Following a traumatic accident, a special friendship helps talented musician Annie heal and rediscover her love of music in this captivating novella from Carnegie Medal-winner Katya Balen.



After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she’s always loved.


She exists in a world of angry silence – furious with her mum and furious she can’t seem to play her beloved flute any more.


Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds’ nest hidden in the scrubland near their flats. As their friendship grows, the blackbirds’ glorious song reignites Annie’s passion for music. But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk?



Particularly for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Illustrated by: Richard Johnson