Lauren
Doll Bones is a Middle Grade horror novel following a trio of friends as they enter an adventure to put “the queen” to rest and, hopefully, save their friendship.
For anyone who is unaware, Middle Grade novels typically involve a protagonist realizing the world is much larger than they may have initially realized. This book does that well through a character named Zach, who learns that family is complicated, friendship takes effort, and maybe adventure is needed regardless of the judgment of others.
Personally, I thought it was a great balance of spooky atmosphere without being scary. As with all Middle Grade, I do think the maturity of the reader will impact the experience. The kids in this story make some decisions that are not bad, but not ones that any parents would want their children to take. A more mature reader will go into the story and understand this, but a less mature middle schooler may not.
I thought Zach was an overall relatable and sweet kid, and between the three friends I think most readers will be able to see themselves. One of the kids has a complicated relationship with their father, one lives with her grandma after losing her parents, and the other was a strong willed “weird girl” that needs the approval of no one except her friends.
Doll Bones is a Middle Grade horror novel following a trio of friends as they enter an adventure to put “the queen” to rest and, hopefully, save their friendship.
For anyone who is unaware, Middle Grade novels typically involve a protagonist realizing the world is much larger than they may have initially realized. This book does that well through a character named Zach, who learns that family is complicated, friendship takes effort, and maybe adventure is needed regardless of the judgment of others.
Personally, I thought it was a great balance of spooky atmosphere without being scary. As with all Middle Grade, I do think the maturity of the reader will impact the experience. The kids in this story make some decisions that are not bad, but not ones that any parents would want their children to take. A more mature reader will go into the story and understand this, but a less mature middle schooler may not.
I thought Zach was an overall relatable and sweet kid, and between the three friends I think most readers will be able to see themselves. One of the kids has a complicated relationship with their father, one lives with her grandma after losing her parents, and the other was a strong willed “weird girl” that needs the approval of no one except her friends.