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199th out of 481 books
—
1,464 voters
The Color of Bones
by
Tracy Edward Wymer (Goodreads Author)
Twelve year-old Derby Shrewd lives in a divided town. Lights live on the Northside of the Line, Darks live on the Southside. Hillside has been that way ever since the Line appeared naturally from the ground, much like a spring welling up from deep inside the earth.
Now the Line controls the town, keeping Hillside separated, zapping those who come near it and killing those...more
Now the Line controls the town, keeping Hillside separated, zapping those who come near it and killing those...more
Paperback, ages 9-12, 172 pages
Published
May 8th 2012
by First Pitch
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The Story-
Derby lives on the Northside of town. He has never set foot on the Southside because of “the line”. It is an actual living, breathing line that separates the town and kills anyone who steps over it. It appeared a generation ago, and no one knows anything about it. To Derby, it is just a way of life. On his way home from school one day, he is shocked to find a pile of bones with a skull on top stacked exactly on the center of the line. Who put it there and how?
He begins studying the li...more
Derby lives on the Northside of town. He has never set foot on the Southside because of “the line”. It is an actual living, breathing line that separates the town and kills anyone who steps over it. It appeared a generation ago, and no one knows anything about it. To Derby, it is just a way of life. On his way home from school one day, he is shocked to find a pile of bones with a skull on top stacked exactly on the center of the line. Who put it there and how?
He begins studying the li...more
The Color of Bones
By Tracy Edward Wymer
172 pages – ages 9-12
Published May 8th 2012 by First Pitch
The Line appeared one day, long ago. It separated the town of Hillside, creating the Northsiders (the Lights) and the Southsiders (the Darks). Anyone who crossed the Line or tried to cross the Line would die instantly or soon after trying it. Derby lived on the Northside all his life. His father was scarred by the Line once because he got too close to it. Derby was walking home one day with his frien...more
By Tracy Edward Wymer
172 pages – ages 9-12
Published May 8th 2012 by First Pitch
The Line appeared one day, long ago. It separated the town of Hillside, creating the Northsiders (the Lights) and the Southsiders (the Darks). Anyone who crossed the Line or tried to cross the Line would die instantly or soon after trying it. Derby lived on the Northside all his life. His father was scarred by the Line once because he got too close to it. Derby was walking home one day with his frien...more
Ever since Derby can remember, The Line has separated the Southsiders from the Northsiders and threatened anyone who attempted to cross over. He can remember his father, the mayor, getting too close one time and watching helplessly as The Line pulsed with electricity and attacked his father, leaving a scar on his face. When Derby and his friend see a pile of bones directly on the line, they wonder how it could have gotten there, and wonder why the skull seems to be staring at them. Derby likes t...more
On his way home from school twelve year-old Derby comes across a pile of human bones with the skull sitting on the very top. He can’t escape the feeling that he skull is watching him. He soon learns that there is no way to remove the bones; the sheriff has already tried. The bones are sitting on the line and the line won’t let anyone near them.
The line separates the north side of town from the South side of town and woe be it to anyone who tries to cross from one side to the other. Derby, son o...more
The line separates the north side of town from the South side of town and woe be it to anyone who tries to cross from one side to the other. Derby, son o...more
Young Adult book by Tracy Edward Wymer
First let me say that this review should carry a 'Gushing Warning' attached to it. That's right! I'm overflowing with respect for this author's writing skill, and the unique story he's fashioned in The Color of Bones.
As I mentioned, the writing is superb, perfect for the age of his readers. Mr. Wymer's style and voice are fun, quirky, and adventurous. His characters are richly portrayed and you'll enjoy meeting the challenges of this story through the mind...more
First let me say that this review should carry a 'Gushing Warning' attached to it. That's right! I'm overflowing with respect for this author's writing skill, and the unique story he's fashioned in The Color of Bones.
As I mentioned, the writing is superb, perfect for the age of his readers. Mr. Wymer's style and voice are fun, quirky, and adventurous. His characters are richly portrayed and you'll enjoy meeting the challenges of this story through the mind...more
This was an ok story and a quick read. Whenever there is a supernatural or odd element in a story, I'm always looking for the explanation or the why, which this book doesn't provide. There is a line dividing the middle of the town that has been there for generations. They now all just accept it and don't question it. I want to know more about it. When did it appear? What is it really? How did it get there? If the line only divides the town, it must end somewhere, so why can't you just go around...more
I grew up going to my grandparents’ house in a tiny, tiny town in southern Missouri. Even in the 1980's the town was segregated. My cousin and I rode our bikes all over that town, but we were not allowed to ride our bikes “over there." Many years later, when I started writing, I was drawn to this concept of a divided town. But I’d read, and even taught, books about divided places, books like The Outsiders and Maniac Magee, and I knew I had to write something original and fresh, something that no...more
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I knew I'd love his book before I read it, and I was right. Just the blurb was enough to suck me in. The Line through the middle of town is a force to be reckoned with. Tracy Wymer does an incredible job of actually making The Line a powerful--and believable--main character. I especially love the story's prose--so wonderful. The words and the story flow like water, and the originality will keep you spellbound. Derby and Zora completely captured my heart.
It's a fast read, and one I'm sure you'll...more
It's a fast read, and one I'm sure you'll...more
Another book I got for free on my Kindle. I actually really, really loved the plot to this story. There were a lot of places it could have gone, it had the perfect edge of 'dark' to it, and it was very enjoyable. Only thing I did not like was the ending... but if you are looking for a dark story that makes you feel warm and fuzzy at the same time, I recommend this one.
This was a fun quick read. I teach middle school and try to keep tabs on the stuff the kids are reading these days. I like the overall message of the story and think that it's still some relevant that kids can relate to. I'm very intrigued about the line and thought it was an inventive character that you don't see much in books much. Great imagery too.
Wymer is trying to make a statement about racism here, but flat characters and a soggy middle get in the way. It was, however, less mediocre than most of the middle-grade books I've been reading lately.
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This book is a little gem. The Line is an interesting concept and I loved that it was portrayed as a living, human-like entity. Though the book was shorter than I would have liked, it was engrossing.
Thanks, Tracy, for sending me your book. It reminded me a little bit of The Giver. It felt science fictiony.
Interesting portrayal of segregation. I'd love to know the age this book was intended for. Without reading between the lines this story is only a 2, but when I thought about the symbolisms represented in the book I felt it definitely deserved at Least a 3
1 like · like · see review
Interesting beginning & premise, but it didn't feel flushed out. It felt like it got to her thematic point, and she left it there.
A MUST read for all young readers!!!! Wymer "hit one out of the park" with "The Color of Bones.". Highly recommend.
This was a really good story. I thought it wouldn't be too good considering I got it for free but I really liked it. It was short but it kept me interested the whole time.
Take my rating with a grain of salt as I am way outside the intended age range of reader. I'll pass it along to my niece and update my rating with her review.
Eh. Was really good...but without a real ending. Could have gone farther and so.much more in depth. Dissappointing ending after the depth of story.
It may be a "children's" book, but it is not childish at all. It teaches a good lesson for all of us and I had a hard time putting it down.t
What a story! I was amazed at how the author protrays the "Line". Growing up in a small town in the south, I lived with that line. The story is so true, but is told in a way that will capture your heart from the very beginning. I challenge you to take that magical journey with Derby and Zora. You won't be disappointed. I couldn't put the book down.
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Tracy Edward Wymer writes fiction in an underground office with strange noises. He is the author of THE COLOR OF BONES and BIRD NERD (February 12, 2013). He teaches English and creative writing and lives with his family in Los Angeles.
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