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Precious Bones
Meet ten-year-old Bones, whose playground is the Florida swamps, brimming with mystical witches, black bears, alligators and bobcats. Bones' father, Nolay, a Miccosukee Indian, is smart and mischievous. Her Mama, practical as corn bread, can see straight into Bones' soul.
It's summer, and Bones is busy hunting and fishing with her best friend, Little Man. But then two Yankee real estate agents trespass on her family's land, and Nolay scares them off with his gun. When a storm blows in and Bones and Little Man uncover something horrible at the edge of the Loo-chee swamp, the evidence of foul play points to Nolay. The only person that can help Nolay is Sheriff LeRoy, who's as slow as pond water. Bones is determined to take matters into her own hands. If it takes a miracle, then a miracle is what she will deliver
It's summer, and Bones is busy hunting and fishing with her best friend, Little Man. But then two Yankee real estate agents trespass on her family's land, and Nolay scares them off with his gun. When a storm blows in and Bones and Little Man uncover something horrible at the edge of the Loo-chee swamp, the evidence of foul play points to Nolay. The only person that can help Nolay is Sheriff LeRoy, who's as slow as pond water. Bones is determined to take matters into her own hands. If it takes a miracle, then a miracle is what she will deliver
344 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2012
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489 people want to read
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August 12, 2016
PRECIOUS BONES is set in 1948, in the swamplands of old Florida. The main character, Bones, is a 10-year-old girl, and the book is marketed as a young adult book, but should absolutely be read by adults as well. "Civilization" is encroaching on the traditional life of the swamp, and Bones' idyllic life with her mother and father is threatened when two Yankee land speculators set their sights on their land. Bones herself is a miraculous creation, as inquisitive as the raccoon in her animal entourage, as thoroughly in tune with the rhythms of the swamp as the elusive bear that puts in occasional appearances. The setting is brought vividly to life through Bones's observant eyes, and one doesn't have to be a Floridian to mourn its passing. Some hard issues arise in the course of the story: racism, child abuse, and the death of an innocent. Bones learns, suffers, and grows. But the best part of the story are the wonderful characters: Bones and her father, a charming scamp, and their whole community. By the time I finished the book, I felt that I'd grown up there, too.
In many ways, Bones reminds me of Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I've read this book several times now, and each time it had me in tears...the good kind.
In many ways, Bones reminds me of Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I've read this book several times now, and each time it had me in tears...the good kind.
June 3, 2015
It's 1949 and 10 year-old Bones lives in the swamps of Florida with her parents. Bones and her family live a simple and fairly quiet life. Until two real estate agents come on to her family's property uninvited and a few days later one of the agents are reported as missing.
What I can about this book? It's definitely suspenseful and a good mystery. It was slow at first, but it picked up and got better. The characters are all unique and likable. And it just feels like a nice little community. Whenever one needs something, they all try to help a little.
I thought it was neat that Bones was part Indian and her dad was half.
I thought it was a good and enjoyable story.
What I can about this book? It's definitely suspenseful and a good mystery. It was slow at first, but it picked up and got better. The characters are all unique and likable. And it just feels like a nice little community. Whenever one needs something, they all try to help a little.
I thought it was neat that Bones was part Indian and her dad was half.
I thought it was a good and enjoyable story.
November 18, 2013
When the worst storm of the 1949 summer season blows through the swamp where ten-year-old Bones lives with her parents, she thinks the worst that could happen is their house will flood. Little does she know, real trouble is just around the corner. Some citified Yankee men come sniffing around trying to get Bones' daddy to sell his land. The confrontation does not go well and soon one of the men turns up dead and Nolay (Bones' daddy) is the chief suspect. Bones adores her father but she knows that sometimes he considers himself beyond the law because the laws were made by white men and Nolay is part Indian. When Bones finds startling evidence, her mind begins to make up stories it shouldn't. She must wait though, for the sheriff to conduct his "po-lease" business. When a local man turns up dead, the sheriff believes there must be a connection. The summer and fall suddenly never seemed so long to Bones. She has the utomost faith in Nolay; after all he's never lied to her before, has he? She hangs around the general store hoping to pick up some clue to the murders and also to chat with Mr. Speedy, the wounded war veteran who always has fascinating information to share. There's also visits to the cousins in the everglades, hunting in the swamp and raising her pet pig and pet raccoon to keep Bones busy while waiting for the sheriff. During the long fall, Bones learns that she never really knew her neighbors, friends and family and takes her first steps towards growing up.
This book isn't exactly a coming-of-age novel since Bones is only 10 but it is a growing up novel. The events of the summer and fall of 1949 help Bones to question everything she's known, look more closely and listen more carefully. She discovers her hero has feet of clay and her safe, protected world in the swamp can't keep out sadness and pain. Bones is an appealing character. I could relate to her love of animals and her desire to rescue them. I can also relate to her overactive imagination, which I had as a child. She's a nice kid, a little spunky like Jennifer Lynn Holmes' May Amelia, but without a chip on her shoulder and without being overly precocious. She's similar to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. Her best friend is a boy, Little Man, and he shares in many of her adventures which will make this book appeal to boys as well as girls. The adult characters in this story seem a bit incompetent at first but as the story progresses, they become more fleshed out and three-dimensional characters. I especially liked Mr. Speedy and Chicken Charlie. The plot deals with prejudice, racism, class differences and ecological conservation. The mystery grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. I read way way too late into the night and only managed half the book. I couldn't sleep for wondering how it would all turn out. I had a pretty good idea of what happened, but like the sheriff, I lacked evidence. As the mystery plot unfolds, the clues come out just when the characters are ready to discover them, for the most part. There's a bit of foreshadowing at the end of each chapter that I didn't quite like. The book is really long for this age level and I think it could have been shortened by a few chapters. If you like local color stories then you will love this book. The Florida swamp where Bones lives comes to life with beautifully written descriptions like "The sun's reflection skimmed across the water's surface, turning it into an endless black-topped mirror." Other similes are equally beautiful. The author's purpose was to capture a way of life that has pretty much disappeared and she truly succeeded. I think kids and adults 8+ will truly enjoy this story. It's sweet, poignant, sometimes funny and very interesting. There's room for a sequel, I hope!
This book isn't exactly a coming-of-age novel since Bones is only 10 but it is a growing up novel. The events of the summer and fall of 1949 help Bones to question everything she's known, look more closely and listen more carefully. She discovers her hero has feet of clay and her safe, protected world in the swamp can't keep out sadness and pain. Bones is an appealing character. I could relate to her love of animals and her desire to rescue them. I can also relate to her overactive imagination, which I had as a child. She's a nice kid, a little spunky like Jennifer Lynn Holmes' May Amelia, but without a chip on her shoulder and without being overly precocious. She's similar to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. Her best friend is a boy, Little Man, and he shares in many of her adventures which will make this book appeal to boys as well as girls. The adult characters in this story seem a bit incompetent at first but as the story progresses, they become more fleshed out and three-dimensional characters. I especially liked Mr. Speedy and Chicken Charlie. The plot deals with prejudice, racism, class differences and ecological conservation. The mystery grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. I read way way too late into the night and only managed half the book. I couldn't sleep for wondering how it would all turn out. I had a pretty good idea of what happened, but like the sheriff, I lacked evidence. As the mystery plot unfolds, the clues come out just when the characters are ready to discover them, for the most part. There's a bit of foreshadowing at the end of each chapter that I didn't quite like. The book is really long for this age level and I think it could have been shortened by a few chapters. If you like local color stories then you will love this book. The Florida swamp where Bones lives comes to life with beautifully written descriptions like "The sun's reflection skimmed across the water's surface, turning it into an endless black-topped mirror." Other similes are equally beautiful. The author's purpose was to capture a way of life that has pretty much disappeared and she truly succeeded. I think kids and adults 8+ will truly enjoy this story. It's sweet, poignant, sometimes funny and very interesting. There's room for a sequel, I hope!
June 3, 2015
Content Warning:
Disturbing implied violence
Mild cussing
Racial slurs
Summary:
Bones is a ten year old living with her parents in the swamp lands of Florida. She and her best friend, Little Man, seek adventure and crawfish in the summer of 1949. However, one day two men from the North come to their home, hoping to buy the land from Bones' father, Nolay. Nolay is a Miccosukee Indian and becomes angry when the Yankee's become more threatening towards him. Once the Northerners are chased off the land, Bones believes she's seen the last of them. Fate, however, would play a different hand, and soon Nolay is accused of murder. It is up to Bones and her friends to investigate the death of the Yankees and clear her fathers name.
What I thought:
I actually picked this book up on accident, but I'm so glad I did. I absolutely loved this story and it's characters. It reminded me a lot of To Kill a Mockingbird, particularly because of Bones and her style of narration. Characters became life like through her eyes and her voice was clear throughout the entire novel.
I think that her situation and lifestyle were very well written and realistic. The overall feel of the book and the lessons of racial tolerance and the soul of the earth were emphasized and taught in subtle yet meaningful ways.
Disturbing implied violence
Mild cussing
Racial slurs
Summary:
Bones is a ten year old living with her parents in the swamp lands of Florida. She and her best friend, Little Man, seek adventure and crawfish in the summer of 1949. However, one day two men from the North come to their home, hoping to buy the land from Bones' father, Nolay. Nolay is a Miccosukee Indian and becomes angry when the Yankee's become more threatening towards him. Once the Northerners are chased off the land, Bones believes she's seen the last of them. Fate, however, would play a different hand, and soon Nolay is accused of murder. It is up to Bones and her friends to investigate the death of the Yankees and clear her fathers name.
What I thought:
I actually picked this book up on accident, but I'm so glad I did. I absolutely loved this story and it's characters. It reminded me a lot of To Kill a Mockingbird, particularly because of Bones and her style of narration. Characters became life like through her eyes and her voice was clear throughout the entire novel.
I think that her situation and lifestyle were very well written and realistic. The overall feel of the book and the lessons of racial tolerance and the soul of the earth were emphasized and taught in subtle yet meaningful ways.
May 18, 2018
This was a young adult murder mystery set in Florida. Although the plot was good and the characters believable, I had a hard time with the children in the story often taking guns with them when heading to the swamp and the mother carrying a gun in her handbag. May be this is "normal" in the U.S. but for those outside the country like me, it was a little disturbing. There was also an element of advise throughout the book which although wise, became a preachy after a while and I found myself skipping pages.
May 20, 2024
Rating: 3.5
One of my favorite people to spend time with while growing up was my Uncle Joe. He was big, larger than life even. He could sing like Hank Williams. He was a gifted storyteller who usually focused more on the quality of the story than the truth. He had that quintessential southern accent -- smooth and warm, it would roll through you like good whiskey. He could make a mean boiling pot -- with Uncle Joe, food went beyond nourishment and became an event. He was an amazing and skilled hunter and fisherman. And (as odd as it may sound coming from this nearly life-long vegetarian) it was partly his love of nature and animals that helped inspire my own. He was a drifter by nature, unlike Nolay (see! I didn't forget the book!), because his roots were not a place but people. Like a boomerang he always circled back to us. Of all the stopping places he found, the one that lasted the longest in my memory was Alabama. He fell equally in love with the swamp and the Gulf; and, for a man who seldom did such things, he could wax poetically about both. Uncle Joe was also a lot like Nolay in that he always seemed to have something to prove -- to himself and everyone else. He was fiercely protective of us, his family, both as people and ideas. Somehow, after he died, we became a little less a unit and more a collection of people. He had a temper, and he didn't always make the best choices. But, like Bones, I didn't see that when I was a child. All I saw was this amazingly smart man who could do anything except wrong.
These similarities, of course, made my immersion into Precious Bones both quick and thorough. But, despite my personal parallels that made this book particularly compelling, I think many readers will find it equally compelling without them. Ashley-Hollinger writes with such evocative, eloquent beauty that it just sucks you in and won't let go. The mystery is fabulous, but the biggest reveals aren't necessarily related to the mystery. Precious Bones is also a luscious coming of age story, a story about seeing people as they really are and still accepting them.
Oddly enough, my biggest complaints about Precious Bones are also some of the things I loved most. I love that Ashley-Hollinger includes regional dialect. I also love the sweeping descriptions of her surroundings. There is such a sense of place in Precious Bones. However, upon closer examination, her descriptions don't make sense in the context of Bone's first person narration. Bones has neither the education and experience for the similes and metaphors used, nor the vocabulary to have described many things as she did. As an adult I found the descriptions poignant and apt, but many would have flown right over my son's head without further clarification and definition. Also, despite the fact that I agree with all of Ashley-Hollinger's "messages" within the book, they were not exactly subtle. I would hate for that to be what turned kids away from an otherwise beautiful and interesting book.
This review also appears on Chronicles of a Book Evangelist; a review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
One of my favorite people to spend time with while growing up was my Uncle Joe. He was big, larger than life even. He could sing like Hank Williams. He was a gifted storyteller who usually focused more on the quality of the story than the truth. He had that quintessential southern accent -- smooth and warm, it would roll through you like good whiskey. He could make a mean boiling pot -- with Uncle Joe, food went beyond nourishment and became an event. He was an amazing and skilled hunter and fisherman. And (as odd as it may sound coming from this nearly life-long vegetarian) it was partly his love of nature and animals that helped inspire my own. He was a drifter by nature, unlike Nolay (see! I didn't forget the book!), because his roots were not a place but people. Like a boomerang he always circled back to us. Of all the stopping places he found, the one that lasted the longest in my memory was Alabama. He fell equally in love with the swamp and the Gulf; and, for a man who seldom did such things, he could wax poetically about both. Uncle Joe was also a lot like Nolay in that he always seemed to have something to prove -- to himself and everyone else. He was fiercely protective of us, his family, both as people and ideas. Somehow, after he died, we became a little less a unit and more a collection of people. He had a temper, and he didn't always make the best choices. But, like Bones, I didn't see that when I was a child. All I saw was this amazingly smart man who could do anything except wrong.
These similarities, of course, made my immersion into Precious Bones both quick and thorough. But, despite my personal parallels that made this book particularly compelling, I think many readers will find it equally compelling without them. Ashley-Hollinger writes with such evocative, eloquent beauty that it just sucks you in and won't let go. The mystery is fabulous, but the biggest reveals aren't necessarily related to the mystery. Precious Bones is also a luscious coming of age story, a story about seeing people as they really are and still accepting them.
Oddly enough, my biggest complaints about Precious Bones are also some of the things I loved most. I love that Ashley-Hollinger includes regional dialect. I also love the sweeping descriptions of her surroundings. There is such a sense of place in Precious Bones. However, upon closer examination, her descriptions don't make sense in the context of Bone's first person narration. Bones has neither the education and experience for the similes and metaphors used, nor the vocabulary to have described many things as she did. As an adult I found the descriptions poignant and apt, but many would have flown right over my son's head without further clarification and definition. Also, despite the fact that I agree with all of Ashley-Hollinger's "messages" within the book, they were not exactly subtle. I would hate for that to be what turned kids away from an otherwise beautiful and interesting book.
This review also appears on Chronicles of a Book Evangelist; a review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
April 12, 2012
SUMMARY
Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger is a very suspenseful Florida story! Starring the inquisitive 10-year-old Bones, 1949 is a very interesting year! It all starts in late July, when Bones and her family are disturbed by two land-hungry Yankees that want to buy Bones' father, Nolay's, land, but Nolay, being the mischievous person he is, chases them off of his land with a gun! (Since he is of Native American descent and his family had lived there in an earlier time, the land was very special to him.) Not too soon after the incident, Bones and her best friend Little Man discover something horrifying on the swamp's edge, and all evidence of how it came there points to Nolay--but is he innocent? And, if he isn't, will he go to jail?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Ashley-Hollinger was born and spent her childhood on the east coast of Florida in the small community of Micco. Precious Bones is her debut novel and a tribute to a time and way of life that has all but disappeared. She lives in Hawaii with her husband, on a preserved wetland with an assortment of endangered birds and wild chickens.
[from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mika-A... with a few modifications]
MY OPINION
It was a very interesting read! Since one of my favorite subjects in school is history, I also loved that it's a historical fiction novel! When I first saw the cover, I thought it was a photograph, it was so well painted! Although the story captured my attention, I wasn't sure of the gender of Bones until she put on a dress for church. That was a little irritating, but only a minor detail. My favorite parts were when the miracle started happening and Bones and her mother collected the $300, and when Bones gave the "present" to Betty Jean Davis. :)
I rated this book 4.5 stars
**I received a copy of this eBook for free from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
If you like my reviews, please click "Follow" on the bar at the top of my blog or click " Join this site " to follow me. Don't forget to leave a comment! Thank you!! :)
Kristina
Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger is a very suspenseful Florida story! Starring the inquisitive 10-year-old Bones, 1949 is a very interesting year! It all starts in late July, when Bones and her family are disturbed by two land-hungry Yankees that want to buy Bones' father, Nolay's, land, but Nolay, being the mischievous person he is, chases them off of his land with a gun! (Since he is of Native American descent and his family had lived there in an earlier time, the land was very special to him.) Not too soon after the incident, Bones and her best friend Little Man discover something horrifying on the swamp's edge, and all evidence of how it came there points to Nolay--but is he innocent? And, if he isn't, will he go to jail?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Ashley-Hollinger was born and spent her childhood on the east coast of Florida in the small community of Micco. Precious Bones is her debut novel and a tribute to a time and way of life that has all but disappeared. She lives in Hawaii with her husband, on a preserved wetland with an assortment of endangered birds and wild chickens.
[from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mika-A... with a few modifications]
MY OPINION
It was a very interesting read! Since one of my favorite subjects in school is history, I also loved that it's a historical fiction novel! When I first saw the cover, I thought it was a photograph, it was so well painted! Although the story captured my attention, I wasn't sure of the gender of Bones until she put on a dress for church. That was a little irritating, but only a minor detail. My favorite parts were when the miracle started happening and Bones and her mother collected the $300, and when Bones gave the "present" to Betty Jean Davis. :)
I rated this book 4.5 stars
**I received a copy of this eBook for free from Random House Children's Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.**
If you like my reviews, please click "Follow" on the bar at the top of my blog or click " Join this site " to follow me. Don't forget to leave a comment! Thank you!! :)
Kristina
June 20, 2016
I was in 6th grade and there was this box full of scholastic books. This book was full of books because they were just ordered and didn't fit into the bookshelf in the classroom. I made a goal to read all the books in that box. I read the back of Precious Bones and decided I didn't want to read it because it gave me the chills. One day I saw my friend reading it she told me to read it, I trusted her advice when it came to books because she had really great taste in books. So I picked it up and started to read. It took me 2-3 days to finish it but when I was done I loved this book. You have heard about how I read it but maybe you want to know a bit about the book itself.
Ten year-old Bones and her best friend Little Man are out fishing and hunting till two Yankee men come and trespass onto her father's property. Nolay, her father scares then off. Then Bones and Little Man find something really bad at Loo-chee swamp, and all the evidence is pointing towards Nolay. Nobody wants to help Nolay except a slow sheriff named Sheriff LeRoy. Bones decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to prove that her father isn't guilty of anything. But she might just find out a little more about her family's past than before.
I really liked this book, in general. I mean I hate horror stories and this isn't one but it sure kept me up at night. I would get to a really nice part and decide to read a bit more till I got to a scary part, by then it was almost time to sleep so I would hurry till I got to another good part. I love the scary and mysterious parts now because I have read the story. It kinda defeats the purpose but still. I wish there was a second book about Bones' life or maybe a sequel about Little Man's life!!!!
I would recommend Mika Ashley-Hollinger's book for children or people 11+ because the book can be scary and challenging to read for younger audiences. I would recommend this book for a nice vacation book or as a gift! Just make sure you don't read the book before bed! Overall, I would definitely give this book 5 stars.
Ten year-old Bones and her best friend Little Man are out fishing and hunting till two Yankee men come and trespass onto her father's property. Nolay, her father scares then off. Then Bones and Little Man find something really bad at Loo-chee swamp, and all the evidence is pointing towards Nolay. Nobody wants to help Nolay except a slow sheriff named Sheriff LeRoy. Bones decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to prove that her father isn't guilty of anything. But she might just find out a little more about her family's past than before.
I really liked this book, in general. I mean I hate horror stories and this isn't one but it sure kept me up at night. I would get to a really nice part and decide to read a bit more till I got to a scary part, by then it was almost time to sleep so I would hurry till I got to another good part. I love the scary and mysterious parts now because I have read the story. It kinda defeats the purpose but still. I wish there was a second book about Bones' life or maybe a sequel about Little Man's life!!!!
I would recommend Mika Ashley-Hollinger's book for children or people 11+ because the book can be scary and challenging to read for younger audiences. I would recommend this book for a nice vacation book or as a gift! Just make sure you don't read the book before bed! Overall, I would definitely give this book 5 stars.
February 6, 2018
“Precious Bones”, by Mika Ashley-Hollinger was a fantastic book. I enjoyed the middle towards the end. The book had a very good form of tension on chapter named, “Confessions”. It is so ironic that Bones is the one to create solid evidence to put a murder in jail. After Nolay went to jail and Lori started to get upset, that Bones started critically thinking about all the happened. She talked to Little Man and Mr. Speed, but I never would have guessed that what Mr. Speed talks about, affects the whole story in such a dramatic way.
The worst part of the book is when Nolay, Lori, and Bones all go on a trip to Nolay’s home village. It doesn’t affect anything or the plot in any way, shape, or form. I think that the whole idea of it is pointless. The best of the book is when Mr. Charlie’s house almost gets burnt down, and it solves a huge problem with another murder. The theme of the story is to not over imaginate, and to stay in reality. But also think outside of the box with what people tell you.
The conflict of the story is the evidence with two murders point to Nolay. Lori, Bones, Little Man and Sheriff Leroy all think that he is innocent, but Sheriff Leroy is just doing his job. After Bones starts to think that Nolay might have actually done it, they bail him out. All the evidence that is needed to prove that Nolay is free piles up. The story is written in first person and is from the view of Bones. This story has influenced my reading by taking chances with different stories. I do prefer something a little more unrealistic, but this has been a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy read, and is willing to give a different type of story a try.
The worst part of the book is when Nolay, Lori, and Bones all go on a trip to Nolay’s home village. It doesn’t affect anything or the plot in any way, shape, or form. I think that the whole idea of it is pointless. The best of the book is when Mr. Charlie’s house almost gets burnt down, and it solves a huge problem with another murder. The theme of the story is to not over imaginate, and to stay in reality. But also think outside of the box with what people tell you.
The conflict of the story is the evidence with two murders point to Nolay. Lori, Bones, Little Man and Sheriff Leroy all think that he is innocent, but Sheriff Leroy is just doing his job. After Bones starts to think that Nolay might have actually done it, they bail him out. All the evidence that is needed to prove that Nolay is free piles up. The story is written in first person and is from the view of Bones. This story has influenced my reading by taking chances with different stories. I do prefer something a little more unrealistic, but this has been a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy read, and is willing to give a different type of story a try.
February 2, 2014
In the book flap, the author mentioned that she wrote this in tribute to a way of life that has all but disappeared; I totally agree, the childhood life described in the story is as far removed from my urban experience as possible. There were several things in the story that caused my eyebrows to raise - the ten-year-old Bones bringing her gun when she had to visit a neighbour whom she thought was some kind of witch (a gun that her father gave her when she was six); her mother reminding her to apply DDT to stave off the mosquitoes; or her father appearing one day with a car and saying that he didn't own but he could keep it, and no one seemed to be questioning this dubious reason. But I suppose these were part and parcel of the life in a not-yet-developed part of swampy Florida in 1949 where alligators and even bears could be found. I find it interesting how, as the story developed, Bones discovered and realised things about her community and the diverse people who lived in it. The description of the slow-moving sheriff, busy drinking cups of tea and savouring home-cooked food offered to him, as Bones and her family were on the edge of their seats anxiously waiting for his latest news, was very funny, and yet so believable.
But I do wonder if Bones was the girl's real name, as there was a flashback in the book to her first day in school and Bones said "I decided there and then that I would not reveal her true name" to her teacher. I don't recall reading in the story that she had any other name other than Bones.
But I do wonder if Bones was the girl's real name, as there was a flashback in the book to her first day in school and Bones said "I decided there and then that I would not reveal her true name" to her teacher. I don't recall reading in the story that she had any other name other than Bones.
December 10, 2014
Occasionally we come across a book which transports us to another time or place as it feeds the mind and nurtures the soul; Precious Bones is one of those joyously rare literary finds.
Precious Bones is the entrancing story of Bones, a ten year old girl growing up in the swamplands of Florida in the 1940s. In this, her debut novel, Author Mika Ashley-Hollinger has conjured up a vividly colorful cast of characters that nearly saunter off the pages of her book to take up residence in the hearts of its readers.
Bones is a bright girl who isn't afraid of much. But when her daddy is put in jail on charges of murder, she's afraid it will take a miracle to set him free. With wide-eyed curiosity and wiser-than-her-years introspection, she resolves to get answers and find her own miracles.
Growing up in a small town, steeped in culture and folklore, she is embraced by a community which nurtures her inquisitive nature. Bones and her best-friend do a little sleuthing of their own as they search for evidence that will absolve her father of any wrong-doing. Along the way she learns that sometimes one must search beneath the surface of things to find real truth . . . and that things aren't always as they seem.
Precious Bones is a book that will intrigue and delight readers of all ages and is sure to become a timeless classic. This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is highly recommended for home and school libraries.
Precious Bones is the entrancing story of Bones, a ten year old girl growing up in the swamplands of Florida in the 1940s. In this, her debut novel, Author Mika Ashley-Hollinger has conjured up a vividly colorful cast of characters that nearly saunter off the pages of her book to take up residence in the hearts of its readers.
Bones is a bright girl who isn't afraid of much. But when her daddy is put in jail on charges of murder, she's afraid it will take a miracle to set him free. With wide-eyed curiosity and wiser-than-her-years introspection, she resolves to get answers and find her own miracles.
Growing up in a small town, steeped in culture and folklore, she is embraced by a community which nurtures her inquisitive nature. Bones and her best-friend do a little sleuthing of their own as they search for evidence that will absolve her father of any wrong-doing. Along the way she learns that sometimes one must search beneath the surface of things to find real truth . . . and that things aren't always as they seem.
Precious Bones is a book that will intrigue and delight readers of all ages and is sure to become a timeless classic. This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is highly recommended for home and school libraries.
May 14, 2012
If you’re looking for a great book for your kids to read, then this is it! Set in the Florida swamps in the late 1940s, when racism is rampant and people have very little, Bones, the young protagonist, must work against the odds in order to clear her father’s name of murder. This is a very touching tale concerning coming of age, which any MG/YA will enjoy; it’s full of mystery and intrigue, ripe with many themes, such as treating people right, regardless of race, age, disability, or wealth. While the story deals with Bones piecing together the murder of a real estate agent, and then some, the underlying messages are loud and clear, and Ashley-Hollinger has such a way with words! Filled with beautiful figurative language, this novel is great for any readers looking for vivid imagery. This would also be a great novel to teach in the classroom based on the heaps of figurative language (just read the synopsis and see how beautiful it all is!), great themes, and the mystery behind it all that will keep young readers interested in the events as they unfold. Though there are a few too many intricate explanations within the novel, in my opinion, I believe most young readers will really enjoy this novel–as will many adults...
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
October 11, 2014
Bones, a ten-year-old free spirit living in the swamps of Florida in 1949, is in a big pickle. She and her neighbors are all in an uproar when a pair of land-swindling Yankees come to call and one of them has the nerve to turn up dead on her father Nolay’s property. Without a decent alibi to cover Nolay’s tracks, the law has their sights set on him as their prime suspect. Deep down, Bones just knows that her daddy couldn’t and wouldn’t have committed such a crime, but she’ll have a heck of a time finding a way to clear his name.
Bones, along with her menagerie of wild pets and her best friends Little Man and Mr. Speed, is determined to get to the bottom of the sticky situation, with or without her mother’s permission! Along the way, she’ll learn some big lessons about love, honesty, loss, and fellowship in her tight-knit community.
Bones is a sweet and spunky narrator that older readers certainly won’t mind spending time with, and she’ll remind even older readers of Scout Finch, star of the beloved classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Mika Ashley-Hollinger has uncovered a gem deep in the heart of the Florida swamplands with this winning, hilarious, heartbreaking, and wise novel. Precious Bones is a tale that shouldn’t be missed.
This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com
Bones, along with her menagerie of wild pets and her best friends Little Man and Mr. Speed, is determined to get to the bottom of the sticky situation, with or without her mother’s permission! Along the way, she’ll learn some big lessons about love, honesty, loss, and fellowship in her tight-knit community.
Bones is a sweet and spunky narrator that older readers certainly won’t mind spending time with, and she’ll remind even older readers of Scout Finch, star of the beloved classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Mika Ashley-Hollinger has uncovered a gem deep in the heart of the Florida swamplands with this winning, hilarious, heartbreaking, and wise novel. Precious Bones is a tale that shouldn’t be missed.
This review originally appeared on abookandahug.com
June 4, 2012
My review for the Historical Novel Society:
When her father kicks a pushy Yankee realtor off their Florida swampland property and the guy later turns up dead, it turns out to be the opening of a life-changing season for 10-year-old Bones. This children’s book, set in 1949, is a stroll through a time when the color line was drawn with a knife, when kids scrubbed the house screens with DDT, when Florida had never heard of Disney, and when children prefaced every statement to adults with a “yes sir” or a “no ma’am.”
Ashley-Hollinger, who grew up in Florida, nicely evokes the era. Bones and her family and friends are as likable as the bad guys are despicable. I had a tougher time with sometimes awkward dialogue; the fact that much of the action happens offstage; a stretch when it came to Bones’s solving the crime… kind of; and a resolution that didn’t do the characters justice. That said, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Florida, town life, all Bones’s pets, the family’s visit to the Seminole village, and the important role of a brain-injured vet. Bones’ good-hearted struggles to mature were believable and moving.
When her father kicks a pushy Yankee realtor off their Florida swampland property and the guy later turns up dead, it turns out to be the opening of a life-changing season for 10-year-old Bones. This children’s book, set in 1949, is a stroll through a time when the color line was drawn with a knife, when kids scrubbed the house screens with DDT, when Florida had never heard of Disney, and when children prefaced every statement to adults with a “yes sir” or a “no ma’am.”
Ashley-Hollinger, who grew up in Florida, nicely evokes the era. Bones and her family and friends are as likable as the bad guys are despicable. I had a tougher time with sometimes awkward dialogue; the fact that much of the action happens offstage; a stretch when it came to Bones’s solving the crime… kind of; and a resolution that didn’t do the characters justice. That said, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Florida, town life, all Bones’s pets, the family’s visit to the Seminole village, and the important role of a brain-injured vet. Bones’ good-hearted struggles to mature were believable and moving.
December 16, 2011
A fantastic tale of life in the Florida swamp during the late 40's and early 50's. Bones is an adventuresome ten-year old living in the Florida swamps, whose playground is the Florida swamps, brimming with mountain witches, black bears, alligators and bobcats. Bones' father, Nolay, a Miccosukee Indian, is smart and mischievous. Her Mama Lori, is as practical as corn bread, can see straight into Bones' soul. It's summer, and Bones is busy hunting and fishing with her best friend, Little Man. But then two Yankee real estate agents trespass on her family's land, and Nolay scares them off with his gun. When a storm blows in and Bones and Little Man uncover something horrible at the edge of the Loo-chee swamp, the evidence of foul play points to Nolay. The only person that can help Nolay is Sheriff LeRoy, who's as slow as pond water. Bones is determined to take matters into her own hands. If it takes a miracle, then a miracle is what she will deliver.
January 16, 2013
Bones and her family live in the Florida swamps in 1948. She and her best friend Little Man are creatures of the swamp; they know the land and the animals and people for miles around. She likes to catch mullet with Little Man and sit on the porch of the Last Chance store with Mr. Speed. The small community is shook up when two murders take place in a matter of days. Nolay, Bones's daddy, is the prime suspect for the murders and Bones starts doubting her daddy. But the sheriff is investigating and they have hope that Nolay's name will be cleared. Precious Bones is filled with an interesting cast of characters (with even more interesting names). There are also big issues discussed here: child abuse, racism, mental health. Ashley-Hollinger isn't subtle in her opinions of these things but the message is still good. Bones is a fabulous character full of whit and charm and know-how about the swamps she calls home.
January 29, 2024
Bones was named Precious Bones by her great-grandmother. So, even though she gets teased about her name, she bears it proudly. Bones lives with her father and mother in the swamps of eastern Florida along with alligators, black bears, and age-old legends. Bones spends most of the summer days of 1948 fishing with her best friend, Little Man, and drinking ice-cold soda pop at the general store. Then, a Yankee real estate speculator comes to the swamp looking for prime development land. Nolay, Bone’s father, kicks him off his land. When Bones and Little Man discover the realtor’s body, Nolay becomes the prime suspect. During this unforgettable summer, Bones learns that parents sometimes lie to their children trying to keep them safe and happy. She, also, learns the truth behind her worst childhood fear, Soap Sally, a witch who searches the swamp for naughty children.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
October 17, 2021
This is another book that I read based on a student's recommendation--and by the looks of it, it's been passed around a fair amount. I heartily second the good review! Set in a tiny Florida community in the late 1940s, the story features charming, larger-than-life characters (including "bad guys" who really are trying to sell the proverbial swamp land in Florida to unsuspecting buyers). The fast-paced plot is centered around a double-murder in which the main character's father, who is part Native American, is the prime suspect. However, the book is much more than a mystery. It's an ode to a different time and way of life that is truly realistic--along with a less spoiled version of nature, there's also little kids carrying guns, adults smoking cigarettes, and segregation. I actually found this refreshing; personally, I'm not a fan of rewriting history to make it more palatable to 21st century sensibilities.
July 13, 2016
Precious Bones is a captivating, dramatic murder mystery full of scary surprises, struggles and successes, along with very strong aspects of family, and community.The summer of 1949 is coming to an end for 10 year old Bones when her and her best friend Little Man find something very strange out in the swamps, and a very disturbing sight is seen out by the railroad tracks, not one, but two murders must be solved. And if that isn’t bad enough, her Father, Nolay is the prime suspect! With her whole world starting to fall apart, it is up to Bones, with the help of her family and friends, to get to the bottom of the murders, and get everything back to normal.The author, Ashley Hollinger has a great way of captivating the reader, and making the story just realistic enough, without taking away the magic and mystery from the story.
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December 24, 2016Ok, I didn't read quite enough to rate this, but honestly, it's probably a 2-star book. The foreshadowing at the end of each chapter is horrid. The dialogue is stiff and sounds unnatural (the author drew on her childhood for the setting, but in the years since she must have lost some of her 'ear'). Even though I skipped to the end, I still don't know why the girl is named Bones. And the plot doesn't seem to make sense, unless we're talking in an iconographic, almost Jungian way.
However, all the information about the crackers and the swamps, etc., is very interesting. I'm not sure by Little Man, a year older than Bones, kept teaching her about it, but I suppose the author thought that would be better than if the author told the reader directly. And I suppose some of the themes about prejudice are valuable.
I just couldn't make myself put up with all the amateur weaknesses.
However, all the information about the crackers and the swamps, etc., is very interesting. I'm not sure by Little Man, a year older than Bones, kept teaching her about it, but I suppose the author thought that would be better than if the author told the reader directly. And I suppose some of the themes about prejudice are valuable.
I just couldn't make myself put up with all the amateur weaknesses.
November 17, 2012
This lengthy chapter book brims with atmosphere and personality. Ten-year-old Bones has the run of her surroundings, the wilds of the Florida swamplands. She has her own rifle and a best friend, Little Man, who looks out for her on the school grounds. Her father, Nolay, is from the Seminole tribe and is full of tales--and Bones believes them, until the day story must come up against fact and fact wins. And as her belief in her father is shaken, two murders occur in the space of two weeks, and Nolay is the number one prime suspect. The mystery is secondary to the plot, which is much more about prejudice, friendship, courage, and how hard and frightening it can be to grow up. Lovely, well-drawn characters power this story. 5th grade and up.
July 19, 2013
Though I've never been to the Florida swamps - let alone in 1949 - Mika Ashley-Hollinger totally transported me there, into the life of 10 year old Bones and her small family and community of fellow edge-of-swamp dwellers. I felt as though I was 10 again, following Bones past muddy ponds and palmetto roots and listening to her narrate the events that gradually endanger the slow, earthy existence she loves, threatening to break it apart.
This book is full of delightful characters - from Bones's adored daddy Nolay, her friend Little Man, and war veteran Speed - as well as some shady and unpleasant ones. Bones's voice is flawlessly authentic, and every detail of the story is visceral and heartfelt. I enjoyed every minute of it.
This book is full of delightful characters - from Bones's adored daddy Nolay, her friend Little Man, and war veteran Speed - as well as some shady and unpleasant ones. Bones's voice is flawlessly authentic, and every detail of the story is visceral and heartfelt. I enjoyed every minute of it.
August 7, 2013
Bones and her best friend Little Man love spending their summer hunting, fishing and exploring the swamp. Her father Nolay is a Native American with somewhat of a temper. When two yankees come offering to buy his land he scares them off with a gun. When one of them turns up dead in the swamp Nolay becomes the prime suspect. Bones knows her daddy better than anyone. She knows he is innocent. Since the sheriff is taking so long to prove it she figures it is up to her to find out what is really going on. This book reminded me of Carl Hiaasen's book "Flush". I believe my students will enjoy this as much as I did.
June 2, 2014
Although this book isn't necessarily for adults (really not for adults), I did not want to put it down! This story is set in post WWII east/central Florida. Knowing the area, it was a fun book because some of the locations were familiar. The author brought the setting to life with details (no refrigeration/electricity for those living in rural areas, segregation, land grabs/swindles, hunting and fishing and RC colas and moon pies!). The story itself is written from the point of view of a ten year old girl, Bones. She tries to solve a murder and while doing so, introduces a whole cast of neighbors and family that come to life through the author's writing. I really liked this book :)
September 11, 2018
This is a lovely story, but not for the faint of heart. It's a murder mystery, basically, so there will be death, bodies, and the cruel acts of bad people. The story is set in Florida in 1949? I love this book because the settings are well described. I don't think my homeschooler will want to do this, but I would love to make a diorama of about every noun listed. I've never been to Florida or the swamp, or the Everglades, but this book makes me want to learn about them. The main character has a mom and a dad who are wonderful people, which seems rare. I really like this book. It also touches on the Seminole Indians which I'm also excited to learn more about.
March 5, 2015
This is a wonderful story of a young girl named Precious Bones. Growing up in the swamplands of Florida in the 1950s without electricity can be difficult, but Precious is surrounded with a loving family and eccentric but caring friends and neighbors. Many wonderful characters live in this Florida tale, and there is even a mystery to keep the story moving along. I like to read an occasional juvenile fiction and highly recommend this one to children and adults alike. Hope to see Precious again some day in another book!
September 11, 2013
Precious Bones is about a family that has a lot of animals.every day they go to town after school to see a man who had been in the army they would buy him a pop and he would tell stories.then when they went home they would eat dinner and go to sleep .one day they went in the woods and they found the surprise of their lives. They went home and made their dad come outside and they reported it.Then another murder happens that's when things become really weird. One more death occurs in town.Still no people have been suspected.If you like reading about murder
February 12, 2014
I thought this was a great first novel. Bones, 10, lives near the Florida swamps in the late 1940s. Her father is part American Indian and earns a living as a fisherman, but also, it seems, by some shadier dealing. Bones' family and most of her friends are dirt poor by today's standards, but they don't know it and are all pretty happy. Then two men turn up dead and Bones' father is the prime suspect. A great coming of age novel set in the not too distant past, touching on friendship, racism, and white trash. Check it out.
November 6, 2012
A murder mystery that doubles as a coming-of-age story-- young Bones and her family live in a Florida swamp in 1949. Her Native American father, Nolay, is a loving father but has a sly way about him, supporting his family by often undisclosed means. When two dead bodies are found in the swamp, Bones must learn to discern with the help of her friends what is a story and what she knows to be true.
December 13, 2012
A fabulous Florida setting always catches my attention, but the sincerity of Mika Ashley-Hollinger's twisty whodunit, voiced by a young girl called Bones, makes Precious Bones my favorite Middle Grade read for November. Set in the late 1940's with many entertaining characters, this is a wonderful story.
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