Clark, author of The Boy, The Boat and the Beast 'A sensitive story filled with humor, adventure and characters you want to hug. 'A perfectly magical story packed with twists, energy and charm!' -Janet Fox, award-winning author of The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle 'This light fantasy eases the tension of a tough topic.' -Kirkus Reviews Magically mesmerizing and moving.' -Kirkus Reviews, starred review 'The magic is rooted in evocative descriptions and strong emotions. 'Ventrella fearlessly tackles the sensitive subject of death for a middle grade audience.' -Booklist A heck of a good read about the bright side of some durn bad luck.' -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Gabe's voice is distinct, and the evolution of his conflict reinforces the humanity amid the magic. 'Set in the rural South, the syrup-soaked, rich imagery is a sensory delight.

Scary, sad, funny and always so, so sweet, Skeleton Tree will haunt me and remind me that life is miraculous when it's rooted in hope and empathy.' -Paul Griffin, author When Friendship Followed Me HomeĪ New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2019 'Like Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, Skeleton Tree upends the myth of the Grim Reaper. 'Kim Ventrella knows when to be playful and when to break your heart.' -Cassie Beasley, NYT-bestselling author of Circus Mirandus 'Ventrella's comforting storytelling reveals a magical world where a skeleton can grow and where a family's love for each other can provide healing.' -School Library Journal ' emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic and a resilient, likable protagonist.' -Kirkus Reviews However, Miren is desperate not to lose her friend, forcing Stanly to question everything he's ever believed about life, love, and the mysterious forces that connect us. When Miren starts to grow sick, Stanly suspects that the skeleton is responsible and does everything in his power to drive the creature away. Mischievous Miren adopts the skeleton as a friend, and soon, the two become inseparable playmates. There's just one person who doesn't find any of this weird-Stanly's little sister. Even stranger, it seems to be growing into a full skeleton. With such a unique find, he's sure to win the grand prize.But, oddly, the bone doesn't appear in any photos. Twelve-year-old Stanly knows the bone growing in his yard is a little weird, but that's okay, because now he'll have the perfect photo to submit to the Young Discoverer's Competition. and the power of friendship to transcend them all. A staggering debut that will forever change the way you think about life, hope, death.

Skeleton tree by kim ventrella