Tuesday, November 26, 2013

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

When is it time to put away the toys and stop playing make believe? What happens when the game you thought you were playing turns out not to be a game after all, but is terrifyingly real? Middle schoolers, Zach, Alice, and Poppy, are confronted by these very questions in Doll Bones by Holly Black. The three have been friends for a long time and one of their favorite games is to create elaborate scenarios and quests for their dolls and action figures to act out. They know that they’re getting a little too old to play with dolls, but their stories and games are central to their friendship with each other, especially now, since it seems the changes that come with middle school are starting to drive a wedge between their group.

One night, Poppy has a dream about the antique bone china doll that acts as the Queen in their adventures. The doll is haunted by a ghost of a little girl who suffered a horrific fate and needs Poppy’s help putting her spirit to rest. Suspecting that it might be more than a dream, Poppy finds evidence that the ghost’s story is true and convinces Zach and Alice to help her. Together they embark on a real life quest to uncover the mystery behind the Queen and see if their friendship can stand the test of time even after the games are over.

A fantastic, slightly spooky read by the creator of The Spiderwick Chronicles!

For grades 5 and up.

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