Scotland, Island Life, Remote Life, Moving House, Community, Growing Up
Ghostlines
by Katya Balen
Key information
Author: Katya Balen
Cover artist: Jill Kalder
Release Date: 12th September 2024
Star rating: ★★★★★
Book type: Chapter, 288 pages
Genre: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Reader level: Confident reader, Shared read 7+
Age: Year 3+
Overview
Ghostlines is a lyrical and emotionally rich story set on the remote Scottish island of Ayrie. It follows Tilda, a girl who feels a deep sense of connection to the land, the wildlife, and the rhythms of her isolated home. Her world is disrupted when Albie, a quiet and withdrawn boy from the mainland, moves to the island with his mother. Tilda is asked to help him settle in, but their early interactions are awkward—Albie is closed-off, and the things Tilda loves most about Ayrie seem to mean little to him. In an attempt to spark a connection, she suggests they visit a nearby island that is off-limits and shrouded in stories of ghosts and tragedy.
Their secret journey leads them into a landscape of danger and discovery. As they navigate wild terrain, hidden caves, and eerie ruins, both children begin to open up—revealing buried grief, fears, and hopes. The island becomes a space where they can confront their emotions and forge an unlikely but powerful friendship. Through its stunning natural setting and layered character development, Ghostlines explores themes of loss, belonging, friendship, and the haunting pull of the past, offering readers a tender and suspenseful adventure grounded in emotional truth.
Key concepts/themes
- Growing up
- Moving house
- Belonging
- Adventure
- Friendship
- Family
- Love
Considerations
- Siblings leaving home
- Fractured relationships
- Moving home/school
Curriculum links
Geography - Scotland, Scottish Islands, Puffins
Science - birds, puffins, lifecycles
Additional teaching opportunities
1. Writing
- Setting description (Ayrie)
- Letter (From Tilda to her brother)
- Welcome letter (Tilda to Albie)
- Tour guide/leaflet (of Ayrie Island)
- Comparison (city life vs remote life)
- Non-chronological report (puffins)
- Narrative (realistic or fantasy - set in fairy pools)
- Persuasive writing (persuade Albie to stay/persuade brother to come home)
2. PE
- Kayaking
3. Art
- Landscape artwork
- Drawing animals (puffins)
4. PSHE
- Siblings moving out
- Accepting change in families which is out of your control
Vocabulary
| Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|
| puffin, community | pufflings, fledging |
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