Nightjar

Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen returns with a stunning tale about a fractured bond between father and son - and the injured bird that helps to heal it.

Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen returns with a stunning tale about a fractured bond between father and son - and the injured bird that helps to heal it.

When Noah's dad visits from New York, he and Noah come across an injured nightjar during a walk in the countryside. Noah is determined to save the bird, but his dad believes they should leave it alone to let nature take its course. As father and son argue, it becomes clear that Noah is angry about more than just the bird. He feels abandoned and misunderstood by his dad, who has moved to the US and started a new family there that doesn't seem to have room for Noah. Can they find a way to build a new relationship and rediscover the common ground between them?

Balen's mastery in weaving a narrative that delves into the raw emotions of a child dealing with his parents divorce is evident in this top-tier juvenile fiction. The backdrop of environmental science and the presence of the nightjar adds a unique layer to the story, making it a must-read for children and teens alike.

For fans of Katherine Rundell (Rooftoppers), Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Julia and the Shark), M.G. Leonard (Twitch), Lesley Parr (Where The River Takes Us), and Hiba Noor Khan (The Little War Cat).