Katya Balen

Katya Balen studied English and is a children’s author. She co-founded Mainspring Arts, a nonprofit organisation that provides creative opportunities for neurodivergent and autistic people. Her debut novel, *The Space We’re In*, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award. *October, October* won the Yoto Carnegie Medal in 2022.