Ghostlines

Tilda lives on the beautiful island of Ayrie. Everyone there knows each other, and it is wild and beautiful and home. Even if her brother is no longer there.

When new boy Albie arrives – to live on the island, not just as a tourist – Tilda wants to show him the secret places and the seals and puffins. But he’s not interested. So she promises to take him to a forbidden, haunted island. And together, they make a dangerous trip over the sea – and delve into the past.  

Beautifully written, this story is about family and belonging and community. It explores how you can feel lonely as a newcomer in a place with friendship networks already established. And how tough it is to accept that some things change, even when you don’t want them to.

There’s a gentle message that it’s worth actually listening to friends and family members when they try to tell you how they’re feeling. And that you can’t make people do what you want them to do. Tilda is a kind, brave protagonist, and there’s a real love for nature woven throughout.