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The Light in Everything

Shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2023
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( 1,021 ratings, 152 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Light in Everything by Katya Balen is a heartwarming children's story about two young protagonists, Zofia and Tom, each grappling with complex emotions as they navigate a new family dynamic. Both bringing their own challenges, they are unexpectedly thrown together when their parents decide to join their families. It’s a beautifully nuanced exploration of friendship, bravery, and the power of understanding in overcoming personal fears and forming new bonds.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate touching and heartwarming stories. It offers a beautifully told tale of connection and understanding, perfect for young readers who enjoy stories about friendship, growth, and the light found in everyday moments.

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The Light in Everything

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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'Original, compulsive, uplifting: this is another triumph for Balen' - Alex O'Connell, The Times Children's Book of the Week

'Balen's best book yet: ambitious, funny, spirited, moving, heartfelt and bold all at once. She's a force to be reckoned with' - Ross Montgomery
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From the author of October, October, winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022, comes a life-affirming story about blended families and learning to find room in your heart for new life and new love.

Tom is still quiet and timid, even though his dad has been gone for nearly two years now.

Zofia is the opposite. Inside her there’s a raging storm that makes her want to fight the whole world until she gets what she wants.

And what she wants is for scaredy-cat Tom to get out of her life. Tom hates loud, unpredictable Zofia just as much, but he’s moving into Zofia’s house. Because his mum and Zofia’s dad are in love … and they’re having a baby.

Tom and Zofia both wish the stupid baby had never happened. But then Tom’s mum gets ill, and it begins to look horribly like their wish might come true …

A story of learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart, with a stunning cover illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Sydney Smith.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews for The Light in Everything highlight Katya Balen's exceptional ability to delve into the emotional lives of children, portraying them with both compassion and insight. The book is described as ambitious, touching, funny, and beautifully written, capturing the challenges and joys of blended families through vividly created characters. Balen's poetic style and keen emotional observance resonate with readers, making it another praised work in her impressive repertoire.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526622983

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 January 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Sydney Smith

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 200.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Katya Balen is an award-winning author of books for children. Katya's debut novel, The Space We’re In, was published in 2019 and was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award. Her second, October, October, won the Yoto Carnegie Medal. Her third novel, The Light in Everything, was published in 2022. When she’s not writing books, Katya likes to scroll through dog-rescue websites, bake, and attempt to keep all her house plants alive. She lives in London with her partner and their dogs Raffi and Mouse.

Sydney Smith is a children's book illustrator. He lives in Canada with his wife and two sons. His picture books have won numerous awards, including the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, which he has now won twice.

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