Meet the author

Katya Balen.

Writer · United Kingdom

Katya Balen: Carnegie-winning British middle-grade author behind The Space We're In, October October and Foxlight — precise, lyrical, emotionally substantial novels for ages 9–12.

Katya Balen is a British author who has rapidly become one of the most acclaimed contemporary UK middle-grade voices. Best known for The Space We're In (2019), October, October (2020, Carnegie Medal), The Light in Everything, Foxlight, and Birdsong. Balen's voice is precise, lyrical, emotionally serious without being heavy, often centring children with neurodivergence, sibling loss or unusual family setups. Her novels have a Tom's Midnight Garden / Holes literary register. A core contemporary UK middle-grade author for ages 9–12, particularly for readers ready for emotionally substantial single-volume novels.