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What if our childhood games and fantasies were real? When is childhood over? Three children--on the edge of adolescence--set off on one last adventure in answer to a dead girl's wishes. Beautifully written. I particularly enjoyed the friendships between Poppy, Zach, and Alice. Scary, but not too scary. I plan to read Doll Bones to my 5th graders this year.
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This is a brave little story, featuring middle school kids that play out imagined adventures with dolls. They've been creating these adventures for many years, resulting in a vividly described world with a history compiled by the three. When the boy, Zachary, is no longer able to play, Poppy (the youngest) comes up with an elaborate real-life adventure, hoping to keep Zachary and their third friend, Alice, from growing up and leaving her behind.
I thought the story succeeded on this level, the ...more
I thought the story succeeded on this level, the ...more
Everyone is raving about this. I thought it was fine, but I didn't LOVE it. Three pre-teens have for years enjoyed a role playing game they've made up using their action figures and a lot of imagination. Their Great Queen is a valuable doll that Poppy's mom has locked up in a case at home. However now that they are on the cusp of teenager-hood and in middle school, things are becoming a bit awkward among them. Alice has a secret crush on Zach, and Zach knows that if his basketball teammates find
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Poppy, Zach and Alice are friends who have vivid imaginations and play a lot with dolls. However, as Zach gets older, his father doesn't think it is for boys and throws all of Zach's dolls away. Zach tells Poppy and Alice that he doesn't want to play with dolls anymore and tries to avoid them as much as he can. However when Poppy brings out the "Great Queen" Doll that is in her mother's china cabinet, everything in the lives of these 3 children play. I wanted to read this book because it is a 20
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Wow! When students ask for a scary story, this will fit the bill! And I can't wait to read it aloud. Unfortunately the cover and the title may make guys shy away, but it's definitely of interest to guys and girls. I'm going to put a YA (4th 5th graders only) sticker on it. I could hardly put it down, it was so suspenseful! One reviewer said she couldn't come to care for the characters, but I didn't feel that way. I'm glad Zach, Poppy, and Alice made it through their quest and remained friends. M
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I'm not naturally drawn to creepy, weird stories, but I have say I was curious to see what all the
excitement was about. I'm glad I did! Black has mixed just the right ingredients
to keep the reader enthralled with the possibilities that the doll the children call "the Queen" might
actually be holding the ghost of a girl . And, that this girl is communicating where she wishes
to be buried so that her soul can rest. Yes, indeed!!! This one is a firecracker of a good and satisfying
read! ...more
excitement was about. I'm glad I did! Black has mixed just the right ingredients
to keep the reader enthralled with the possibilities that the doll the children call "the Queen" might
actually be holding the ghost of a girl . And, that this girl is communicating where she wishes
to be buried so that her soul can rest. Yes, indeed!!! This one is a firecracker of a good and satisfying
read! ...more
A great creepy book for kids that love to be scared. The book was well written and had good pacing. The ending left a lot for the reader to decide, and there were a lot of unknowns that I would have preferred answered.
I really enjoyed this book. It was just creepy enough without being too scary for more sensitive kids.
This was a wonderful genre mash up as it is part Gaimanesque fantasy and part quest story, but at it's heart, a coming of age story.
I thought Black did an excellent job with all three characters. They were spot on: preteens with believable back stories. Their interactions and fights were all accurate depictions which helped sell the ghost story part for me. I really enjoyed it and expect it to be a Newbery Honor at least. ...more
I thought Black did an excellent job with all three characters. They were spot on: preteens with believable back stories. Their interactions and fights were all accurate depictions which helped sell the ghost story part for me. I really enjoyed it and expect it to be a Newbery Honor at least. ...more
I liked this, it had some great things to say about the importance of stories/imagination. From things I've read, I was expecting it to be scarier - but I think the scare-level was about appropriate for its intended audience.
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May 22, 2013
Anamaria
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Jul 28, 2013
Ernie Cox
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