Gabe's voice is distinct, and the evolution of his conflict reinforces the humanity amid the magic. 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 Home Praise for Bone Hollow A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2019 'Set in the rural South, the syrup-soaked, rich imagery is a sensory delight. ' -Booklist 'Kim Ventrella knows when to be playful and when to break your heart.' -Cassie Beasley, NYT-bestselling author of Circus Mirandus 'Like Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, Skeleton Tree upends the myth of the Grim Reaper. ' - Booklist, Praise for Skeleton Tree ' emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic and a resilient, likable protagonist.' -Kirkus Reviews '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 'Quietly powerful dark yet whimsical. Kim Ventrella knows when to be playful and when to break your heart.' - Cassie Beasley, New York Times 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 'Quietly powerful dark yet whimsical. ' Skeleton Tree is a powerful and tender story. 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.

and the power of friendship to transcend them all.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. A staggering debut that will forever change the way you think about life, hope, death.

Skeleton tree by kim ventrella