Another superb middle-grade novel from Carnegie Medal-winning author Katya Balen, Letters from the Upside is a beautifully written story and follows Con, a young boy who has trouble controlling his anger since his father left. He is often well behaved and a good kid in class, but when his rage erupts, he lashes out physically, especially when his buttons are pushed by the class bully.

After punching Mickey in the face and breaking his nose, not only is Con suspended from school but he also becomes the target of Mickey’s older brothers and is estranged from his best friend. His mum has little choice but to leave Con at home in their flat while she goes to work. That is when an elderly perceptive neighbour, Mr Williams, takes Con under his wing.

He introduces Con to the amazing place he calls the Upside on the roof of their building. In addition to another resident’s (Gloria) garden, Mr Williams shows Con his homing pigeons and their loft. As their friendship deepens, Con is entrusted with handling and caring for the birds – but he needs to control his temper to do so. He sends out messages with the pigeons looking for news of his dad.

While looking after the pigeons while Mr Williams is away, disaster strikes. Con takes on the responsibility of repairing and rebuilding the damage by engaging neighbours and friends who all pitch in to help. Con also starts to talk about his feelings instead of bottling them up and letting them explode.

This beautiful story touches on many issues – intergenerational friendships, family breakup, anger management – but mainly it is an engrossing story about a boy growing through a difficult period in his life and coming out the other side. And readers will learn lots about homing pigeons!

Reviewed by Lynne Babbage
Age Guide 9+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Visit the publisher’s website here.

Visit Katya Balen’s website here

Read our interview with Katya Baleen here.