5 stars *****).

Hooriya

Rockwood Reads

Ghostlines is a bright and comforting story, exploring the life of Tilda on her home island Ayrie. Her community is very close knit, everything is always a certain way and everyone knows everyone. Ayrie must navigate through guiding a newcomer around the island, trying to get hm to fall in love with the simple life, while also struggling to let go of her brother who decided to leave the island life behind. This book depicts themes of family, overcoming the fear of change/losing control and sends a powerful message: everyone is different, everyone lives will stem in different directions and that is ok, it doesn't mean the end, but instead a new chapter.

Taira

Chiswick Carnegie

This book is about a girl who lives on the island. I like this book because of the mystery and suspense - you never know what is going to happen next. I also like the sense of adventure Tilda gives when the book is told from Tilda's perspective. I would definitely recommend this book to others who like adventure books. I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Euan

Montsaye Shadow Readers

I originally liked the blurb because it buildup my curiosity before actually reading the book as it was mysterious. It took me 3 weeks to read the book. Tilda explores a forbidden island with a boy to befriend him. Dangerous adventures, fear and loss but they both confront it. The story explores adventures, friendship. Dealing with change and learning to understand. The most memorable moment was when they reached the island and realize how dangerous it is instead of being an “exiting adventure". I think the book is suited to younger kids of any gender. I like how their characters had a strong personality and some strong flaws that some kids might feel reflected by. As an older reader, I did not enjoy how it was written for a younger audience but this is not a flaw in the book itself. I would rate the book a 7/10 and would reccomend it to younger readers. I think it deserves a carnegie medal.

Evan Puyol

Gibraltar Carnegie Scholars

Ghostlines is an amazing book about adapting, community and home. Although I found it hard to get into, once Albie started getting involved I found it absolutely impossible to put down. It's definitely worth giving a chance. On the whole I think it is a beautiful book. Katya Balen described the island really well and the plot is very engaging.

Sara

Chiswick Carnegie

I thought Ghostlines was alright. Its story was short and only had one big part (them going to the island and finding their bond and the ghostlines). To be honest I found it boring at most parts but it did have some better parts that were more interesting.

Rafferty T

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines, by Katya Balen, is a book which talks about belonging, about how it isn't easy to settle in when everything changes, yet there'll be people to help make you feel like you belong. A feel-good story with some elements of angst, it's a good book to read if you're in the mood for some light reading! Would recommend!

Namish

4Shadowers

Katya Balen’s novel is a quietly powerful story set on a remote and isolated island, where everyday life is shaped by silence, sea, and distance. The plot follows a girl whose routine is disrupted when a new boy arrives, leading her to question long-held rumours about a forbidden nearby island said to be haunted. Rather than focusing on action, the story unfolds through atmosphere and discovery. The character development is subtle but effective, especially in the way the main character begins to shift from certainty to curiosity. Relationships feel realistic, showing how people can grow through small, unspoken moments. The setting is one of the strongest elements, with the island described in a way that feels both beautiful and slightly unsettling. The narrative is closely tied to the protagonist’s perspective, allowing the reader to experience uncertainty and emotion alongside her. Themes of isolation, memory, and imagination run throughout the novel, reflecting how easily people can project feelings onto empty spaces in the real world. I found the book deeply engaging and thought-provoking, especially in how it builds tension without relying on obvious supernatural moments. It left me wishing for just a few more subtle hints of the mysterious presence on the island, but that also adds to its strength. Overall, it is an insightful read that lingers in the mind long after finishing.

Maria

Euro Champs

I really enjoyed this book and it made me want to live on a little island as well. I love the suspense and how mentioning Rowan made the book more intriguing. However, I was a bit confused with the speech and dialogues as it wasn't what I'm normally used to. I also think that the paragraphs had too many 'ands', but I think that if it was broken up into more parts then it would be easier to read. But, it was an amazing book and I really liked the idea of the puffin island! :)

Nathania

St George’s Dragon Readers

Ghostlines is a book about a boy called Albie who has recently moved to the island of Ayrie (a magical island) and Tilda has to try get him to stay, but he seems to hate everything but a secret island that nobody is allowed on. I enjoyed this book because it was engaging and I wanted to read on, the book was also written well. The only thing bad about this book was that I didn't like the ending but other than that it was a really good book. Overall I would give it a 8.5/10.

Mason

The Fitzharrys Shadows

At first, I was reluctant to pick up the book and read because of its repetition of 'ands' and its long sentences which didn't have me hooked. Eventually, as I read on, I started to understand the plot bit by bit and I enjoyed the backstories. I think the book was well-written but would recommend for an 8-10 year olds. Good book though!

Diorelis

St Angela’s Reading Angels

The island of Ayrie sounds like a lovely place but Albie, the new boy, comes from the mainland and hates it there. Tilda takes it upon herself to convince him to stay and shares all the island’s secrets... and horror stories. I enjoyed Ghostlines because of the constant adventures and many details in this book. However, I am unsure of the title as the “ghostlines” are only mentioned twice in the book and I don’t think they hold much significance. A solid 9/10.

Henry

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines was truly such a sweet book, it was very relaxing and a nice breather. The characters were also well written I really did not like Tilda's character at times though as it felt like she was trying to fit everyone in her world but I really could see the characters in my head and I sort of had a connection to Albie and understood how he felt. I also loved the mystery of rowan throughout the book i believed it was great and kept me curious however when revealed i believe it was quite underwhelming and i wish there was some more hidden meaning or something more shocking.The pacing was well set and nothing felt too rushed but the storyline felt a bit lost at some points. It did feel quite boring at times mainly because it is a children's book and I am an older reader however would 100% recommend for those aged 9-10 I would give it a 6.5/10. A good classic.

Naomi

St Angela’s Reading Angels

Tilda lives on the island of Ayrie, one day after the visitors are gone, a new boy and his mum come to live on the island. Tilda wants to find about his story more so she comes and knocks on his door. But he doesn't seem very pleased with Tilda's gift. His mum and Tilda's mom are having a chat and want her to ' show him the ropes' . Their first day doesn't go too well , as Albie hates everything about the island and missing his friends back at mainland. In hopes to make Albie happy, Tilda offers him to go the haunted island. This makes Albie want to go more. They build a tent there and talk a lot more. Tilda tells him about her brother Rowan, and how he left the mainland. Then comes the night of where baby puffins are lost, Albie is awestruck by this. The next day he appears to be missing, and it was on a storm day. Tilda finds out her kayak is stolen. She finds Albie in the Island putting lights for the puffins. Tilda gets hurt, and is scared of the ghost. Albie treats the situation quite calmly. They get rescued and Tilda finally meets her brother. I liked this story as is had a interesting change of character with Albie, I would approve it to readers who want a good adventure with friendships being made.

mahiru

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines follow , Tilda a girl who loves her Island home . And Albie a newcomer who struggled to fit in . As their paths cross , a story slowly builds a sense of mystery and emotional tension beneath the surface . The book focuses more on atmosphere and feelings than actions with thoughtful writing and a slightly eerie edge . It’s a quiet reflective read about change , belonging and friendship- best for people who enjoy slower stories that leave lasting impressions.

Therrin

Vista Academy Littleport

I absolutely love this book. I love the plot. I love how Tilda and Albie have such a connection. I love how it doesn’t go too much in to ghosts. It was suspenseful when Moses ran off. I also love how it’s based in nature and everyone knows everyone. However, I felt bad for Albie when he felt like an outsider, until he didn’t! I love this book so much it’s a 5/5 book. I absolutely love and recommend it!

Aurora

Larkmead

When I first started Ghostlines I wasn't really that interested, but after a few chapters I loved it! I think the ending is really sweet and the whole secret island sounds amazing . I think the style of writing is quite long winded, there feels like a lot of "ands" but it was still good, just a bit different from what I was used to. That might just be me though! Anyway would recommend! (:

Nitalia

Weald Tonbridge

Tilda lives on Strike where Albie and his mum move to. Albie doesn't like the island and is angry about the move until they go to the forbidden island. During a storm Albie runs away to the island, where Tilda finds him after following the ghostlines (past boat routes) to arrive. I liked this book as I could follow it; it was suspenseful with adventure. My favourite part was when they were stranded on the island although it was disappointing that no-one suffered as they got themselves in a dangerous situation without consequence. I also liked the part of them letting the puffins fly off the island as it showed a time when Albie had found something he liked about Ayrie. The book was written in the present tense which was occasionally confusing but didn't affect most of the book. This book also resonates with teenagers who have had a struggle with moving or change as Albie was struggling after moving and a lot of change. Overall I think that this book was interesting and would recommend it to people who enjoy books about adventure and nature.

Lydia

Larkmead

'Ghostlines' is set on an island somewhere in England. The story follows Tilda as she plays in tree houses, explores haunted islands and grows as a person. The book has beautiful descriptions that creates vivid pictures of sweeping heather and glittering fairy pools. I would recommend it for readers ages 9+.

Anika

Euro Champs

At the start of the book it felt like a nature book but as I progressed through the book it got more exciting. An example is when Tilda and Albie went to the secret island during the storm and when Tilda gets injured, Albie nearly got killed trying to save Tilda. So this is the book for you if you like action and adventures.

Dillon

SWA Readers

I really liked this book as I loved the way the setting was described, and I had a very vivid picture of Ayrie in my head. I enjoyed the story. Initially I wasn’t a fan of the dialogue being in italics rather then speech marks, but I think it works with the style the book is written in.

Eleanor

The High Storrs Shadows

I think Ghostlines is a really good book even though it was a little hard to get into. It starts slow and I think it has a bit too many ands. But at the end I was so invested when I looked out the window I half expected there to be a full on storm. In total I would rate it a 6.8/10. keep on writing.

Arwen

Dunraven Carnegie

This book is wonderful and it made me feel like I was there with the characters exploring the island. It shows what it's like to make new friends in a place where you're new and don't know anyone.

Tabby

Skipton Shadows

It is a nice read but more designed for 9-10 aged children and has a very obvious plot. I did give up unfortunately!

Ella

The Mockingjays

I love this book! Ghostlines is a very warming story about a girl called Tilda (the protagonist) and a boy who moved to Ayrie (called Albie). The rising-action starts with Tilda agreeing to show Albie around the island but he hates every part of Ayrie. As a last chance they go to an isle just an hour's kayak away, that is told to be haunted. Albie loves it but it also turns out he really likes the puffins that attract the tourists in the summer. So when there is a problem with a storm and the puffins getting lost, Albie heads out into the storm to what he thinks will save them... The author is very good at writing a cracking book about people feeling as though they don't fit in, with the protagonist living away from the hustle and bustle of a city. The cover of the book is beautiful, whilst telling you a bit about the story but not giving too much away. I love the fact she includes Moses ( Tilda's dog who follows Tilda, doing everything she does). I think it's a lovely little touch. I rate this book a solid 8.5/10; the only reason it's not a 9.5 is I feel the end is a bit predictable. I believe this book is a winner from what I have read so far. The reason I believe this a winner is it very much reminds me of Katya Balen's previous Carnegie winner, October, October (one of my all time favourites).

James

Hope Valley Literati

Ghost lines was an beautifully descriptive story about life on the tight knit island called 'Ayrie'. I loved that it felt like there was a lot of backstory between all of the characters and that they knew each other well. I loved this because of her relationship with Albie and desperation to keep him on the island because she failed to do this with her brother. 9/10

Lilly

Kingdown Wilts

Katya Balen’s Ghostlines is an atmospheric middle-grade novel, set on the rugged island of Ayrie, which explores themes of growing up, complex emotions, and the definition of home. The story is noted for its balanced pacing and the evolving friendship between a city boy and an island native.

Zoey

St Angela’s Reading Angels

Ghostlines was a really good read. I loved the community aspect and I always wanted to go on to the next page or chapter. The layout was super easy to read and the cover was bright and noticeable. I really wish that this book had a series about them visiting more exclusive islands and the adventures it takes to get to each one. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that are scary and have plot twists.

BIBI

Diary of a Wally Kid

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is a novel which explores the story of Tilda, a girl living on a remote island, dealing with absence, belonging and relationships. I appreciated this book because it proposes an interesting perspective on life in a small and isolated community while addressing emotional themes such as loneliness and change. This enables us to feel closer to the characters, especially through the narrator’s personal and quite natural way of expressing her thoughts. Moreover, the descriptions were not too heavy, which made the setting easy to imagine and, in my opinion, quite immersive.However, I found the pacing rather slow, especially at the beginning. The lack of action made certain passages feel quite long and sometimes a bit tiring. In addition, some elements of the storyline seemed predictable, which reduced the overall impact of the plot.That being said, I found Rowan’s role particularly interesting, especially as the story progresses, as it contributes to a conclusion which is somewhat unexpected and not entirely happy, making it more realistic. Overall, I did enjoy reading this novel for the Carnegie, as it offers a calm and emotional experience, even though some aspects limited my full engagement with the book.

zoe

4Shadowers

Katya Balen wrote an amazing book about adapting, community and home. Although I found it hard to get into, once Albie started engaging I found it absolutely impossible to put down. It's definitely worth giving a chance. On the whole I think it is a beautiful book.

Sara

Chiswick Carnegie

I liked reading Ghostlines because I thought the setting and characters were very realistic and relatable. I also really liked the fact that Ayrie (the fictional island where the book is set) is separated from the mainland and the side plot with Tilda's brother. However, sometimes the plot got a little bit slow but, overall, it was a really well-written book and enjoyed reading it.

Alexandra

Chiswick Carnegie

Ghostlines was a really sweet story. I loved the setting of Ayrie and all the descriptions about it. It really made me feel as if I was there. I actually have happened to read this book before and I think I've enjoyed it more this time around because I could really understand the perspective of Albie who also is my favourite character. Now that it's been a while since I read it, I could notice new things and understand why Albie felt the way he did and acted the way he did. I think he was a really relatable character. I also think the writing style of the book fit the character of Tilda perfectly with the very long sentences and the multiple uses of the word 'and'. It made me get into the perspective of Tilda easier.

Valentina

Chiswick Carnegie

This was a heart warming story about finding your way, friendship and secrets shared that bring you and bind you together forever. When a friendless boy moves to Tilda's island,she is forced by her parents to be 'friendly' to him. She is determined however to show her island to the best light but he just isn't interested! So she takes him to the secret island. The island that somebody died on! Unwillingly, she finds herself getting weirdly friendly with him! But can Tilda pull herself together after Rowan... Can she hold it together when what she has come to hold most dear is snatched from her? Will she be able to face her fears and brave the Storm? Tilda was my favourite character because she is brave and willing to face her fears to help the boy. What she doesn't want to do all centers around Rowan but she must face her memories to move on. I would recommend this to people who love adventure stories and readers who are stuck in a rut and need to find ways to open up to new ideas and adventures. 10/10 amazing!!!

Sophia

The Shady Bookhounds

Ghostlines is a beautiful, heartfelt story of family, friendship, adventure, and, like so many other stories, loss. It is set on the island of Ayrie, a fictional land off the coast of Scotland (In fact, the name Ayrie is a play-on-words of aerie (or eyrie) which is a high-altitude nest, usually found up a tall tree or cliff). Ghostlines is about a young girl named Tilda, who has lived on Ayrie her whole life, and Albie, a boy of about Tilda’s age who has just moved to Ayrie from the mainland. Unfortunately, everything that Tilda loves about her island – the wildness, the freedom, and the fact that everyone knows each other – Albie hates. But Tilda isn’t going to give up on trying to make new-boy Albie fall in love with the island; she has an idea. She decides to take Albie to the secret island. The one she and all the children of Ayrie are forbidden to visit. The haunted one. The one that will change the pair forever… I loved the way that this book was laid out, I thought the short chapters set a good pace. I also liked how Tilda and Albie’s friendship developed throughout the novel, and how they went from hardly knowing each other to best friends. It was interesting to see how Albie’s reluctance to integrate into Ayrie’s community sparked Tilda’s determination to make him part of the island’s family.

Emma

Larkmead

I enjoyed this book and found the plot fun however I feel like there was a few things that did not make sense such as the getting to the island and then not being able to get back, however I feel like this book was a fun read that younger audiences would love but from an older perspective some things did not make sense. This book touches on themes such as Nature,Themes, Friendship, Community, Outsider, Adapting to change, Emotion and Home

Freida

Thomas Tallis Reads

Very good book. Not my favourite though. But it is very readable.

Natalie

BCS Book Squad

Imagine an island with only 51 people living normally on it and imagine knowing what everyone does every day. Then suddenly a new boy appears think of how exhilarating it would be. This is exactly what happens in Ghostlines. I think the book was exciting and really showed that life on a small island can be very difficult if you have moved from the mainland. And that sometimes you may not be happy with choices your parents make but if you give it a chance it might just be amazing. Do you like tales about leaning a new way of life? Then you really should read this book.

Owen

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Euan

Montsaye Shadow Readers

I loved Ghostlines. It was a beautiful, heart -stirring tapestry of the roaring , open wilderness, of gaping sea caves. Of an island wreathed in stories and living, breathing wild magic that runs through the veins of the land. The magic that speaks through half forgotten threads, tying us to the past with echoes of what once were and hopes of what will be. Whispered so quietly, only a ghost could hear. Whispered by souls cast adrift in a storm, like puffins churned by ever- changing winds. This book feels like a tapestry so vivid and strong I could reach out with my hands to touch every stitch. It made my heart ache with a yearning to belong within this wonderful, woven world. Not a tapestry hung on a wall but a tapestry of knotty roots in a forest and voices in the wind. A tapestry that holds a world on wings, as real as boat weaving through the waves, part of the song of the sea.

Maya

The Silver_tongues

The book seemed to offer an interesting view into another person's world. The characters were well-written and the book was calming and generally a nice book.

owen

Bramcote College Library

Ghostlines was really enjoyable for me because I felt like the storyline flowed quite nicely and was easy to dive back into compared to some of the other denser Carnegie reads. One thing in particular I loved was that although the island of Ayrie seems like quite a faraway world to me (I'm very jealous of it, from the friendly bonfires to the puffins to the sea kayaks to the fairy pools to the community pub nights to the rolling mountains), the way in which the story was written from Tilda's point of view made it seem realistic, while also having an adventure and climax that were exciting and nerve-building while also completely plausible. I think this also comes from how the book is written as if Tilda is actually talking to you, using very long sentences with lots of conjunctions and not many full stops, a technique not often used in literature but very common in conversation, making the story seem more intimate, somehow. Another thing I liked was the description, and how this didn't come too heavily so it didn't feel like a lot to take in, and instead was doled out in such a way that I could picture the scenes perfectly in my head without feeling overwhelmed by how the author wants me too see things, if you understand what I mean. I was intrigued by the different people, who once again were each given just the right amount of explanation as to their character and were referenced in such a way that we gained enough information that we needed to know about them at the same time as it not feeling like Tilda was actually telling somebody else about them and in comparison it felt like she was our friend and talking about those familiar to the both of us. I would absolutely recommend this story to anyone of around 8 to 14 years old who likes to feel the sea breeze blowing across their face whilst getting immersed in an amazing read!

Matilda

Bassingbourn Readers

For all the hate this book got from my peers, I have to say I don't sympathise with this hate. While Ghostlines wasn't exemplary, I wouldn't say it's bad either. Yes, the storyline felt as if it had been used hundreds of times before. And yes, it was proper annoying that the main character would refer to Rowan at the very least once every two pages, even though Rowan didn't even turn out by the end of the book to be that important of a character. But it wasn't actually that boring, and there were also a couple of unexpected plot twists near the end. I quite admired the character development of a lot of characters, but a lot of characters lacked in that, or weren't necessary at all for the storyline, except for maybe implying that the whole island was one big community. However, the story and/or relevance of some characters such as Michael and Rowan slowly unraveled throughout the book. Overall, this book was, if it were to be described in one word, decent. I'd give it a 6/10.

William B

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I felt like this book was better than most of the Carnegies this year. I feel it could have had a more engaging plot and but never the less it was well structured and everything seemed to fit together unlike some this year. I liked how she slowly added Albie to the scene and didn't jump him in, since I think this is what it is like if you are moving to a new place you don't just instantly fit into the community. Other than that a fairly average book. I would give it a 6.5/10

seb

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Really liked the book because it had mystery and unpredictable points. Albie struggles to feel like he fits in and Tilda is trying her best to inform him about the Island. I enjoyed the moment the characters go home and find out the truth about the Island and it's stories. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories that are scary and have plot twists.

Aleesha

The Carnegie Coast Readers

I thought the book was quite chill overall (until the climax) and I thought it was a breath of fresh air. It felt calming and I thought was easy to get into. There was no overall incoming threat to the character for most of the book and was just people living life on the island which was quite calm. Good book and worth a read. 8/10

Ben P

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found this book very exciting and wonderful, as in the whole story, I have enjoyed every bit, especially at the end when Tilda's brother, Rowan came back to Ayrie to meet her. I would give this book a 9 out of 10 as the plot of the story had me thrilled and that ~I would like to recommend this to my friends.

Rhiyan

The WH shadowers

Ghostlines is about a young girl who lives on a small island with her family and a small community. The island gets tourists occasionally however this all changes when a young boy from the city decides to move there during “silent season”. The girl tries desperately to impress the boy leading to them going to the mysterious haunted island. I think this book is very well written and it develops the storyline very well. This book is very good at keeping the reader hooked and wanting to know more about what happens next. I also liked the development of friendship in this book and how they progressively got more comfortable with each other. I also really liked how the author describes the island which really creates a perfect image of the island. However, I would recommend this book to younger readers because I think it has more topics that they would enjoy. Overall, I would give this book a 4.

Poppy P

Glossopdale Readers

Ghostlines is a really powerful book that mixes grief, art, and friendship in a way that feels real without ever getting boring. I liked how the story slowly reveals more about the characters, especially the way the drawings help show what they can’t say out loud. It’s emotional but not overwhelming, and it leaves you thinking about how people cope and grow after difficult moments. It certainly is a refreshing story!

Adithi

KECHG Shadowers

I liked this book a lot and felt it was a good read. The characters in this one were well-written and felt real, and the island feels well-rounded as well as intriguing enough to want to know more. Overall, it gets a 7/10 from me.

Linn

KECHG Shadowers

'Ghostlines' was such a heartfelt book, and the concept of ancestral guidelines through the ocean is so novel. The characters are all so well-fleshed out. Whether it be Tilda’s annoyance at Albie’s silence or Albie’s fears of not fitting in, the reader is able to relate to all the emotions they experience. Sometimes, I find books without antagonists to be dull, but this book is written in a way that keeps the reader hooked and wanting more.

Eleanor

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I thought Ghostlines was a pretty good book, I liked how the book was written. And I could really relate to this book from parts of my life. Plus at the start it was very boring after a while the book started getting really good. I would not normally choose this book to read because I don't like books that are really emotional but overall it was a pretty good book. I would rate it 7/10.

Maulik linesh

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

this book was an incredible book and also shows hubris from some charectars .

lamar m

Lionheart2026

Ghostlines: Isolation in Isolation This book tells the story of a young girl named Tilda, who tries to regain some of the happiness she lost when her brother left their family's home on Ayrie island by trying to make friends with the new boy who arrives on the island with his mum. This doesn't work out well, since the boy is never joining the community, staying in the shadows. Her last try at persuading him to enjoy life on Ayrie causes everyone a lot more trouble than expected. The themes Balen explores include the influences of differences on society, friendship (love) and longing, the latter relating to Tilda's wishing for her brother to come home. I would recommend this read to those who enjoy emotional stories that share the main character's feelings with the reader. Altogether, I would say it is a nice read, no matter how old the reader thinks the right age range is for them: it's great, just let it pull you in.

Ruben

Euro Champs

This book was definitely one of my favourite books as it was extremely immersive and follows a story plot this isn't on fantasy but also carries a sense that it could be something in real life on a different island somewhere. My favourite aspect of the book was how the character of Rowan was very mystical at the beginning of the novel, but then going throughout the story the history behind Rowan became more clear, and towards the end he wasn't as much an unseen character anymore. Overall, I loved this book and I would definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Maryam

HGS Book Club

I thought that the book had some very interesting parts in it and took me through a mystical journey through out this book.

Ella

St Kaths

An amazing adventure would definitely recommend it to my friends

Neave

Carmel Shadowers

I really liked Ghostlines because it showed the different perspectives of moving and their little island. I would definitely recommend this book to other people. It was interesting and not too predictable or niche.

Aurelia

TPS Carnegie Collective

It was quite confusing at first but once I got to know the characters, the story made more sense and I really enjoyed it. The setting was great, but | would have liked to have more description of Ayrie. I think overall the storyline was great! I really liked the character of Tilda. I would love to go to Alda Isle and meet Davy/Bonnie. However, at first I found the story a bit hard to follow because there are no quotation marks, but I got used to it.

Erin

Hayes Bookstops

I love the character development of Albie and how he went from a small boy from the mainland to being on an adventure with Tilda .

Charlotte

Fullbrook Bookworms

Ghostlines is a great mystery set on a cold, foggy island. I really liked how the two main characters worked together. Albie’s intelligence was amazing he was able to use science to fix old gadgets and find clues. But the mission wouldn't have happened without Tilda’s courage; she never gave up on her brother. It’s a fast and exciting book that shows how being smart and being brave can solve any secret.

Lojine

Lionheart2026

I thought Ghostlines by Katya Balen was an emotional and interesting book. I liked how the book was set on an island because it was described really well and made it feel calm and realistic, especially the nature and animals. I also liked how the friendship between Tilda and Albie changed over time. However, I didn’t enjoy some parts because it felt quite slow and not much happened. I didn’t like how Rowan was mentioned a lot throughout the book, which started to feel repetitive. Overall, I think the book had a good message about friendship and change, but it wasn’t always exciting to read.

raqeeb

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I didn't know what to expect when I first saw the book but I really enjoyed the plot and the story was told with depth and made the Island of Ayrie sound like a place I would want to visit. I felt I got to know all the characters well, I enjoyed the last few chapters the most as it had a satisfying ending.

Belle

Diary of a Wally Kid

Ghostlines is a touching story about acceptance and friendship. Set on an island called Ayrie, the immersive writing style helped show Tilda's emotions and understanding of the world. The characters felt relatable and were written thoughtfully, and I liked seeing the developing personalities. The plot was well thought out, and although I didn't feel much tension as a reader, I saw why the characters might. The only thing I didn't like was as the writing style was in Tilda's eye, it felt a bit too childish and made it harder to appreciate the difficult situations.

Lettie

Diary of a Wally Kid

Once upon a Carnegie time, I picked up this book because it sparked my interest. Then the book blew me away. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ghostlines because it totally took me to a contrasting world, like another planet of the Ayerie. The character development and the mystery about Rowan stays on your mind, and you feel the daring adventure of going to the island yourself when they venture on the kayak. Another thing I loved (seriously, I could go on!) was the interesting way it was written with the sentences being quite long - it also showed the stress she had and the way they spoke there - IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sherlin

Crypt Bookworms

I enjoyed the style of the book and felt it was a good story. I did wish that we could of learnt a bit more from the character development, the book was a bit anticlimactic but otherwise really good. 7.5/10

Henry D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thought this book was really enjoyable and had a really creative story line with a roller coaster of emotions. I would say this book can be read by anyone above the age of 10.

Arya

Rainbeau Readers

I think it's a really good book because it's set on an island where people come to stay. When a boy named Albie comes to stay he finds everything boring. I like the book because it's set with normal people on a made-up island.

Gilbert

Kingdown Wilts

I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked when Albie and Tilda paddle to the haunted island and they have to maneuver around rocks. Adding on, I really liked the night where they released the puffins towards the moon. I also liked the text size it was very easy to read. It's a perfect size for a nice read. It feels very magical and special to imagine that island. There is a map of the island at the front of the book to see how big the island is and where all the things they go to are.

Millie

Kingdown Wilts

The setting of Ayrie was really immersive and beautiful. I really enojoyed this book, the plot felt cosy with amazing descriptive language, the messages were impactful and there was a bit of suspense throughout. Would recommend.

Elsie

St Kaths

I quite liked this book, it reminded me of books I read when I was younger. The emotional journey is very heartwarming and the atmosphere is clear. I did debate though, over where Ayrie is. I imagined it to be somewhere in the islands of Scotland due to the language used, where puffins are found, and considering the size of the island. I didn't like how the speech was in italics; it confused me at times where it could have been thoughts, exaggerated text, or speech. Overall though, very good book. 4 Stars

Clara

Bassingbourn Readers

I Loved this book because it was very simple but somehow it never got boring. Normally I find books with only one plot very boring as it just feels like most of it was filler but this book made every moment interesting yet didn't make it too confusing. It was a nice simple break from some of the other more complicated books I normally read and it was way better then I expected. The only bad part was probable the fact that the plot and adventure didn't last very long and the blurb didn't really explain what the book was about very well, but other then that this books was amazing and I'll definitely re read and possibly buy the book myself.

Amelie

Plumites

This book was such a comfort read. It’s full of wonders of what people can get when living on an island - it also shows how losing someone you love can be hard on your family and people around you. One of my favourite bits was when the main character did not give up trying to show the new boy how great the island can be.

Natalia

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Ghostlines is a book full of excitement ! Tilda's adventure with Albie is magical as the two explore. I felt submerged into Tilda's world. This is a great book I would rate it a 8.5/10 and is perfect for 9 plus.

Celine

The Maynard School

I really liked the vivid descriptions of the settings and the growing friendship between Albie and Tilda, even though they seemed very different personalities. A great book!

Evie

Tractors

I didn't mind this book, it was a bit confusing at times especially regarding Moses and Rowan as it took me a while to figure out who they were. I didn't particularly enjoy this book as I didn't find the storyline was that good and didn't pull me into reeding more, like some books do, I also didn't like how the book ended. That being said, I thought that the book was extremely descriptive and I can definitely see how someone could really like the book.

Henry W-R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed this book! I relate to the character's way of thinking and speaking which is probably why I enjoyed the writing style and didnt get bored and liked the complete ending, overal 8.5/10

Melissa 🐧

GreatB00ks

I really enjoyed this book. I would rate this book 9/10. I think that this book is good for someone who wants to read something about going somewhere new and making new friends. Its set on a island where everybody knows each other and a new boy comes and does not fit in straight a way. The main character tries to help him and they end up on a adventure they would never forget.. Overall I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.

Sophie

RGS Junior Book Club

I really enjoyed this book because I like the genre and where about it is set. I liked Albie because he is quiet and lonely but then adapted quickly. I also liked it because it was an adventure that would change both of Tilda and Albie's lives. Overall I would rate this book 10/10

David

RGS Junior Book Club

I really like this book and I would rate it 8.5/10. It has a lot of adventure. It is good for someone who wants to read about nature and going somewhere new. The characters think there is a ghost but at the end it is explained why there isn't a ghost.

Drishti

RGS Junior Book Club

This book is really good and has lots of adventure. I enjoyed Tilda's quest for friendship with Albie. I would recommend this book for people age 9+ and I give it a 9.5/10 rating.

Freya

RGS Junior Book Club

This book was one I somewhat enjoyed. It follows the story of Tilda who lives on the island of Ayrie, a close community where everyone knows each other, but then a new boy moves there, called Albie, and Tilda tries to bond with him by showing the island but he's not interested, until she tells him about a haunted island. I think the pacing was good and the length of each chapter, but Albie's character annoyed me a bit. Overall, I thought it was a good read though.

Lyra

Vista Academy Littleport

It was a really good book because it was an adventure story and generated some fear. It was really scary when her dog came of the cliff but luckily it was all right. The island was a bit suspicious but I grew to love it and love the characters. I would rate this book 7/10.

Alyssa

RGS Junior Book Club

This book was a great read. At points, it was hard to figure out what was going on, and I didn't really know who Moses was at the start. Other that that, I found this book really enjoyable and fun to read!

Amelia

Weald of Kent Grammar (Sevenoaks)

Ghostlines is about a young girl called Tilda who lives on an island. Occasionally, a large ship arrives carrying the latest group of tourists. But tourist season is over, yet one more ship arrives. On it is a little boy, looking very seasick. But why is he here? I like Ghostlines because it is about friendship and community. My favourite character is Tilda because I like how her character grows and develops throughout the story. My favourite part of the book is when Tilda and the little boy talk for the first time. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories of friendship and adventures.

Catelyn P

Vista Academy Littleport

Really beautiful and wild read, with amazing descriptive language which makes you feel truly immersed in Tilda's world. I love how everything ties together at the end and has a great moral too. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with a love for nature or adventure.

Abi

USH Readers

It has a good build up and makes me want to read on, and the way it is written makes complete sense. Overall a great book.

Joe

Rad readers

I enjoyed this book so much. It's nice how Katya Balen makes it relatable for children by showing how they might race with a car for fun. The plot was wonderful and wholesome, perfect for children. One thing I noticed is how fast the story goes so if you accidentally skip a sentence it will feel like a different part of the story so that might be a struggle for some children. The characters are creative and how they treat each other is wonderful. My favourite part is when Tilda wakes up and sees her brother. I remember my smile lifted. Overall, reading Ghostlines was an amazing experience.

Oskar

Chapter Chats

I enjoyed this book, especially the setting of Ayrie. The characters were lovable and easy to understand. The plot was very good as well. I recommend this book for 9+, it was very good.

Isla

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

The book was good, and I really enjoyed reading it. The story really helped me understand that no matter where you are, you can call the place home if you want and there are people who will always stay by your side and it is good to try new things and explore the world. But I wish the story was faster . I also liked how Tilda made Albie feel at home when he just came to Ayrie. The way they described the puffins really want me to see them in real life.

Mary

Lincoln Readers

I really enjoyed this book because of its plot and characters. I liked Albie's development to learn to enjoy his new home and how ready Tilda was to help him. I would really recommend to anyone wanting a quick read

Seren

Fullbrook Bookworms

Martha

SMMA BOOKWORMS

Two children from very different backgrounds eventually forge a strong friendship despite their differences because they are both struggling to cope with change. We get to explore Tilda's island home as she introduces it to Albie who is initially reluctant to settle in this new, wild environment so far from his friends. It must seem strange to come to live in a community with so few people that they all know each other really well, but Tilda tries her hardest to make Albie feel welcome. Eventually, of course, both children find resolution for their problems, but not before they risk their lives during a fierce and dangerous storm. This is a great story.

Bibliophile

Angmering Book Lovers 4 Life

Ghostlines was a nice book, with interesting insight on life on a remote island. The story itself was pretty plain and predictable, although I did like the twist at the end about the island. The characters were OK but some of them could've had a bit more depth. The book was a good book for slightly younger readers and the end followed on being cheerful and fulfilling.

Aidan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book Ghostlines follows the story of Tilda, living on the island of Ayrie when one day a boy named Albie comes to te island. It is up to Tilda to show him around and help him. I thought that "Ghostlines" was a nice story, the storyline was easy to follow and the writing style was enjoyable. However, for me I just found it a bit to 'young' for my liking. For a younger reader I think this book, is perfect, it just didn't personally 'wow' me.

Libby

Vista Academy Littleport

This was such a lovely book. I loved the concept of the book and the characters were such fun to interact with. The book had me gripped near the end during the climax of the book. However, near the beginning, the book did drag the plot just a little bit and was a little boring at the start, I must admit, but it got better and better the more I read. Overall, this was such a thrilling read, and I loved reading this book and it was enjoyable and heartfelt at the end!

Afreen

Skipton Shadows

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an enthralling book about Tilda, a girl from a small island with a quiet backstory, and Albie, a boy from the city, who would travel anywhere but Ayrie. I really enjoyed this book and the perspective of Tilda, as she is part of the tight island community and her relationship with Albie, who despite this felt a little too stereotypical for me. This book is overall a very interesting read, and it was easy to follow the plot. It displays the troubles of moving to a new place in a captivating manner, and I would rate it a 7/10.

Oliver

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The story of Ghost Lines is something many people can relate to. It makes me reflect on the importance of family and 'belonging'. The story is also about the innocence of youth, how things change and can’t always stay perfect because life moves on. The plot features a boy and a girl from different backgrounds who learn to trust that good will come from change. I enjoyed this book so much because the characters were so appealing: Tilda who has a sense of belonging and 'fits in' and Albie who is hesitant and shy and wants to escape back to the life he knew. I would recommend this book to people who are going through similar experiences so they realise they are not alone. This book would get 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

Willow

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I have loved reading this book! It's a beautifully written story about friendship and change and explores the theme of how hard it is for some people to adapt to change. It is also about how kindness and support can help them understand that sometimes change is a good thing. This is probably one of my favourite books and the best I have read this year. In fact, I even recommended it to my Mum and younger sister and they both loved it!

Indi

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Jana

The Perse Carnegians

Despite a strong backstory ( rowan) and an interesting community, this book felt dragged down by some character issues. I could'nt comprehend some of the choices that tilda made. It seemed tilda's attempt to help albie make freinds was followed by quite an extreme action that did'nt make much sense. Albie's character feels stereotipically ' city boy'. Nevertheless, my younger sibling enjoyed this book, so it could simple be one having a different taste.

Ernest

Team Car Park

This was such a mesmerising book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The writing was written beautifully, with descriptive language and carefully crafted sentences. Tilda’s story was one of adventure and her love of the Ayrie is so heartwarming. The book also made me feel intrigued, like when Tilda talks about her brother Rowan. The fact that she didn’t tell us who he was at first was extremely effective as it got me thinking about the book, who was he? And made me finish the book very quickly! I would definitely recommend this incredible book to anyone; it is the most wonderful read.

Jana

The Perse Carnegians

The book focuses on the protagonist - Tilda, who lives on an island called Ayrie. When a new boy comes to the island, Tilda has to take on a forbidden adventure... When reading the book, I enjoyed how adventurous the storyline was as we followed Tilda - seeing her develop and meet new people, such as Albie (who she had a strong connection with). However, I found the vocabulary in this book to be limited - perhaps better suited to younger readers (I did not find it that engaging for a 'Young Adult' audience). For example, in the opening of the book, the author uses many lists, which I found somewhat repetitive and boring. Overall, I would give this book 2 stars out of five, as I felt it was aimed at a younger audience (**).

Medina

Rockwood Reads

I really loved Ghostlines, it was very interesting to read considering I live on an island, and although where I live is a lot bigger, it still has some similarities like lots of people knowing each other and being close to the sea. I enjoyed reading how Tilda tries to make Albie stay because she is afraid the same thing will happen to their friendship as what happened to her and her brother’s. I like seeing the character development of Albie throughout the book, as he goes from hating the island to loving and accepting it. This is definitely one of my favourites so far!

Philippa

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Amazing love how everyone's ideas of Alda Isles is different.

JAN

Book Lovers Unite!

Ghostlines sees Tilda, who lives on the beautiful wild island of Ayrie, encounter a new arrival from the mainland, Albie, who wants to be anywhere but Ayrie. Through the power of nature, sheer will power and her love of her island Tilda is determined to show Albie he can love Ayrie too. But the lengths they go to could have far reaching consequences. Having read a couple of Katya Balen's previous books I was really interested to read another knowing how powerful her descriptions of nature and the environment are and Ghostlines did not disappoint. There is always an important message of friendship with a hint of magic in Katya's books and Ghostlines is no different. Thoroughly good read.

Michelle

AB Everyone Reading

I actually really liked Ghostlines because it felt different from most books i have read. It`s not super fast or full of action,but island setting is so vivid that it traps u making u flick through the pages not wanting to put it down. Tilda feels like my friend she is brave however she is also stubborn and hurt so, you can tell she misses her brother even when she tries her best to hide it. Albie annoyed me at first, but then i started understanding him and why he acts the way he does. However the whole thing has this ominous creepy vibe to it because of the forbidden island,But in my opinion it is more emotional than scary. If you like stories that feel real and a bit wild, it is definetly worth reading.

Himani

Xenial Readers of Rushey Mead 2026

I enjoyed ghostlines very much I think the feeling of loneliness in the book is very relatable. I also think the plot is very captivating, but not too hard follow. Overall I think it was a great read.

LeoL

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The author starts by explaining a bit about where the young girl called Tilda lives, which is on an island called Ayrie, and about what happens there normally. On the island they never have anyone new move there, but a few people have left before. One day a boy and his mother move to the island. Tilda tries to convince the boy, who's name is Albie, how the island is a wonderful place to live, but nothing seems to interest him. Then she mentions the secret island, the haunted island, the place where everybody is forbidden to go. To try and prove that Ayrie had everything anyone could ever want, she takes him there, but things get quite a bit out of hand when a storm hits. It was an intriguing book that had a way of getting you to want to read more without having a cliffhanger at the end of each of the chapters. It was quite easy to read, and the book demonstrates that just because people live a bit differently, doesn't mean that their lifestyle isn't as fascinating. The book also shows us that no matter where people come from we can all find a way to get along, even though everyone is quite different.

Alba

Euro Champs

Ghostlines is a fascinating and hooking read. One of my favourite things about it is what an incredible picture Katya Balen painted for us readers, not with illustrations but with amazing descriptive language. It really shows the journey of change through the highs and lows of travelling to a new place, and through relatable and unique characters. A great book for people who may be struggling with change or fitting in to a new environment.

Jude

Carnegivores

Ghost-lines is about Tilda, she lives on the island Ayrie where people only visit to see the puffins but as the last of them leave so do tourists. Tilda is surprised though because a new boy and is mother arrives. Tilda's mother tells her that the boys name is Albie and he will be starting in her school in September so he is staying on the island. To the people on the island this is strange because everybody knows everybody and nothing changes, but Tilda still tries to make friends with him but everything on the island that she shows him he hates so she takes him to the forbidden island(people are not allowed to go there) what they find there will change them both forever. My favourite part was when Tilda and her friends are celebrating the first burning bright night because they are all such good friends . I would recommend this book to people who like the wild and nature because Ayrie is very remote.

Ailsa

Vista Academy Littleport

I really enjoyed the book Ghostlines. It was a really enjoyable read. It was about a girl called Tilda who has lived on Aryie, an island, her whole life with her Ma, Dad and partly her brother Rowan who was 7 years older than her and left the island at 17. Tilda believes that Rowan left because of her. When the new boy Albie arrives it is Tilda’s job to show him round Ayrie and make him feel welcome but Albie hates being new on the island so Tilda takes him to the haunted forbidden island and they become great friends. Disaster strikes and they fully rely on each other. I rate it a 9 out of 10!

Erica

Folkestone Academy Readers

This book was amazing! It blends the mix of nature with feelings of loneliness, regret and being somewhere new. It shows the journey of friendship alongside exploration and discovering new things. This book was so nice to read, even though I would recommend for younger readers.

Hannah

KECHG Shadowers

At first, when I began to read the novel, I thought the writing style was quite strange, but then I grew fond of it over time. It has a poetically calm sense about it and feels almost dreamlike. The plot moves quite slowly but is relatively simple and a comfort to read. I'd recommend this book for anybody (but especially children as I believe that they'd relate to it the most) who wants to escape from reality for a while to a little island with puffins. Personally, I think the immaturity of the characters adds to the humour and whimsy of this novel but I would like to mention that I did not like the book cover. Overall it was an easy, short and fun read.

Erin

The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows

Ghostlines is a very good book, the writer - Katya Balen - describes small island life very well and shows the disbelief of a younger child that anyone could hate the island, while also giving her strong connections to someone who does. The descriptions keep you guessing at what has happened to Rowan until the very end. The writer gives the book a happy ending, as children's writers tend to do, but keeps the suspense throughout. A 10/10 book would recommend to anyone 8 or over who enjoys excitement and suspense without real jeopardy.

Grace

KES Readers

I really enjoyed Ghostlines, as I found that I can relate with the charaters very easily. The only bit of criticism I can give is that it's a bit all over the place but in the end it came together really nicely and I think this book will stick with me for a very long time.

Ala

Bassingbourn Readers

Ghost lines by Katya Balen is absolutely amazing .This book teaches you about friendship ,trust and sibling bond .The ending is so good [it is a must read ]!

Inisija

Dunraven

Although it had a strange format (like italics instead of speech marks) I thought this book was good. I liked Rowan despite how little he showed up.

Lorin

Carnegivores

I enjoyed reading Ghostlines because reading the stories of the people on the island and how they got there. The book made me feel calm but I was losing interest sometimes when reading it but I liked the adventures and the storyline. I would recommend this book to people from ages 9-15 as it has many themes that people may like such as nature.

Dylan

9y4

Ghostlines is probably one of my favorite books! I love how the author describes Tilda's surroundings and the nature of Ayrie Island.

Marwa

Dunraven

I think Gostlines is a good book. I like Alda Isle and the puffin night is really good. When Rowan comes back is one of my faverite parts as everyone is back together. At first I was wondering ''how does this have anything to do with gostlines'' and then finding out about the Davy. It's not one of the best books I've read but not the worst. It does have a good plot though. If I were to rate it I would give it a 7/10.

Elizabeth

Dunraven Carnegie

Ghostlines is a story about a girl who lives on an island where everyone knows everyone, she knows every shortcut, every turn, every tree. However when the tourist season is coming to an end and the Puffins are taking their leave a new boy who gets very seasick joins the island, but not to just visit, but to live there. He starts off very quiet not wanting anything to do with the island. However the more Tilda shows him around the more he starts to open up and like the island. I really liked this book because of how long it took him to open up and it really dragged it out until the end. I liked Tilda the most because of how wild she is and how she always thrives for an adventure and she can talk for ages. I loved how the book kept me on edge for Albie to finally give in, it made me keep turning pages to finally get that satisfaction. The ending was also very tender and sweet how her brother visited again, it made me want to make sure I always tell my sibling I love him. At the very start I thought it was going to be a kind of boring book with not very many emotional scenes however this book proved me wrong and now I know I must read the whole book before judging. Overall a great book, definitely for a younger age group for slightly younger teenagers and fans of friendship and adapting to things. It really showcased how you've got to listen to people sometimes and how people always think different and you've got to give them time to adjust. Change isn't always simple.

Red

Vista Academy Littleport

I really like the aspects of nature and the sense of mystery at the end of each chapter.

Izzy

Lit Legends of Swavesey

This is a thrilling adventure book, jam packed with vivid thoughts. Although it slows a little in the middle, don’t lose heart otherwise you’ll miss the enthralling climax. The characters are brilliant, and it felt wonderful to be transported to an isolated and unrestricted island, with such stunning scenery! I found the quality of writing exquisite and it enabled me to picture every minor detail and enjoy the book even more. My favourite character (although arguably not a proper character) was Moses (the dog) although I now realise his tendency to pinch everyone's vegetables rather similar to my own dog’s! My other favourite character was Tilda; I could empathise with the loss that she felt when her brother went away. Another thing that I loved about this book is how you can see the gradual shift in behaviour from Albie as he slowly warms to island life. I found that I could understand both sides of this story, including why Rowan, her brother, left the island. It was interesting to see the characters evolve in their understanding of each other and their reasoning behind their actions. I also loved how Tilda eventually realised that the island was not really haunted and wasn’t actually dangerous; and that it wasn’t really their island and even her parents had been there as children, which brought some light-hearted fun at the end. Spooky and disconcerting, yet heartwarming and exciting. Brilliant fun and an excellent read. Highly recommended.

Alexandra

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Ghostlines is the first of the three smaller books that I have read and I must say that it didn't disappoint. The story is based around a small( presumably Scottish) island with boats, puffins and a close nit community of islanders. We get this sense of something missing until that is revealed to be Tilda's big brother, Rowan. He moved to the mainland at the end of the last quiet season and Tilda has missed him so much. Although this book being named Ghostlines, in my opinion it needs to be based more around the actual book title. Although this is only a minor drawback, the character development is still the best I have seen out of all the books i have read so far. Great book 7.8/10

sam w

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

At the start, it was kind of confusing with Tilda and Albie. But what I have to say is that about Tilda is that she is very brave and adventrous- she loves her island more than anything. She is also kind of sad that her brother left as well, but she never gave up. Albie was kind of annoying at the start and doesn't want to be friends, but he changes a lot. He is pretty chill and cool once you get to fully know him .

Ahitana

Dunraven Carnegie

At first I found the book super boring and did not want to read on but once you hit chapter 10 it starts to get interesting. However, i found it really annoying for the author to keep on repeating the word "and" but turns out, you are mean't to read it as if it's a conversation. Tilda and Albie didn't have quite a good relationship at the start since he was a bit shy and missed his previous home and friends but Tilda is welcoming and adventureous which helps him warm up quicker.

Daria

Dunraven Carnegie

When I started reading ghostlines it was intriguing since it was one of those books where you didn't know what was going to happen. I remember getting to the 8th chapter and thinking why is ghostlines linked to this. It made me want to ask so many questions! Soon I was shaking with anticipation after there first journey to Alda, Albie and Tilda were so different from the first time they met ( in a good way ). The author made me feel like I was apart of the book and made me picture each page of what happened. I really enjoyed it!

Lyra

Dunraven Carnegie

I think the book is okay but it is not to my liking. I am not a fan of present tense stories there is one I like called "I am Rebel" but apart from that they are not in my reading list. I think that ghosts aren't that interesting so maybe that's why I am not a fan of Ghostlines.

Elisabeth

Dunraven Carnegie

I think it is OK but slightly boring in places and the characters are a bit childish. The setting and story is a bit plain but I love the plot twist at the end so I think if I was rating it I would give it a 6/10. :)

Nella

Dunraven Carnegie

I like it because I think it's interesting and it has good description, but at the start of the book, the author adds lots of new characters and there is a lot going on which can be difficult to understand. It's written to sound like it's a child speaking so there is a lot of ands in each sentence, but over all, it's intriguing and makes you want to read more.

Camille

Dunraven Carnegie

An interesting book that seemed quite close to reality.I liked the story behind the island and the mainland as well as the mystery involving Rowan.It was especially captivating when Albie went missing and the entire plot started to unravel.I loved how at the end the story was basically the same but ultimately happier.

Sandy

Dunraven Carnegie

I thought the more i read the more i enjoyed the book. It is very intriguing and makes you want to read more. At first i didn't really like it but i started enjoying it more when i got to chapter 15-20.

Isadora

Dunraven Carnegie

Ghostlines is a very interesting, yet an exciting book. The plot was a little hard to predict, but I feel that builds suspense. I enjoy how they are living their life already when an outsider moves there and I love the idea of the island of Ayrie. I think key themes were friendship and how Tilda and Albie got to know each other. The fact that Tilda and her brother were siblings was a little hard to understand, but once you've read the book, it becomes a lot more clear. I think this type of book would be good for people who like fantasy or adventure. Also, I really like the concept of Ghostlines helping Tilda and it also is the title. I would definitely recommend this.

Suheyla

Chiswick Carnegie

The book Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda who lives on the Island of Ayrie. The book has a lot of beautiful imagery and the protagonists are amazing and the journey they go on is very eye opening, a real page turner. The only things I didn't like was the plot was a bit rushed. I LOVED IT.

Raphael

SCD Pageturners

Ghostlines is one of the best books I have ever read! From the engaging plot to the amazing characters, it is such a great read. I highly recomend.

Lara

SCD Pageturners

This book was amazing! The immersive and amazing descriptions and imagery really got me into the world of Tilda and I loved her character. This was a great read that I would highly recommend!

Immy

Skipton Shadows

Ghostlines is an okay book. The second half of the book was emotional, heart warming and a very good read. But the first half of the book was terrible. It failed to capture me in any way, the setting was depicted in a way that made it boring and the main character was incredibly stupid and unlikeable. Fortunately this changes later on in the book. 6/10

Aiden

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book hooked me immediately. The second I saw the front cover I wanted to read it and the writing is just as beautiful.

Sage

Lit Legends of Swavesey

In "Ghostlines", Katya Balen's new novel, we are immersed in a heartwarming tale of memory, loss and the wonders of nature. This thought-provoking book invites readers to question what truly connects us to our friends and families. Through the eyes of Tilda and Albie, we discover the remote island of Ayrie, where a lyrical adventure unfolds… When Albie, a reluctant newcomer from the city, arrives, their unlikely friendship becomes a journey of discovery, laughter and grief, as they realized they are connected to each other by losses. Personally, I really enjoyed reading this book as it made me think about all the places and people that feel like home to me. Overall, ‘Ghostlines’ is a beautifully crafted story that will appeal to anyone who loves adventure, friendship, and the magic of the natural world. Katya Balen’s style make it a perfect read for both young readers and adults alike. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that touches the heart or sparks the imagination.

Lancelot

4Shadowers

Ghostlines by Katya Balen is an emotional and mysterious story that keeps you interested throughout. The writing is simple and easy to read, but it also creates strong and clear images of the setting. The descriptions help you imagine the place and understand the mood of the story. There is a steady sense of mystery that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The characters feel realistic and easy to connect with. They each have their own struggles and emotions, which makes the story feel more meaningful. I liked how the book shows both serious moments and lighter ones, including some humour, which helps balance the tone. The story also builds tension slowly, which makes the mysterious parts more exciting. Even when things feel unclear, it adds to the atmosphere and keeps the reader engaged. Overall, Ghostlines is a thoughtful and engaging book with mystery, emotion, and small moments of humour that make it enjoyable and memorable.

Iqra

Skipton Shadows

This book is about a young girl called Tilda. She lives on the island of Ayrie with her mum, dad, dog Moses, horse Applejack and occasionally the cats which come and go. At Ayrie, everyone knows everyone but when a new boy called Abbie arrives on the island from the mainland with his mum Maggie, Tilda is given the task of trying to make Albie feel at home on her beloved island. So when Albie and Tilda discover a haunted island, things turn around for the two and Tilda realises an important lesson: that even if you were brought up somewhere and then you move on , you will always be tied of your homeland. The main character in this book is Tilda. I liked her character as she is a very determined and adventurous young girl. I think at times she did seem quite pushy and impatient with Albie but then I think she learns that and that she just needs to listen at times. I think my favourite character would be Albie. Although he is quiet and shy, he has an unexpected side to him which I think Tilda realises. He is very kind and also of funny. I enjoyed this book. I thought it was beautifully written and the description on some of the sections of the book were really quite perfect. My favourite part of the book would have had to be Tilda and her big brother Rowan’s reunion at the end. I liked how the mystery of Roman was kept throughout the whole book and only really mentioned when Tilda and Albie opened up to each other.

Priya

HHS 2026

Ghostlines was a really good read. I thought that Tilda was a great character and I loved reading her and Albie's story. I honestly could not put the book down until I finished reading it. The plot was really well thought out and I found it to be really engaging. My favourite part was the part with the puffins as it made me like Albie more. I would recommend this book to 10-13 year olds. I liked the mystery surrounding Tilda's brother. I would rate this book a 7/10 as although the plot was well thought out, I would have liked a few more cliffhangers and plot twists.

Amelia M

Skipton Shadows

Ghostlines was a very good book and one of the many things I like was how they used italics instead of normal speech marks which is not seen in many books . I also like the ending because you think Albie is just going to go to the island then taking the sea kayak to the main land but no it turned out he went to save the puffins leading to the event were they were rescued because of rowan (I thought he was a bad guy before this event ) they were saved leading to an nice family reunion . in conclusion I thought it was one of the best books I have read .

Conor

Bramcote College Library

I think Ghostlines was a really interesting, emotional and all round great book. The main character Tilda is really someone I can learn from and relate to, making Ghostlines a really enjoyable read. The book is quite emotional as it touches upon themes of sadness, however it is also joyful, meaning there are some parts where you cry and some parts where you laugh. The book is well-written and builds up to major events meaning it is easy to read. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Rose

Skipton Shadows

This book was quite good however it took me a while to get into. The overall story line was a nice read and quite easy as well. There were a lot of descriptions which felt a little out of place compared to how the rest of the story was written, however a good overall read!

Alice

Bramcote College Library

Ghostlines is one of my favourite books ever! I love the descriptions of the island where Tilda lives but also the adventure of the book!

Emma

Dunraven

Well written with a beautiful story

Ellie

GreatB00ks

Ghostlines is a book about a girl called Tilda showing a boy called Albie life on an island called Ayrie but anything Tilda shows Albie he hates until they go to a secret island and build a hideaway. eventually they become trapped and Tilda opens up about her brother Rowan and we learn he went to the mainland for a job. Then the rest of the book is about Tilda and Rowan enjoying the island together with friends. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it and give it a 8/10.

Thomas F

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Overall I think the book 'Ghostlines' was very good. Balen used very good descriptive language and made it seem like the Island (Ayrie) was alive. She used very descriptive sentences that helped me to really connect with the book such as 'The storm is looming and taking in a deep breath before it huffs and blows and shrieks itself across the islands.' She presented the characters very well such as Tilda who was presented as an outgoing, adventurous girl who had lived on the island for years. Balen showed this very well by making the character Tilda always want to join the new boy Albie in and wanting to explore the whole island with him. I think this book was amazing and I loved it.

Evangeline

Elms Shadowing 2026

I really liked Ghostlines because the overall plot and the friendship between Tilda and Albie was really nice and well described, however, the beginning of the book could use some more improvement to make it a bit more interesting for the reader, but the book was great. :)

Aliyah

Elms Shadowing 2026

This book had a good message, and a lot of potential, but unfortunately it was not my cup of tea. My problems are mainly in the formatting and how hard to understand it was due to a slight overuse of the word "and", and the underuse of commas. There were no speech marks and the use of italics in their place is very confusing to me. The characters were unlikeable, but I acknowledge that the book was written for a younger audience, and perhaps may not be the best fit for a year seven. I believe that this book overall had good potential, but if fell little short in execution. A highlight was the bathtub kittens :)

David P

Elms Shadowing 2026

Ghostlines is a book about two children exploring a secret island. I liked the writing style and how immersive the island of Argie felt. The book was exciting and filled with suspense which made it hard to put down. Another thing I liked was how I felt connected to the main character. The ending of the book felt a bit unrealistic as everything got resolved very quickly. Overall I think it's a really good book which I enjoyed a lot and would recommend it to most people.

Sophie

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Ghostlines as a concept is a very good one, with the idea of a secret ghost island looming over the already secluded town. What I didn't like was what I felt to be the overuse of Rowan as the emotional spine of the book. I felt that Rowan's absence as the major emotional plot was overused, as it felt temporary. The Writing style was okay, with a more conversational tone. I enjoyed the descriptions and setting of the book, with a more naturally rugged atmosphere. The mystery of whether the ghosts are real added some level of suspense which I believe improved the book. Overall, the concept and writing was good, but the plot felt somewhat flawed.

Oliver R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

A book for the younger end of the reading scale, however, once again Katya Balen writes a brilliant story. The way human nature, animals and the great outdoors are detailed and included in her books is amazing. Like her other books it took a couple of chapters for me to get into it, but then I was hooked. Always something to learn about nature in a Balen books too. Owls in October, October and puffins in this, Ghostlines. I would recommend this book, an enchanting tale.

Debbie

Ousedale Olney

This book is about a girl called Tilda that lives on an island called Ayrie. It’s a small island where everyone knows each other. ~Then a new boy Albie arrives, and his first impression is throwing up over a railing. My favourite part is where he throws up and this is because the author uses descriptive writing to describe it. This book is a very interesting and an amazing adventure book. Some bits that could be improved by the end were less impressive. However, this book is good and you should give it a try.

Caelan

Vista Academy Littleport

Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda and a boy called Albie and is about there first summer on Ayrie and how they get trapped on one of the outer islands in a storm. Ghostlines are hidden lines that guide people through the sea around rocks and in storms. This was a good book but near the start it was boring as there wasn't much action. However towards the end it was exciting as it was showing how they were saved from the storm. I also liked it as it was full of nature including seals and puffins. Would recommend to anyone but especially nature lovers.

Samuel H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Nellie

St David’s reading stars

'Ghostlines' by Katya Balen is the story of Tilda who lives on Ayrie island, an island where everybody knows everybody. When Albie arrives on the island, he hates it, everything. Tilda decides to put all her passion and time in to getting Albie to love the island and this challenge will take them both beyond their boundries. I really enjoyed reading this book as you can see the way Tilda is determined to acheive her goal. Also the chapters are quite short so it is a pretty fast read.

Anna

4Shadowers

The main character Tilda is a bold adventurer that knows everything and everyone on the island, Ayrie. But when a new two new people turn up she is excited to get to know them because people never move to the island. However she tries to be Albie's friend but he is not having it. Then Tilda remembers the stories from an old island just an hour away. There's also a rumour that it is filled with ghosts. Being forced to show Albie around the island but the only way she thinks he will actually get interested is that old island. But Tilda isn't really that worried about the island it is the ghost that has been following her since her brother has left the island.

Natalia

Vista Academy Littleport

I liked it very much with the mystery of who Rowan was and I would definitely recommend .

poppy

Cottingham High School

I really liked the book. I am into books like that. It has been my favourite so far. I would recommend it to people. The characters, I loved. What a great book!

Matilda

Cottingham High School

Born and brought up on the island of Ayrie, everything is familiar to Tilda as she and her family have lived there for generations. Enter Albie who has come from the mainland with his mum who remembers happy holidays on the island and plans to stay awhile. Tilda initially cannot understand why Albie doesn't take to the island as she does but gradually gains understanding of the feeling of being uprooted from another life and the need to be somewhere else. We gradually learn how Tilda's older brother Rowan felt stifled by the island way of life. Does Albie settle? Find out after a hair raising adventure during a storm!

Mrs P

Cake a Book Club

I loved this book! I always enjoy books that involve islands and children being independent and having their own adventures. This story delivers this on all fronts. The characters in the story are great and very likeable and the story is full of interesting twists and turns all the way through. I was disappointed when I got to the end - because I wanted to go on finding out more about the characters and what happened after! The descriptions of life on a remote Scottish island were wonderful and it made me want to go there and experience it.

Mrs Nawaz

Floydians

It was very interesting and full of adventure. I liked how Tilda and Albie's relationship progressed as the book went on, with Albie opening up about what he missed about the mainland. I also really enjoyed the ending and thought it was rounded off well, leaving me content with it.

Annabel

Cake a Book Club

Ghost lines is the story of a little girl named Tilda who has always lived on Ayrie Island, cut off from the mainland. To Tilda and everyone else on the island, Ayrie is a dream; with its plaines, hills, water caves and waterfalls, Tilda has lived all her life surrounded by beauty, nature and adventure. One day, at the end of summer, Albie moves into a cottage on the island with his mother. He hates Ayrie and misses the mainland. Tilde tries to make him love the nature and all the things she loves but it doesn’t work and he continues to be indifferent to the wonders of the island. Tilde, out of ideas, has one place left to try, a place to which she has never been, a place haunted by someone’s dead memory, the haunted and forbidden, secret island. What will they find there and how will it change them? I loved this book because of the execellent story but also because of the author’s style of writing. The sentences are structured and punctuated to capture Tilda’s voice. From this we can easily understand her thoughts and feelings making it a quick and fun read.

Sibylle

4Shadowers

“Ghostlines” by Katya Balen is a brilliantly crafted novel well-suited for young readers of ages 9-12, specifically those who enjoy nature-focused, heartfelt, and adventurous stories. Through poignant and evocative poetic imagery, the novel immerses readers in both emotional and physical landscapes, allowing them to step into another reality. The plot follows a young girl named Tilda who loves her home described as a wild and elemental speck on the edge of the Atlantic that is quiet in winter and busy with tourists during summer bird-watching. Tilda loves the nature and tight-knit community of Ayrie, known for its puffins, sea-swimming, and, in this book, a lingering sense of loss. As the puffin season begins to close and the island can be once again ruled over by its inhabitants, the reluctant newcomer from the mainland, Albie, and his mother dock at the harbour seeking a new life on Ayrie. Albie struggles to settle in, misses city life, and ignores Tilda’s attempts to show him how special the island is. Seeking to connect with him, Tilda takes Albie on a dangerous trip to a forbidden island, which is central to the story’s themes of overcoming loss and forming a bond. The book focuses on community, the intensity of young people’s relationships with nature and home, and managing difficult emotions like grief and how one can find home and friendship in unexpected ways. “Ghostlines” provides a sense of freshness and delight: the characters are crafted with intention and are not to any extent stereotypical. Through each of these characters one senses a different personality, a different story: a different purpose or motivation.I wanted to pick up on how Tilda’s mum is depicted for instance. Tilda’s mum does not play a major role in the book, however when she is mentioned a parallel emotional reality is created making the reader feel closer to Tilda’s inner life and giving us more context on not just the mother, but also those connected to her or within her family. Different people’s existences are woven together into the same book in a harmonious way. It is these little details that truly enhance and complete the story. It creates a layered narrative effect through local myths, memories, and the concept of “ghostlines,” which suggests that past stories are woven into the present. What I found unique about "Ghostlines" is that the author is able to capture the inner and outer senses through fluid, poetic descriptions and language this is evident in this extract from pp.77 of the book “ The bright aqua pools that glow like melted sapphires and the foaming silken streams of waterfalls glittering in the sun. The water is so clear you can see every shining pebble at the bottom of the pool. Beautiful” The haunted island however, gave a slight twist to the novel. Calling it a ‘secret island' felt a touch too childish or trite. The freshness started to fade because it felt somewhat familiar and less original. However, it did not get too out of hand and the integrity of the story remained. I was expecting more of a plot twist at some point, but it remained primarily quiet and emotive all throughout. The ending was beautiful and truly summarises the heartwarming message of the book. In summary, ‘Ghostlines’ is a beautiful book that provides emotional depth through fluid poetic descriptions and rounded studied characters that feel pertinent to the reader yet they are imagined in a place where nature gives way to thought and reflection and love.

Noemi Grace

Euro Champs

I enjoyed Ghostlines! It was surprisingly short, which I thought didn't provide enough space for the characters to grow and develop- but I did like how Tilda got to see Rowan again. I initially disliked Albie, but he grew on me and I thought it was super sweet that he wanted to save the baby puffins. I didn't really find that there was that much tension, or that there was a problem that needed to be solved like in most books, and I think this was a book that is better suited to younger age-groups. However, overall, the descriptions of the natural world and the environment were excellent, and the author managed to encapsulate a 12-year-old girl's thoughts very accurately.

Jackie

The Perse Carnegians

Ghostlines is a book about friendship, community and adapting to change. It is about a girl named Tilda and a boy called Albie who is a new boy and arrived at the beautiful island known as Ayrie. At first Albie hates Ayrie, the isolation and the quiet, but then, as a last resort, Tilda takes Albie to the island that no person is allowed to enter, the one that is haunted. I quite liked this book as it was not slow-paced like all the other carnigie books that I have read.

Sylvan C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Review: 5⭐📚 I absolutely LOVE this book! After reading some other reviews from other Carnegie shadowers online, I was a bit uncertain, thinking maybe this book wasn't for me. I was so wrong! From the very first pages, I was completely enthralled and pulled onto the little island of Ayrie and the mini-paradise of Alda Isles. The story begins on a small Scottish island filled with puffins and tourists. This is Tilda’s whole world; a place where everyone knows everyone—small, yet huge at the same time. Tilda, the main female protagonist, loves this miniature world with all her heart. Then Albie arrives, the new boy from the mainland who misses the hustle and bustle of his old life. Tilda is determined to make him love the island just as much as she does. At first, you wonder why she is so concerned about this rude newcomer, until the plot starts to unravel and you realise it isn't truly about him after all. Her older brother Rowan left because he was bored of the small island and Tilda feels it is all her fault. She would do anything to get him back or even see his face again and she promises herself she'll do better this time. In her attempt to "help" Albie, Tilda finds her way into a spot of danger, a new den called the Hideaway, a sprained ankle and lots of vegetable dog toys! This is a charming book— exciting, exhilarating, and comical. What more could you want ?!!?!!

Agnes

Lit Legends of Swavesey

Ghostlines is a beautifully written and emotional story about a girl called Tilda who lives near the sea. When a new boy, Albie, arrives, they begin exploring a mysterious island that everyone believes is haunted. As they spend time together, their friendship grows and the story slowly reveals deeper feelings beneath the surface. The book has a calm but slightly eerie atmosphere, with strong descriptions of nature like the sea, wind and rocks. The island feels important and almost alive. The relationship between Tilda and Albie is natural and interesting, and it makes the story more engaging. Even though it may seem like a ghost story at first, it is really about emotions, growing up and understanding fear. The writing is poetic and sometimes a bit complex, but it makes the story feel powerful and meaningful. Overall, Ghostlines is a touching and thoughtful book that mixes mystery, friendship and emotion in a very original way.

Yasmine

4Shadowers

I enjoyed reading Ghostlines, and now I kind of wish I live on an island. The descriptive language made it easy to picture everything, apart from the characters. Tilda lives on Ayrie, an island, and she is so excited for silent season, with no visitors. But there is. There is a strange boy called Albie who seemingly hates the island and misses the mainland. Tilda is tasked with making him feel at home, although Albie seems utterly disinterested until they go to the FORBIDDEN ISLAND. I think the author used a technique called stream of consciousness, which is why the sentences flowed and had a lot of ands, which is mistaken a lot as poor grammar. I think this is also why the speech is in italics, and though it made it unique, it also made it quite difficult to read. The chapters are very short, which I like because sometimes you just want to read one more chapter and end up asleep before you actually get to the end of it because it’s so long. It’s a very good book, and it has a dog in it which immediately improves it.

Kirsty

Vista Academy Littleport

I have really enjoyed reading Ghostlines and I think it is a fabulous book with lots of details about how the main character thinks and acts that allow you to connect with her. I am also a big fan of the themes like nature and friendship and adapting to change as it is a thing every one has to do in their lives and that sometimes that change isn't what you want but you can make it the way you want. However the connection to Ghostlines is bit tedious as it is only brought up in a couple of chapters and isn't the main theme of the story. But overall it is an amazing book that really reminds me of my life and the things that I liked to do when I was a bit younger.

James

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book, following Tilda as she gets over her brother leaving her small island and welcoming a new arrival was very emotive. It showed the reader what it is like to live on one of the small British Isles. The narrator did occasionally ramble, whether intentional or not, which did slightly get on my nerves. Other than this, however, I only have two complaints, which is that the story line doesn't really get going until near the end of the book and the name of the book-Ghostlines- were only mentioned once or twice and didn't really play a part in the story. Overall, it was a fairly good plot line and easy enough to read. 6/10

Elijah

Vista Academy Littleport

The books a spooky and emotional mystery a girl who returns to her strange hometown. The story is full of sad feelings because Leyla is trying to find out what happened to her mother who disappeared years ago. It feels very lonely and tense as she explores old, haunted places and uncovers dark family secrets. While there are scary moments, the heart of the book is about a daughter’s love and the pain of not knowing the truth. It is a gripping read that makes you feel both frightened and deeply sorry for the characters overall love how I felt after reading this

Isabel

Vista Academy Littleport

Year 6 English teachers around the country will love this book as it is a great example of how to use SATs writing techniques. It is full of similes, metaphors and every noun has abundant adjectives! The storyline was actually good, but the writing style made me feel like I was reading the English texts found in the SATs reading paper. For some people this book will be very enjoyable, but it was not quite to my taste. I would recommend it for ages 8+ and give it 2.5/5 stars.

Lottie

Beacon Thursday Book Club

I think Ghostlines was a beautifully written book. The descriptions were so powerful that I could picture everything really clearly in my mind, as if it was right in front of me. I understood how Albie must have felt when he moved, and I think Tilda was a very strong and determined character because she kept going even when Albie refused to do anything. I really loved the storyline and the ending. This was a great book to read, and I didn’t regret reading it at all.

Raine

Rainbeau Readers

The grammar was not very good. ‘And’ was a very common word used, no full stops and commas. But a very good story line! I enjoyed the plot but not the grammar

Etta

Carnegie Shadow Judges MEAC

The book Ghostlines is about a girl called Tilda and a boy called Albie who live on an island in Scotland called Ayrie. The island has a haunted island close to it which children are not allowed to explore but they go there anyways. Tilda feels like there is something spooky on the island but stays because she promised Albie to go there . One of my favourite parts of the book is the front cover because the colours really represent the story . The plot was amazing because it kept you guessing and there were twists and turns in each chapter . I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure books. 4/5 stars because I felt as if it wasn't directed towards my age group but was still great!

Clara

Euro Champs

This felt like stepping into salt air and staying there a while. Katya Balen just gets this kind of story. Small places. Big feelings. The quiet ache of growing up without quite realising it’s happening. Ayrie is one of those settings that wraps around you. Puffins, bonfires, cold water, everyone knowing your name and your story whether you like it or not. It’s soft and wild at the same time. And Tilda belongs to it in that deep, instinctive way children belong to places. And then Albie arrives. Closed off. Resistant. Not wanting any of it. I loved that tension. The push and pull between loving a place and rejecting it. Between holding on and letting go. This is really a story about belonging. But also about the quiet grief of change. Of people leaving. Of things not staying as they were, no matter how much you want them to. The adventure element is there too. The forbidden island. The sense of danger. That flicker of something almost ghostly. Enough to give it edge without ever losing that warmth at its core. And the community… I really loved that. It feels rare to see that kind of collective care written without cynicism. It’s gentle. Earnest. It works. If I’m being honest, it didn’t hit quite as deeply as some of her previous books for me. I could feel what it was reaching for, but it didn’t always fully land with the same emotional weight. At times it felt a little lighter than I wanted it to be. But still. There is something genuinely lovely here. Thoughtful. wholesome without being shallow. Full of nature and wonder and that restless, in-between feeling of growing up. 4★ A quiet, sea-soaked story about home, and the strange, invisible lines that keep pulling us back to it.

Mrs Naden

Lostock High Readers

It was a wonderful experience to read this story because it showed the joy of all the character’s personalities and their fabulous adventures.

Aurelia

Rainbeau Readers

It was dull at first as they were introducing each character but the more I read the more I got invested. It was funny and sad because the character showed different emotions at the same time. The main character once laughed and sobbed but just sounded like a pig.

Gracious

Baxter Booklighters

Ghostlines is a highly successful book that I would recommend to anyone to read. Although less enticing to a upper year reader, it can easily engage a reader through the powerful themes that resonate. Through the focus character, the reader can see the important changes faced, which can often be a source of relief for individuals, so I would say this book is a perfect read for a younger reader.

Kaleb

Folkestone Academy Readers

Ghostlines has a great plot but the title is misleading. However, the sense of emotion between characters is strong and the use of having the main character have a sensitive secret about their past adds depth to the story.

Henry

St Kaths

A beautiful book exploring themes of family relationships and friendships. I was considerably above the target audience, so was not necessarily gripped, but the tangible metaphorical imagery really embodies childhood imagination and can transport readers of all ages. The beautiful natural setting is also the foundation of the book, and offers an alternative to the stresses of modern urban life. However, I was a bit underwhelmed by the big action scene (no spoilers!) and thought either it should be extended slightly or the rest of the book could be less reliant on it for the plot. Still a good book though for middle grade readers!

Eve

St Kaths

I loved listening to this book on Libby, as the narrator’s Scottish accent transported me to the Island and authentically voiced the characters. I particularly enjoyed the sense of adventure and exploration in the novel and the references to wildlife and customs. Throughout, Tilda is focused on her own feelings and love for the Island and finds it difficult to listen and understand Albie and her brother Rowan’s feelings and experiences. This drives the narrative, sense of loss, peril and reconciliation at the end.

Caroline

Central Teen Reading Group

This book is about an island where everybody knows each other. Thwn a random boy comes and he makes friend with a girl. This book is a bit draggy so it is a 5/10 for me.

Cody w

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines is heart-warming book all about one island, one new boy, one secret, one unknown death and one journey. This book starts off with two new arrivals on an island that we don’t know much about. Later on we find out this island is called Ayrie and this island, to Tilda, is the best place on the world. When the new boy -Albie- is forced to be shown the island Tilda presents him with all the amazing ins-and-outs of the island - which all sound cool and interesting- but Albie finds all of it boring and misses main land football, cinemas and games. Tilda can’t think of anywhere to show him until she remembers one thing: The haunted island. This is an amazing book that really shows the growth of friendship and how if you learn to love things they will love you back. Although being a good book, it was pretty slow to start which may put off readers who pick up the book for the first time. My favourite scene was when the puffins got lost and you can properly see Albie loving the island and it was such good description I felt the magic of the moment from my own home.

Hal L

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

"Ghostlines" is a wild and heartfelt book, which so far has been my favourite book on the Carnegie. It concerns a young girl called Tilda, who lives on a faraway Island called Ayrie, where everything is familiar and everyone knows everyone, It's perfect! Until a new boy (Albie) arrives. Albie despises everything on Ayrie: the wildness, the isolation. But Tilda is determined to find something Albie will enjoy. So she takes him to the forbidden, Haunted Island, and what they find there will change them both forever... Overall," Ghoslines" is a very atmospheric, evocative book about strong bonds and trust. Katya Balen has shown me the world of wilderness and friendship. I would definitely recommend this book. Rating: 5/5

Lilly

Euro Champs

An amazing story about friendship and inclusion. I liked the magic and exploration in it and the desire for Albie to stay at this small island. The end was amazing and I would recommend for 7+ years.

Alyss

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

Ghostlines is an atmospheric and beautifully worded story that transports you to the remote island of Ayrie. The language is poetic, making the landscape a character of its own. It’s a stunning read full of heart, adventures, and puffins, bringing to life the invisible connections that bind us. It's a sea-soaked, gripping adventure that deals with tough emotions—like losing a sibling—with incredible sensitivity and warmth.

Farwa

Reading Wizards

(continued review of cover, this is the list of sea adventure books already read, and I recommend them all!) Oliver and The Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah Mclntrye Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway The Pearl by John Steinbeck and the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton which often involve treasure islands and boats. But back to Ghostlines and its cover… there seem to be some voyagers going on a journey over and over again. There are lines in the water leading to an island and back again. Perhaps they are resolving something or searching for something or someone… what is a ghostline? is this going to be a scary story? I don’t think it is because the cover is so colourful. There are two friends in the canoe - will they stay friends on their journey or not? I am looking forward to reading this book and seeing if the contents live up to the cover.

Jo

Ocklynge Readers

This is my JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER choice from the shortlisted Writing titles. I am going to write a review about the cover of Ghostlines by Katya Balen before reading it and then I’ll be back with a review about its contents. I’ve chosen this book cover as my favourite for several reasons. Firstly I read and enjoyed Katya Balen’s book ‘October October’ last year so I was pleased to see an author that I recognise and would like to read more of. Katya’s writing is very gentle, inclusive and compelling. The characters and their relationships were intriguing and I needed to find out what their story was. This cover for Ghostlines is very beautifully drawn. The way it is drawn looks like a painting and the limited colour palette is fresh and bright. I wonder who the illustrator is? Another reason for choosing this book for it’s cover is that I have always lived by the sea and love a good sea adventure book. Other sea adventures I’ve read are: Oliver and The Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah Mclntrye Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway The Pearl by John Steinbeck and the Famous Five books by Enid Blyton which often involve treasure islands and boats. But back to Ghostlines and its cover… there seem to be some voyagers going on a journey over and over again. There are lines in the water leading to an island and back again. Perhaps they are resolving something or searching for something or someone… what is a ghostline? is this going to be a scary story? I don’t think it is because the cover is so prettily coloured and the boat friends look fairly content. I expect I’d find this book in the ‘adventure’ section at our school library. There are two friends in the canoe - will they stay friends on their journey or not? I am looking forward to reading this book and seeing if the contents live up to the cover. I love drawing and painting myself and I also find the covers for Birdie and Wolf Siren appealing. The author Patrick Ness has been highly recommended to me so I will read that one to, but inspite of it’s cover, not because of it. Is that bad?! Perhaps it’s a good book for a day when the reader needs cheering up because it’s very bright and a bit funny. But today I’m in the mood to read Ghostlines first, by Katya Balen. And then I’ll write a review.

Jo

Ocklynge Readers

Good book but changes from one subject to another quickly but well recommended book. Well enjoyed book.

Sophie

Bassingbourn Readers

This book had a very unique writing style, using very long, dragged out sentences and using the word 'and' a lot. I do see why this is and I think that the extremeness of this gets slightly less as you near the middle & end of the book. I think that the use of italics to show when someone is speaking is a unique choice that makes the actual reading of the book very slightly less enjoyable. Overall, the plot and story were my favourite parts whereas the writing itself was not preferable.

Theo dP

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed this book! Having read some of Katya Balen's work before, this book was just as good as her other work, if not better! I thought it had a rich plot, detailed charecters and extremely well described setting.

Rowan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found the beginning a boring and unattractive but as I kept reading i started to find it interesting and in the end I liked the ending

Hareem

Reading Wizards

I found this book very enthralling from the start, it really captured my attention with its interesting hook. My favourite part of the book was the amazing description of the island (especially the fairy pools) that transported me onto Ayrie. I especially liked how the relationship between Tilda and Albie grew over the book and the beautiful ending had me sad that the book was over. This is one of the best books I have ever read.

Hana

HGS Book Club

I enjoyed this book very much though I noticed a few spelling mistakes here and there. I couldn't put it down and the idea is very original!

Emily

Reading Wizards

I enjoyed this book very much. I thought it had a nice storyline, I enjoyed this style of writing and found the description of the island and the slow uncovering of Rowen's backstory very captivating

Willow

CGS CAKE Club

I liked Gostlines, but it had a lot of wasted potential. I liked the descriptions of Ayrie and the description of her perfect life. It had a great build up of desperation from Tilda and I liked the idea of a ghost story. However, at the end the author threw it all away. there was a storm and that was about it. I didn't like how the ghost 'just wanted some company' and how they didn't even get off ayrie by themselves, instead they were rescued. Overall I'd say 4/10

Toby

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

During Ghost Lines, a young girl named Tilda loves to explore the wonders that lay close to the jagged, rocky mountains of her home island. Throughout the book, she finds secret coves, beaches and many more hidden places filled with magic. However, a boy from the mainland, Albie, has just arrived and Tilda is intrigued to show him everything she's found in the mountains.

Amelie

Chiswick Carnegie

This book is about a girl who lives on a island called Ayrie. One day she sees a boy being sick over the edge into the sea. She decides she wants to give him a tour of the island. Then they go to another island nobody is allowed to go to. They build a camp and become really good friends. One of my favourite bits of the book is the description of where she first sees the boy and how the writer describes him. By the end of the book I was finding it a bit boring even though it started off really good. I did really like this book overall and I would recommend it to people who like adventure.

Summer

Vista Academy Littleport

Ghostlines is about Tilda who has to show Albie around the island of Ayrie, because he has just moved there and is struggling to settle in. They kayak to a secret haunted island and Albie starts to like it there a little bit more. I like about this book the theme of the secret island being haunted by ghost stories told over campfires and that all of the people on the island get along fine with things that wouldn't be normal for people on the mainland such as wild swimming in fairy pools every day. There were a couple of things that I didn't like about Ghostlines and they were that the title isn't of huge significance in the plot. It is only mentioned in passing a couple of times and the storyline works still if the author doesn't mention it. The plot twist towards the end of the book also felt rushed and the problem occurring to the resolution was over in about 30 pages. Overall I would give this book 2/5.

Felix C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I loved this book. It had a good theme of adventure. It also had lots of character building and scene setting. It felt so real, as if I was in the story myself!

Leo

The Shady Bookhounds

I thought that this was a truly wonderful book. It was engaging and compelling; full of adventure and emotion. I love how the characters are brought together by the beauty of nature (including puffins!!) There was nothing that I didn't like about it. I think that this book is suitable for ages 9-11. Overall, I loved it!

Annie

NDHS Book Group

Ghostlines by katya balen is set on a small island called Ayrie. No one ever moves to Ayrie so when two people stepped off the boat and on to the island, the news spread fast. Tilda tries to help the new boy settle in but it doesn’t work, she has to try something else. Every year when it’s puffin season, loads of visitors come to Ayrie. One day, at the end of puffin season, two people step off the boat instead of getting on the boat with the other visitors. They are a mother and a son. The boy is called Albie and he has a lot of trouble thinking of the island as home. A inslander called Tilda tries her best to show Albie around and to help him settle in, but he doesn’t want to. Albie misses his friends on the mainland so he refuses to settle in on the island. Tilda has an idea that her parents wouldn’t agree with, but it’s the only way to help Albie think of the island as home, she takes him to the haunted island that no one has been to in years. The main themes shown in this are friendship, nature and home. This is shown when Tilda tries her best to make Albie feel at home, even when Albie isn’t interested. Tilda doesn’t give up on Albie and that is what a real friend would do. Tilda also did all this when she didn’t know Albie that well. After Albie had been there for a while, Ayrie formed three mini football teams because Albie missed the football on the mainland. This shows how much the island changed for and because of Albie. Another idea formed in the book Ghostlines is family. This is because even though he left for the mainland for a job and never looked back, Rowan came back when it mattered most for his family and to save his sister. I liked the book because it was an adventure book that included the idea of home and settling into a new place. I would recommend this book to anyone ages nine to fourteen who like adventure stories.

Greta

Helkats & Hardbacks

I really enjoyed Ghost Lines as the characters were very relatable and the story line was thrilling and adventurous. It shows a lot of kindness and sorrow and how hard it really is to move somewhere where you know no-one and everything you love is across the sea. I liked reading the sub plot of her brother, Rowan and the dramatic last few chapters which ended nicely when all the secrets were revealed. This book is an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people age 8 to 13.

Hannah

Rainbeau Readers

Ghostlines is about Tilda , a girl who has lived on an island all her life and Albie , a boy who has just moved and finds it hard to warm up to the new life . I think it's quite a nice book in the sense that it's quite an easy read and has a nice storyline . The island adventures are nice to read about as there is a lot of descriptive language which helps you see what the author is writing about in your head. I also enjoyed the sub plot of her brother as it kept me reading wanting to find out what happened . However , one slight thing that bothered me was the fact that almost all the sentences were very long with multiple 'ands' in them . I think it was supposed to reflect how she's thinking this and her brains moving quickly but it was a bit hard to get used to . Overall , I quite liked this book and I would give it a 7 or 8 / 10.

Holly H

Vista Academy Littleport

I thought that Katya Balen’s “Ghostlines” was an incredibly well-written and riveting novel, and her creative spin on traditional grammar gives the narrator a realistically childlike and playful voice, which you can’t find in most other books. I also enjoyed the character arcs and the themes of suspense, mystery, fantasy and childlike wonder explored throughout.

Amelie

The Maynard School

It was a decent book but I couldn't get a grip with the plot. 7/10

Connor R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I loved the world building of the island and the relationship between Albie and Tilda. I also enjoyed the mystery of Rowan. I want a sequel with a time skip of a few years so they can find out how they feel about eachother.

Cece

Cake a Book Club

This book is very inspiring because Albie is a very relatable person. He has moved to a new place and needs to make friends. Change can be a difficult thing but this book shows how to adapt. This book shows a lot of kindness which is why I enjoyed it.

Zeven

Rainbeau Readers

GhostLines, by Katya Balen is story about a young girl called Tilda who lives on the beloved Scottish island of Ayrie, where she takes you on a journey of magic, secrets and the power of friendship. Tilda's brother is no longer on the island and she believes it is her fault so inevitably, when a boy called Albie arrives(who unlike her, is not at all keen on the island), she feels she must do everything in her power to convince him to stay, even if it means traveling to the forbidden island. At the end of the novel, one thing is definitely clear, things are never quite as scary when you've got your best friend by your side. Overall I really enjoyed GhostLines and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique adventure.

Josie

Chiswick Carnegie

I personally really enjoyed Ghostlines and think that it's strengths lie in the vivid, almost alive feeling, description of the island which really helps the story come alive. I personally felt the ending was a bit roped-in and I would have preferred a slower pace - like the rest of the novel. The characters were quite real-feeling however I did feel like their motives and opinions could have been expanded on. Overall, a good book but one which would have benefited from a few small changes.

Benjamin R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This is a great book, I loved the setting and I found the plot was really believable and I felt I was there with Tilda and Albie. I thought the ending was good as it neither had you thinking why did it have to end now and nor was it a let-down.

Zoë

Skipton Shadows

A brilliant, imersive book that really hooked me. I loved it! The ending was one of the best I have ever read. Really beliveable. I really felt like I was there watching it all happen.

Hollie

St Kaths

The book Ghostlines touched my heart. It was so clear that it was about friendship, adventure and new places. My favourite character was definitely Tilda, she was so gentle and tried her hardest to earn Albie’s trust even when he was rude to her. I also thought Moses was a good character, stupid but gentle and funny. The part that I loved with Moses was when Tilda woke up with a potato in her ear and Moses licked it. It made me laugh! Even though the story is a little bit younger for me I adored it, the description was spot on, Tilda’s personality and character was great. My favourite part of the whole book was when Albie and Tilda sail to Alda Isle, their bond was so strong! I also thought Micheal was funny since he has his goats on leads, but I think Tilda was so brave when she and Albie ventured into the haunted island, Even when she was frightened she was also excited and I love it when the characters are scared but excited because it gives the book more plot and you think, oh Tilda’s scared of course she’s going to run back to her home and stay safe but no, she and Albie ignored the (scary) bit of the island and made great effort to create ‘The Hideaway’ It sounded so comfy! I recommend this book to people who like adventure books, ghost stories, and friendship! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, it just ripped my heart!

Charlotte

Euro Champs

I really enjoyed this book and how it expressed growing up, fitting in and making new friends. It had a fun light theme with a deep meaning, this book was so good I read it in one sitting! If you’re a fan of a descriptive countryside book then this is for you.

Olivia

Rainbeau Readers

Ghostlines review. This book is by my favourite author and so I was delighted to see it has been nominated and shortlisted. This book is so beautiful with a unique, poetic writing style that makes the story so vivid. The beautiful descriptions and phrases contribute greatly to the gripping storyline that makes it all the more special. The way the author portrays Tilda as so passionate is so pure and heartfelt that I as the reader found myself protective of Ayrie. Again, the beautiful figurative language really enhances the story: the picture that has been painted is so clear and vivid. The phrases made me pause and just marvel at the perfectness of that phrase. I loved reading this book and all the others by this author. Thank you Katya Balen for such a stunning book and I would love to read whatever you write next. I hope you are proud of your nomination.

Isabel

NDHS Book Group

I really liked Ghostlines by the Carnegie winning author, Katya Balen, because it was vivid, exciting and at some point, quite emotional too. It is now one of my favourite books. I loved the setting- wild, untamed and free. You could feel the fresh sea-breeze of the Ayrie around you and you could smell the scent of the rainy air. The story is about a fierce, nature-loving girl called Tilda, living in an island called the Ayrie. When an anxious newcomer called Albie, moves in from the Mainland, things change. Everything Tilda likes, Albie hates. When Albie's mother forces him to explore the Ayrie with Tilda, he is not happy at all. Tilda is upset that Albie hates the Ayrie but Tilda comes up with a brilliant plan. A plan that would make Albie love the Ayrie forever. But the only problem is that the secret island is forbidden to anyone who lives in the Ayrie. Could she and Albie secretly pay a visit to the secret, forbidden island haunted with a ghost who died there a long time ago and live on to tell the tale...

Mithulesh A

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

There is a girl called Tilda living on an island called Ayrie. In this island, everybody knows everyone and everything pretty much stays the same. It was just the end of the time when the tourists would come to visit Ayrie to see the puffins. This marked the beginning of the silent season. However, there is a new boy called Albie who was green on the boat journey. When Tilda tried to make friends with him, she accidentally punched her and that made Albie angry. Obviously, his mum visits Tilda to talk about introducing her son to the island and maybe showing him a few secret areas. Reluctantly, she accepted it and sacrificed the end of her holidays and missed hanging out with her gang. When Tilda showed him around, Albie just seemed to hate everything she liked. I mean everything and that includes the quietness of the island, and the isolation people can get. But this didn't stop him from Tilda from getting an idea. Even though she's not allowed, she takes Albie on a trip. One that took them to...the forbidden island Ayrie kids are not allowed to enter. Surprisingly, they find something important to Tilda. She was talking about him the entire time and she finally met Rowan.

Ihsan K

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

A beautifully written and impeccably described book. I almost felt as if I was alongside the characters in their journey.

Charlotte

St Kaths

Very enjoyable plot, leaves reader wondering through most story where Rowan is and if Albie will finally find his place, interesting and leaves in suspense.

Julia

Reepham Reads

Ghostlines is about a girl named Tilda who lives on a very small island named Ayrie. Barely anyone comes and goes and the last person that did broke her heart. This story gets revealed throughout the book. Finally, a boy named Albie comes from the mainland and does not like it there so Tilda tries to impress him by taking him to a forbidden ghost island in Ayrie. What they discover there changes both of their minds.

Anaiya

Brentwood Carnegies

I thought this book was very interesting and vivid, and I really enjoyed the unique setting! I liked how you got an insight into life on a small island, as it is not somewhere most books I read are usually set, and Tilda was such an interesting protagonist, and it felt very real and almost like she was right there talking to the reader. All the characters felt developed and realistic, and it had a blend of being realistic but also quite warm and comforting. I really loved reading this and was sad when I had to return it, and it's definitely one of my favourite books on the shortlist so far.

Iris

Skipton Shadows

This book was really fun and adventurous. It started a bit slow and not very interesting but then Tilda started showing the new boy, Albie round the islands greatest things to do. They make memories with puffins and set up a secret den on a secret island. It was really imaginative and had loads of fun mini-adventures along the way. A great book I enjoyed and one I would read again. :)

Joshua R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This is a story set in the remote Island of Ayrie some of the main people in this story are Tilda: a fierce nature-loving girl who has lived in Ayrie her entire life and Albie: a newcomer from the city who is struggling to adapt to the wild isolated lifestyle. To prove the magic of Ayrie to Albie, Tilda takes him to the old island a forbidden and treacherous place that is rumoured to be haunted an hour’s boat ride away where things suddenly get dangerous when they get caught in a big storm. The reason the book is called Ghostlines is a metaphor referring to the invisible paths carved into the sea by countless boat journeys over thousands of years. I quite liked this book because it feels less like you’re just reading and like you’re submerged inside of the story

Patrick J

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found this a bit hard to follow especially the plot with Matilda and Albie and the whole haunted house thing but I did like the art and imagery and the dog! I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the ones that were available last year.

Eli

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Ghostlines by Katya Balen follows the story of the main character Tilda, who lives in the island of Ayrie. Everyone knows each other, and she has lots of friends. When a new boy arrives, she ends up taking him out to a haunted island that people are forbidden to go to, as one last shot at making him like Ayrie. I enjoyed this book, it is written in first person and the author uses lots of descriptive language in the story, which I think creates lots of visual images in your head. She writes in a way that makes you feel like you are actually in the story and experiencing what happens to the characters. There was one thing I didn't like and that was when the author wrote using 'and' quite a lot in just one sentence. It showed the protagonist's emotions and was used when Tilda experienced lots of things all at once, but I found it confusing and sometimes had to reread the sentence again to process it. However overall I thought this was a good book and I enjoyed reading it.

Emma

Vista Academy Littleport

Another great book by author Katya Balen. I really enjoyed this story set in Scotland.

Mrs Payne

The SGS Book Bandits

I liked the dog and the imagery in the story.

Grace

HGCSC Library

Ghostlines by the Carnegie award-winning Katya Balen is a vivid and heartwarming story about Tilda, a young girl living on the wild and isolated island of Ayrie with her family. Tilda adores the cold sea air, the taste of salt and seaweed on her tongue, and the sound of gulls and puffins that fly over the island. When a new boy named Albie moves to Ayrie, Tilda tries to show him how amazing the island is, despite Albie being uninterested. Later on, she takes Albie to a forbidden island where it is rumoured to be haunted. This book focuses on themes of friendship, belonging, and courage, which makes this a good read for anyone looking for a short and uplifting story. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to anybody wishing to read a vivid and heartfelt book without it being too long. I think I will most remember how sweet and heartwarming the book was, and how it really touched me.

Elizabeth

Brentwood Carnegies