What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Boy
A darkly funny and literary debut novel about a dead boy named Crow who has a chance at friendship - and a chance at getting his life back
Just because you’re dead doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a life.
Crow Darlingson isn’t like other kids. He stinks. He’s got maggots. His body parts fall off at inopportune moments. (His mom always sews them back on, though.) And he hasn’t been able to sleep in years. Not since waking up from death.
But worse than the maggots is how lonely Crow feels. When Melody Plympton moves in next door, Crow can’t resist the chance to finally make a friend. With Melody around he may even have a shot at getting his life back from the mysterious wish-granting creature living in the park. But first there are tests to pass. And it will mean risking the only friend he’s had in years.
Just because you’re dead doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a life.
Crow Darlingson isn’t like other kids. He stinks. He’s got maggots. His body parts fall off at inopportune moments. (His mom always sews them back on, though.) And he hasn’t been able to sleep in years. Not since waking up from death.
But worse than the maggots is how lonely Crow feels. When Melody Plympton moves in next door, Crow can’t resist the chance to finally make a friend. With Melody around he may even have a shot at getting his life back from the mysterious wish-granting creature living in the park. But first there are tests to pass. And it will mean risking the only friend he’s had in years.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
24 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Gale
5 books80 followersLaurel Gale writes books for children. Her first picture book, Robots Don't Make You Go to Bed, was published in 2024. Her next picture book, Absolutely No Worries, comes out in 2025. Her children's novels include Dead Boy and Story Magic. She lives with her husband and their ferrets in Idaho. In addition to writing, she enjoys taking wildlife photos, playing board games, and reading. She loves animals and thinks mustelids (ferrets, weasels, otters, mink, etc.) are simply the best. You can visit Laurel online at laurelgale.com or on X/Twitter at @laurel_gale.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 24, 2015
Crow is one of the Undead. No, not like a zombie or vampire! He died years ago while in the fourth grade, and, although a body part may occasionally fall off (to be sewn back in place by his dutiful and still-alive mother) and he smells of rotting flesh, Crow remains on earth. Allowed to leave the house just on Halloween, Crow leads a very lonely existence. Which explains why the boy chooses to slip out one night in the hopes of making one friend: Melody Plympton, newly moved in next door.
Abandoned by her mother when she was young, Melody sees the world much differently from other children. She thinks the middle-school librarian is an alien, and she believes in Area 51 and fairies, which makes her the butt of quite a bit of teasing. But she also sees Crow for what he is: not a monster, but a clever, generous, resourceful boy. I adored Crow and Melody, and I adored Dead Boy.
As the mother of three children, I cannot even imagine Mrs. Darlingson’s grief. The name actually gives it away: What would I do to keep my Darling Son with me? Would I eschew my friends for fear they would discover the horrible undead secret? Would I homeschool him, as Mrs. Darlingson does, to maintain a sense of normalcy in the house? Forbid him to leave the house, especially when warm weather would exacerbate the putrefaction? Dutifully reattach maggot-infested limbs? Despite Dead Boy’s being categorized as a middle-grade fantasy, author Laurel Gale explores the horrors of obsessive mother love in this era of helicopter parents. What kind of life is this for Crow Darlingson? Like the narrator of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, this is nightmare life-in-death.
But Dead Boy is about much, much more: the importance of having faithful friends, the importance of kindness, and the importance of selflessness and charity in a world that lacks both. Dead Boy never stoops to the sappy, but I was moist-eyed at the end. And I made sure to hug my children. Dead Boy, loaded with magic, suspense, and wonderful characters, may be the perfect for its target audience, but it’s too good a book to keep away from grown-ups. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review.
Abandoned by her mother when she was young, Melody sees the world much differently from other children. She thinks the middle-school librarian is an alien, and she believes in Area 51 and fairies, which makes her the butt of quite a bit of teasing. But she also sees Crow for what he is: not a monster, but a clever, generous, resourceful boy. I adored Crow and Melody, and I adored Dead Boy.
As the mother of three children, I cannot even imagine Mrs. Darlingson’s grief. The name actually gives it away: What would I do to keep my Darling Son with me? Would I eschew my friends for fear they would discover the horrible undead secret? Would I homeschool him, as Mrs. Darlingson does, to maintain a sense of normalcy in the house? Forbid him to leave the house, especially when warm weather would exacerbate the putrefaction? Dutifully reattach maggot-infested limbs? Despite Dead Boy’s being categorized as a middle-grade fantasy, author Laurel Gale explores the horrors of obsessive mother love in this era of helicopter parents. What kind of life is this for Crow Darlingson? Like the narrator of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, this is nightmare life-in-death.
But Dead Boy is about much, much more: the importance of having faithful friends, the importance of kindness, and the importance of selflessness and charity in a world that lacks both. Dead Boy never stoops to the sappy, but I was moist-eyed at the end. And I made sure to hug my children. Dead Boy, loaded with magic, suspense, and wonderful characters, may be the perfect for its target audience, but it’s too good a book to keep away from grown-ups. Highly recommended.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Random House Children’s in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
Being dead stank. Literally. With everything rotting, decaying, and decomposing, it really did stink. And let’s not talk about the maggots and the skin falling off and the hair falling out. Death was really the pits and eleven-year-old Crow Darlingson should know because Crow is dead. Well, dead but somehow alive. If you ask Crow what’s worse than being dead, he would tell you that it’s being alone. Loneliness really stank. But along came Melody Plympton, his new neighbor, who somehow accepted his deadness. Just when things were looking up, Crow and Melody discover a terrifying and mysterious creature hiding in the park. A monster that also grants wishes. Could this same creature be the cause of Crow’s unusual existence? Could Crow somehow wish himself a normal life? Crow is willing to face whatever tests and dangers the monster throws at him. After all, once you’re dead, what’s the worst that can happen?
"Dead Boy" is Laurel Gale’s debut novel and she sure delivers! She delights and entertains readers with a creepy, ghoulish, sweet, and imaginative story that’s full of heart. Although it’s labeled as a “horror” story and depicts scenes of maggots falling out of various body parts at inappropriate times (not that there’s an appropriate time), "Dead Boy" is really a story about a young boy wanting to be accepted and longing for a friend. Anyone who’s ever wanted a friend who liked and accepted them for just the way they are will empathize with Crow and his unfortunate situation.
What I found refreshing about Crow was his ability to see the positive in any situation and to enjoy what little pleasure life might happen to toss his way. Here’s a boy with no friends, unable to eat food, incapable of sleep, and whose entire existence is spent indoors surrounded by the safety of air conditioning (he lives in the desert of all places), yet he delights in the simple act of lying beneath the stars and gazing up at the night’s sky. He’s selfless, understanding, intelligent, loyal, and a true friend in every sense of the word. He’s probably one of the most unlikely protagonists that I’ve come upon in a long time and I certainly hope he won’t be the last.
Near the end of the book, when the dust has settled after all of his exploits and adventures, Crow realized something important that beautifully sums up the meaning of this book: “Maybe having friends wasn’t as important as having the right friends”.
"Dead Boy" is Laurel Gale’s debut novel and she sure delivers! She delights and entertains readers with a creepy, ghoulish, sweet, and imaginative story that’s full of heart. Although it’s labeled as a “horror” story and depicts scenes of maggots falling out of various body parts at inappropriate times (not that there’s an appropriate time), "Dead Boy" is really a story about a young boy wanting to be accepted and longing for a friend. Anyone who’s ever wanted a friend who liked and accepted them for just the way they are will empathize with Crow and his unfortunate situation.
What I found refreshing about Crow was his ability to see the positive in any situation and to enjoy what little pleasure life might happen to toss his way. Here’s a boy with no friends, unable to eat food, incapable of sleep, and whose entire existence is spent indoors surrounded by the safety of air conditioning (he lives in the desert of all places), yet he delights in the simple act of lying beneath the stars and gazing up at the night’s sky. He’s selfless, understanding, intelligent, loyal, and a true friend in every sense of the word. He’s probably one of the most unlikely protagonists that I’ve come upon in a long time and I certainly hope he won’t be the last.
Near the end of the book, when the dust has settled after all of his exploits and adventures, Crow realized something important that beautifully sums up the meaning of this book: “Maybe having friends wasn’t as important as having the right friends”.
April 22, 2018
3.5/5. The characters are amazing. I personally really enjoy the company of Crow. The story in general is good, with solid characters, good and simple universe, strong value/moral behind it, etc. The only flaw, and it's unfortunately a big one, is that the action part are too long, lack of originality and are repetitive. Not only the characters had to go through a series of challenge (which is not original and repetitive in itself) but when it's done... they have to go back again and basically go through all those challenges again. That should have been done differently or just cut some part of it. Anyway, even if it look very negative, this is really a nice kids book (around 10 years old), that I enjoy reading, even if it wans't perfect, it was entertaining and in the end this is the most important part.
April 7, 2018
This is a kind of creepy, silly story about a boy with a curse on him. Crow Darlingson has been “dead” for a couple of years, kept inside his house by an overprotective mother until a new girl, Melody, moves next door. They begin an unlikely friendship but work together to end the curse by fighting a magical creature - the Meara.
November 27, 2022
I categorized this story as one about a "zombie" although Crow is not a traditional zombie. No eating brains here. Actually, there's no eating at all for Crow - rotting, maggoty, foul-smelling, isolated, and very lonely Crow. He's dead yet "living" in his childhood home and being home-schooled by his very protective mother.
Crow's new friend Melody, who is a firm believer in magic and monsters, sets out to help Crow in his quest to find answers and somehow solve his "living dead" dilemma.
The satisfying conclusion leaves the door open for a sequel. Maybe there will be answers to Melody's search for her mother. I'd definitely be there for that! I really liked Crow, but plucky, open-minded, strong-willed Melody is my favorite character.
Crow's new friend Melody, who is a firm believer in magic and monsters, sets out to help Crow in his quest to find answers and somehow solve his "living dead" dilemma.
The satisfying conclusion leaves the door open for a sequel. Maybe there will be answers to Melody's search for her mother. I'd definitely be there for that! I really liked Crow, but plucky, open-minded, strong-willed Melody is my favorite character.
May 24, 2017
A cute middle grade mystery/thriller. There were a few parts that were a bit silly, but on the whole, this was a really enjoyable book. Great for folks who like middle grade fiction. Also, there's definitely a set up for a sequel, which I hope Ms. Gale will write.
January 15, 2022
*This is a fun review. Both of my daughters reviewed this book, about 8 years apart. I'm linking to the most recent review on Got Fiction? Book Blog which contains both my eldest (now almost an adult) and my youngest (a third grader).
Review posted on KK's Books & Reviews by my 10 year old daughter (2015)
and Got Fiction?
In Dead Boy we find out the main character Crow is dead, and his parents won’t let him go outside. They’re afraid that if people find out he’s dead, that he’ll get taken away and experimented on. But what they don’t know is that he’s sneaking out at night.
Crow meets a friend during the day, so they plan to sneak out at midnight. Melody and Crow become really good friends, and she finds out he’s dead. But she doesn’t mind.
After the couple of nights they hang out together, they decide to meet up on Halloween night to find what made Crow stay alive after he died. He doesn’t remember how he died. When they go to the park they see a monster with glowing red eyes, and they see it can change into anything.
At the end, he wishes to be a real live boy, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens.
I liked it so much, I bought a copy when I met her at my Library last year. It was my first autographed book!
***ARC courtesy of Crown Books via Netgalley
Review posted on KK's Books & Reviews by my 10 year old daughter (2015)
and Got Fiction?
In Dead Boy we find out the main character Crow is dead, and his parents won’t let him go outside. They’re afraid that if people find out he’s dead, that he’ll get taken away and experimented on. But what they don’t know is that he’s sneaking out at night.
Crow meets a friend during the day, so they plan to sneak out at midnight. Melody and Crow become really good friends, and she finds out he’s dead. But she doesn’t mind.
After the couple of nights they hang out together, they decide to meet up on Halloween night to find what made Crow stay alive after he died. He doesn’t remember how he died. When they go to the park they see a monster with glowing red eyes, and they see it can change into anything.
At the end, he wishes to be a real live boy, but you’ll have to read to find out what happens.
I liked it so much, I bought a copy when I met her at my Library last year. It was my first autographed book!
***ARC courtesy of Crown Books via Netgalley
September 27, 2015
Crow Darlingson is dead but appears to be alive. He can walk, talk, grow, do schoolwork but he doesn't eat or sleep. Ctow's parts fall off but his mom sews them back on. He stinks due to rotting and maggots crawl out of him. His parents have separated yet Crow still sees his dad every once in a while. Why is his dad living. In an apartment and not have Crow over? One day Crow sees people moving in next door.
His next door neighbor includes Melody who sneaks over the fence one night. Why? Crow is happy to have Melody as a friend. Melody asks how did he die? Crow doesn't remember. Why? They go to the park one night and get scared by a monster. What kind of monster is it? Crow and Melody go on an adventure that will having you holding your breath at times! It is just as creepy and scary on their second dangerous adventure.
I don't consider this a zombie story. It's a story about how difficult it can be to be yourself regardless of the situation you are in. There is also a reminder of what a friend is and not to second guess your friend's actions. I enjoyed the gentle creepiness of the book describing Crow. Monsters are not always what you think. Don't be scare to read this book! It's great!!!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
His next door neighbor includes Melody who sneaks over the fence one night. Why? Crow is happy to have Melody as a friend. Melody asks how did he die? Crow doesn't remember. Why? They go to the park one night and get scared by a monster. What kind of monster is it? Crow and Melody go on an adventure that will having you holding your breath at times! It is just as creepy and scary on their second dangerous adventure.
I don't consider this a zombie story. It's a story about how difficult it can be to be yourself regardless of the situation you are in. There is also a reminder of what a friend is and not to second guess your friend's actions. I enjoyed the gentle creepiness of the book describing Crow. Monsters are not always what you think. Don't be scare to read this book! It's great!!!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 4, 2016
'Dead Boy' by Laurel Gale proves that just because you're dead, that doesn't mean you don't need a few friends in your life.
Crow Darlington is the title's dead boy. He's not sure how it happened, or why he's still walking around, but here he is. When he loses a body part, like an ear, his mom chides him and sews it back on. When he sneaks out one night and meets, Melody, the girl next door, they become friends. With Melody's curiosity, they start trying to figure out why Crow is dead, but undead. This leads them on a strange adventure where their friendship will be put to the ultimate test.
It's a middle grade reader. It's macabre but feels like something from a Tim Burton movie. Crow is likeable, brave and earnest. Melody is just the kind of friend you'd hope to have. I like this middle grade reader and it's just the kind of thing I would have liked to read when I was in the fourth grade, like Crow.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Children's, Crown BFYR, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Crow Darlington is the title's dead boy. He's not sure how it happened, or why he's still walking around, but here he is. When he loses a body part, like an ear, his mom chides him and sews it back on. When he sneaks out one night and meets, Melody, the girl next door, they become friends. With Melody's curiosity, they start trying to figure out why Crow is dead, but undead. This leads them on a strange adventure where their friendship will be put to the ultimate test.
It's a middle grade reader. It's macabre but feels like something from a Tim Burton movie. Crow is likeable, brave and earnest. Melody is just the kind of friend you'd hope to have. I like this middle grade reader and it's just the kind of thing I would have liked to read when I was in the fourth grade, like Crow.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Children's, Crown BFYR, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 25, 2015
Take a funnier, lighter version of Neil Gaiman and add some Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and you have Dead Boy, a wonderful story of, well, a boy who is dead, the friend who likes him anyway, some unbearable children who can't be avoided, and a magical creature who holds all their fates in its hands. Dead Boy had me guessing from the start and is delightfully unlike any other book I've read.
June 7, 2018
Well I am so excited about this book ! What a find. I found it in a store for 1 dollar....This book is a teenager book but all can read it I think. It's actually a great read..I read it in 2 hours and it's an easy read. It's sad a little scary but funny book …I love this book a fun read. I Recommend it to everyone!
December 10, 2018
Had this not been chosen as our book club’s December pick I never would have picked this up. Unfortunately, that means I was biased against it from the start because the topic grossed me out. So my review is based firmly in the “this book is not for me” category. Ultimately, the story was too messy for me. I didn’t like the doubling back portion and the characters all seemed stupidly selfish. I was glad there was some character growth and somewhat interesting magic, but there just wasn’t enough. And seriously, no more maggots. Please.
August 12, 2018
Entertaining read for fans of magic, challenges, the living dead & strong friendships.
This book is probably for kids 10 and older, though some slightly younger kids may enjoy it also.
This book is probably for kids 10 and older, though some slightly younger kids may enjoy it also.
October 7, 2018
A spooky story, about a boy named Crow who is dead, but by the magic of a wish comes to life. Well kind of, he walks talks, and rots. His limbs are falling off so his mother has to sew them back on. He isn't allowed outside for fear of people seeing him, or smelling him. Maggots are crawling out his mouth, nose, and ears. He starts sneaking out and makes friends with the girl next door.
Together they go on an adventure to see if they can fix Crow's problem, and make him alive again, not the crumbling zombie he has become.
Loved it, adorable story, with lots of suspense and spooky happenings.
Together they go on an adventure to see if they can fix Crow's problem, and make him alive again, not the crumbling zombie he has become.
Loved it, adorable story, with lots of suspense and spooky happenings.
April 6, 2021
So weird but fun to read with the kids. They all seemed to enjoy it.
August 15, 2015
Every Few Chapters It's A Different Kind of Book, But They're All Good
(No Plot Reveals, But Maybe Some Mild Spoilers.) This starts as a touching portrait of a home-schooled living-dead boy who just wants to go outside. It's sort of a younger version of Edward Scissorhands. It passes through some kid-friendly gross-out descriptions, and some family drama, (divorce, parental conflict and over-protecting), until it becomes a "friendship against all odds" kind of book.
But then, when our hero Crow and his spunky, persistent and resourceful new friend Melody go off to find out how Crow came to die and yet not die, it becomes an action/adventure tale that morphs into a magic/fantasy tale, complete with a quest and a series of tests. Despite the fact that Crow is dead it also manages to be a compelling coming-of-age tale.
Just when we think the story is winding up, though, we have to go on another quest, battle more evil magic, and then deal with some middle grade bullying/mean girl/be loyal to your true friends issues.
And it all works.
This is not a zombie story. There is no zombie terror aspect. It's more interesting than that. Think more along the lines of stories that involve wishes gone wrong. This is a friendship story more than anything else. Lots of the action turns on trust and loyalty and compassion, rather than mere derring do. But it does have a strong narrative built on action adventure, and there is a lot of climbing, jumping, squeezing, hiding, escaping and physical problem solving.
And get this - it has some pretty funny elements. Crow has a dry, deadpan sense of humor. Melody is solid and slyly funny. There are some funny set pieces and some clever observations and throw-away lines. At bottom, Crow has it pretty together for a kid who's falling apart.
This is the kind of book that could just spin apart at some point, or bog down through overplotting, but the author keeps everything on track and offers just enough exposition to keep the narrative clear. There are some clever puzzles and some well done action sequences, but the heart of the book is the relationship between Crow and Melody, and their courage, honor and loyalty in the face of challenge. Who knew that being dead could be so character building?
The upshot for me was that this book worked on many levels, zipped along, and subtly offered a few positive life lessons, while remaining terribly entertaining. I can't ask for much more than that.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
(No Plot Reveals, But Maybe Some Mild Spoilers.) This starts as a touching portrait of a home-schooled living-dead boy who just wants to go outside. It's sort of a younger version of Edward Scissorhands. It passes through some kid-friendly gross-out descriptions, and some family drama, (divorce, parental conflict and over-protecting), until it becomes a "friendship against all odds" kind of book.
But then, when our hero Crow and his spunky, persistent and resourceful new friend Melody go off to find out how Crow came to die and yet not die, it becomes an action/adventure tale that morphs into a magic/fantasy tale, complete with a quest and a series of tests. Despite the fact that Crow is dead it also manages to be a compelling coming-of-age tale.
Just when we think the story is winding up, though, we have to go on another quest, battle more evil magic, and then deal with some middle grade bullying/mean girl/be loyal to your true friends issues.
And it all works.
This is not a zombie story. There is no zombie terror aspect. It's more interesting than that. Think more along the lines of stories that involve wishes gone wrong. This is a friendship story more than anything else. Lots of the action turns on trust and loyalty and compassion, rather than mere derring do. But it does have a strong narrative built on action adventure, and there is a lot of climbing, jumping, squeezing, hiding, escaping and physical problem solving.
And get this - it has some pretty funny elements. Crow has a dry, deadpan sense of humor. Melody is solid and slyly funny. There are some funny set pieces and some clever observations and throw-away lines. At bottom, Crow has it pretty together for a kid who's falling apart.
This is the kind of book that could just spin apart at some point, or bog down through overplotting, but the author keeps everything on track and offers just enough exposition to keep the narrative clear. There are some clever puzzles and some well done action sequences, but the heart of the book is the relationship between Crow and Melody, and their courage, honor and loyalty in the face of challenge. Who knew that being dead could be so character building?
The upshot for me was that this book worked on many levels, zipped along, and subtly offered a few positive life lessons, while remaining terribly entertaining. I can't ask for much more than that.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
December 1, 2015
Crow Darlingson is unlike most boys his age: he is dead … well, that was until he became un-dead. Under the watchful eye of his mother Mrs. Darlingson, Crow does many of the things a typical boy of his age does, except that he is only allowed to leave his house one day of the year (Halloween) and he has no friends. Things are about to change, when a new next-door neighbor, Melody, befriends Crow and accepts his “condition”. As the two new friends explore the neighborhood, they uncover a sinister presence which may provide the key to reversing Crow’s state and help Melody find her missing mother.
Dead Boy is a very unique book which shares a poignant underlying message about the importance of relationships (both familial and friendship-based) and how loyalty and trust can help individuals reach their life goals. Importantly, many of the issues prevalent among the tween and teen crowds (e.g., jealousy, competition, vanity, bullying) are also touched upon in the story. Even the relationship between Crow and each of his parents is elaborated upon in such a way to make it relevant to the target audience.
I felt that overall the writing was solid, the plot was thoroughly engaging (especially the second half), and the character development was excellent. That being said, reading about a boy who is dead and seeing how the mother in particular was reacting felt like a punch in the gut. This is probably likely due to the fact that I am myself a mother and the thought of a child dying is inconceivable. I imagine that members of the target audience would not be put off in the same way and would likely see the humor in the situation. I do also have to mention that I did find that the repetitive mentioning of the maggots coming out of Crow was irritating after a while. I understand that the author may have felt that the reader needed reminding that Crow was dead, but perhaps this could have been done in a more creative and less repetitive way.
Overall, children who enjoy the macabre will enjoy this book and parents can be confident that the story does contain important life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and trust. Ages 8 to 12.
* This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. *
Dead Boy is a very unique book which shares a poignant underlying message about the importance of relationships (both familial and friendship-based) and how loyalty and trust can help individuals reach their life goals. Importantly, many of the issues prevalent among the tween and teen crowds (e.g., jealousy, competition, vanity, bullying) are also touched upon in the story. Even the relationship between Crow and each of his parents is elaborated upon in such a way to make it relevant to the target audience.
I felt that overall the writing was solid, the plot was thoroughly engaging (especially the second half), and the character development was excellent. That being said, reading about a boy who is dead and seeing how the mother in particular was reacting felt like a punch in the gut. This is probably likely due to the fact that I am myself a mother and the thought of a child dying is inconceivable. I imagine that members of the target audience would not be put off in the same way and would likely see the humor in the situation. I do also have to mention that I did find that the repetitive mentioning of the maggots coming out of Crow was irritating after a while. I understand that the author may have felt that the reader needed reminding that Crow was dead, but perhaps this could have been done in a more creative and less repetitive way.
Overall, children who enjoy the macabre will enjoy this book and parents can be confident that the story does contain important life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and trust. Ages 8 to 12.
* This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. *
April 4, 2016
Crow Darlingson is no ordinary 8th grade kid. He actually died in 4th grade. Yes, died but undead. No, he's not a zombie, just dead and growing. His body is decayed and crawling with maggots and he stinks. His world is only his house with his mom staying with him. He desperately needed a friend and he wants to go out. So here comes a new girl next door - Melody.
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
I'm not a fan of zombie so I was kinda curious when I pressed the "Request" button on NetGalley's page. What is so special about this boy who is dead but not a zombie?
Before Crow's death in 4th grade, he was the star of the school and he'll never runs out of friends. But after the death which he isn't sure what exactly caused it, his mom starts to confine him in the house because he starts to decay and stinks greatly. He can't eat because the food will rot in his stomach and caused more maggots and he can't sleep. All these while he's wondering why he's not dead, as in dead once and for all.
Most of the time I feel sad for Crow because of his loneliness. Though I understand his mother's concern in order to protect her son from being harmed by people, but locking him in the house is just as good as letting him stay in the coffin. Luckily, a new girl next door named Melody is brave enough to befriend with Crow despite of his bizarre "condition".
The adventures of getting to the mysterious creature, Meera, is the part that I enjoyed the most. Apart from the tricky puzzles to solve in order to pass the tests, I love the positive values that are associated with each tests. Most importantly, the story also points out some of the realistic issues that middle graders are facing everyday such as school bullying. As such, I really recommend kids from 8 to 12 years old to read this book.
In short, Dead Boy is a not-so-creepy novel that is about friendship, loyalty, braveness and love.
This review is originally posted on my blog: http://wp.me/p6Uw1h-kb
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
I'm not a fan of zombie so I was kinda curious when I pressed the "Request" button on NetGalley's page. What is so special about this boy who is dead but not a zombie?
Before Crow's death in 4th grade, he was the star of the school and he'll never runs out of friends. But after the death which he isn't sure what exactly caused it, his mom starts to confine him in the house because he starts to decay and stinks greatly. He can't eat because the food will rot in his stomach and caused more maggots and he can't sleep. All these while he's wondering why he's not dead, as in dead once and for all.
Most of the time I feel sad for Crow because of his loneliness. Though I understand his mother's concern in order to protect her son from being harmed by people, but locking him in the house is just as good as letting him stay in the coffin. Luckily, a new girl next door named Melody is brave enough to befriend with Crow despite of his bizarre "condition".
The adventures of getting to the mysterious creature, Meera, is the part that I enjoyed the most. Apart from the tricky puzzles to solve in order to pass the tests, I love the positive values that are associated with each tests. Most importantly, the story also points out some of the realistic issues that middle graders are facing everyday such as school bullying. As such, I really recommend kids from 8 to 12 years old to read this book.
In short, Dead Boy is a not-so-creepy novel that is about friendship, loyalty, braveness and love.
This review is originally posted on my blog: http://wp.me/p6Uw1h-kb
September 13, 2015
Book #116 Read in 2015
Dead Boy by Laurel Gale
This would make a good Halloween read aloud for upper elementary students/read for middle schoolers. Crow was dead but his parents wished him back...but he's not quite alive. His mother won't let him go outside or go to school...she is worried what people would think when they smell him (it isn't a nice smell) or see maggots come out of his ears. Crow just wants to have friends. He finally gets one when Melody moves into the house next door. Crow and Melody go trick-or-treating (the one night of the year that Crow can fit in with the crowds) and they come across a magical shape-shifter. Crow realizes that his parents didn't tell him the whole story about how he died and how they brought him back. Will he ever be able to live a normal life? This was a quick read that was creepy but not too scary, had humor in it and a plot with enough action to keep readers engaged. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Dead Boy by Laurel Gale
This would make a good Halloween read aloud for upper elementary students/read for middle schoolers. Crow was dead but his parents wished him back...but he's not quite alive. His mother won't let him go outside or go to school...she is worried what people would think when they smell him (it isn't a nice smell) or see maggots come out of his ears. Crow just wants to have friends. He finally gets one when Melody moves into the house next door. Crow and Melody go trick-or-treating (the one night of the year that Crow can fit in with the crowds) and they come across a magical shape-shifter. Crow realizes that his parents didn't tell him the whole story about how he died and how they brought him back. Will he ever be able to live a normal life? This was a quick read that was creepy but not too scary, had humor in it and a plot with enough action to keep readers engaged. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
February 24, 2015
Crow has learned a lot of things since he died, such as just how smelly dead things are, what it feels like to pick maggots out of your ear, and the history of several Chinese dynasties. He's also learned just how boring and awful it is to be stuck inside by yourself all the time. When Melody moves in next door, Crow finally has a reason to disobey his mother and go outside. Maybe he should have listened to her, though... because there are some scary things out there.
I loved this story. The characters are cute but tough, and it deals very realistically with concepts of divorced and/or absent parents. The be-careful-what-you-wish-for theme plays out in really interesting ways throughout the story.
I loved this story. The characters are cute but tough, and it deals very realistically with concepts of divorced and/or absent parents. The be-careful-what-you-wish-for theme plays out in really interesting ways throughout the story.
April 8, 2015
This is a fun and mysterious adventure story.
Crow is being homeschooled because he is dead and he smells.
In fact Crow smells so bad that the neighbors moved away.
Luckily, the new neighbors who move in, having gotten a good deal on the house, include a girl around Crow's age of eleven years. Melody doesn't know any other kids, so wants to be Crow's friend.
This is a story about friendship, loyalty, magic and good vs evil or right and wrong.
I found it suitable for middle school through high school.
Even adults will enjoy sharing it with upper elementary age children.
I did receive a copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would not mind visiting with these characters again.
Crow is being homeschooled because he is dead and he smells.
In fact Crow smells so bad that the neighbors moved away.
Luckily, the new neighbors who move in, having gotten a good deal on the house, include a girl around Crow's age of eleven years. Melody doesn't know any other kids, so wants to be Crow's friend.
This is a story about friendship, loyalty, magic and good vs evil or right and wrong.
I found it suitable for middle school through high school.
Even adults will enjoy sharing it with upper elementary age children.
I did receive a copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would not mind visiting with these characters again.
January 21, 2015
This is a cool book. Crow is isolated, smelly, and wants a friend who can overlook his problems with maggots. He's smart, thoughtful, and a great match with Melody who sees conspiracies everywhere. The two face trials that are dangerous and take their wits and courage to face. (I really liked the trials as they had almost a mythological feel to them.) A great book with a good - albeit not beating - heart and interesting characters!
July 10, 2015
A young dead boy named Crow goes on an transformative adventure to find his humanity and discovers along the way that magic is real, people are complicated, and that some wishes are best left unfulfilled. There is a little bit of Crow in any child walking the halls of middle school--the trick is being brave enough to let him out.
I plan to read this book to the 6th grade class when school starts. Great book with valuable lessons presented in a unique and memorable story.
I plan to read this book to the 6th grade class when school starts. Great book with valuable lessons presented in a unique and memorable story.
April 4, 2015
Wonderful--rich with trial and friendship and what is truly valuable.
October 26, 2018
Crow Darlingson is an 11 year old boy. He is very smart, but he still likes to have fun. He enjoys bowling, air hockey, video games, and hanging out with his friends, but that was when he was alive. Yes! ALIVE!! Crow Darlingson is now a dead boy!!! He is trapped in the house all day with his mother who is homeschooling him, but he wishes he was able to actually go to school to learn. His mother thinks she is doing the best for him by keeping him hidden from everyone. People would not understand. Crow has worms crawling out of different parts of his body, has to have his fingernails glued on and occasionally parts of his body sewn, but if that is not bad enough, he smells. It is not just a bad smell; it is the horrible smell of rotting flesh. Crow lives in a small desert town in Nevada, and the heat makes his smell worse. Even if people did not notice the worms, they would not be able to ignore the smell. Crow would love to be able to go outside to play and sometimes sneaks out at night just to be able to get fresh air. He has no one to play with or even talk to, except his mother, and occasionally, his father who lives in another town since his parent’s divorce. Crow is very lonely. He looks out his window at the other kids playing outside or getting on the bus for school and gets sad. He remembers some of them from when he was still alive and able to go to school. One day, new neighbors move in next door. Crow is watching from his window and the girl waves at him. She comes over to introduce herself, but Mrs. Darlingson won’t let her see Crow. Then, while Crow is outside enjoying the night air, Melody Plympton, comes over from next door. They become fast friends. Melody understands that Crow is different, and he eventually tells her that he is dead. Melody wants to know how he died and has so many questions for Crow. Crow cannot remember a lot of it. When they discover a creature in the storage shed of the park, Crow realizes it has something to do with his “dead state”. The creature is a “shape shifting Meera”, and this Meera might hold the answers for Crow. Will Crow be able to find out the truth?
“Dead Boy” by Laurel Gale is a fictional book about a boy trying to understand his life, his death, and his dead life. It sounds like it is a very serious book, but it is not. It is action packed and very descriptive. You could picture in your mind what is happening as you read because the author uses so much detail. You almost don’t want to stop reading because you want to find out what will happen next. It was not like any other book I have ever read before. I had never heard of a “Meera”, but I have heard of shapeshifters. This book is good for any middle schoolers, boy or girl, because it is so entertaining. There are not many pictures in the book, but there was one of a Meera that was interesting. My favorite part of the book was when Crow is trapped in the shed with something growling. You don’t know what it is, and it is so suspenseful. Crow is a likeable character and so is Melody. You feel bad for Crow because he just wants a normal life. This book has so many themes it is hard to pick just one. There is friendship, good and evil, facing a challenge, heroism, power struggles, human weakness, and acceptance of differences. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I give it a 5 star rating.
July 13, 2021
Thoughts and Themes: I found this book in the pile of books my cousins have and since it was the closest to me I started reading it. I was invested in the poor lonely main character from the first few pages so I rented the audiobook from the library.
This is a cute middle grade read that I think children ages 10+ would enjoy but its also a great story for adults to read. I really like how this book feels a lot like frankenweenie or monster house. I found that this book read like a middle grade horror story which isn’t too scary for children but includes a bit of the mystery that is fun to read.
Characters: Right from the start we feel bad for our main character because he’s dead but some how is still alive. I felt bad for him because his parents only want to protect him from everyone but he wants to get to live the life he has now been given. All Crow wants is the chance to make friends with other kids his age, and he gets that chance when he meets Melody.
Writing Style: This book is written in third person through the perspective of Crow. I really liked that the story was told through Crow’s perspective because it read like a middle schooler and you can feel his pain throughout the story. I also really liked how you could feel how lonely he felt through each scene and how he felt about his particular situation.
I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed the narrator to the story. I liked how easy it was to listen to and follow along with. I liked that you could tell which character was the one speaking and how they each had a distinct tone.
This is a cute middle grade read that I think children ages 10+ would enjoy but its also a great story for adults to read. I really like how this book feels a lot like frankenweenie or monster house. I found that this book read like a middle grade horror story which isn’t too scary for children but includes a bit of the mystery that is fun to read.
Characters: Right from the start we feel bad for our main character because he’s dead but some how is still alive. I felt bad for him because his parents only want to protect him from everyone but he wants to get to live the life he has now been given. All Crow wants is the chance to make friends with other kids his age, and he gets that chance when he meets Melody.
Writing Style: This book is written in third person through the perspective of Crow. I really liked that the story was told through Crow’s perspective because it read like a middle schooler and you can feel his pain throughout the story. I also really liked how you could feel how lonely he felt through each scene and how he felt about his particular situation.
I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed the narrator to the story. I liked how easy it was to listen to and follow along with. I liked that you could tell which character was the one speaking and how they each had a distinct tone.
August 29, 2024
Two things bothered me regarding this book which is why it only receives a 3. I thought the title was too stark and abrupt for a middle grader book. Although, that being said, I am not a middle grader and who knows? Maybe a middle grader would feel cool walking around holding a book titled Dead Boy. Secondly, the synopsis compares this book to Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book which is why I got past the title and gave it a try. I was disappointed. The style, the atmosphere, the much simpler plot line is nothing like Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. Graveyard has the sturdiness and fortitude to hold up forever and become a classic for all ages. Dead Boy is definitely a book which really isn't going to move out of the middle grader/children genre. If I were to compare Dead Boy to books, I would say it is similar to A Tale Dark & Grimm series by Adam Gidwitz. Or if you liked The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter series by Aaron Reynolds, you may want to consider this as your next read. Personally, out of these 3 choices, I liked Rex Dexter the best and have gone back to listen to that series several times. Christopher Gebauer narrates this story with great emotion and differing voices for each character. He adds extra comedy to an already hilarious plot in each of the books in the trilogy.
May 3, 2019
Book 2 in YouTube Halfoweenathon This book completed three challenges: set in autumn, published within the last 5 years and I think she is an indie author.
Crow is like a zombie but he does not eat human and he has good feelings. Even though his mother and father loved him very much he felt lonely because he didn't have any friends until he met Melody a character who I liked so much. Both of them will engage in many adventures to know what happened with Crow, how he died, how he came back since his parents didn't want to tell him the real story. This a cute but sometimes sad story. It reminded me the Frankenweenie movie by Tim Burton. I still don't know if it is ok the death concept that we see in each story. But it was cute and fun to read. That Melody is so spontaneous in her responses. I loved her. 3.4⭐️
Crow is like a zombie but he does not eat human and he has good feelings. Even though his mother and father loved him very much he felt lonely because he didn't have any friends until he met Melody a character who I liked so much. Both of them will engage in many adventures to know what happened with Crow, how he died, how he came back since his parents didn't want to tell him the real story. This a cute but sometimes sad story. It reminded me the Frankenweenie movie by Tim Burton. I still don't know if it is ok the death concept that we see in each story. But it was cute and fun to read. That Melody is so spontaneous in her responses. I loved her. 3.4⭐️
October 28, 2017
What a cute and wonderfully heart felt story...about a boy who is dead but not a zombie. I love it. It was great from beginning to end. Meet Crow (great name btw) who is dead, and has to stay inside because the heat makes him smells and more maggots come. The maggots are super annoying they can crawl out of your ear at any time. He just wants a friend and thinks he meets one when he meets the girl next door. She will change his life.
This story has so many good moral and value stories in it I am making sure my son reads it one day. It's short and small chapters so it's good for the younger kids just starting to read bigger books. It's not scary at all...I didn't think so maybe a really nervous child might find it so. Overall I feel it just has a lot of heart (even if it doesn't beat).
This story has so many good moral and value stories in it I am making sure my son reads it one day. It's short and small chapters so it's good for the younger kids just starting to read bigger books. It's not scary at all...I didn't think so maybe a really nervous child might find it so. Overall I feel it just has a lot of heart (even if it doesn't beat).
January 19, 2025
What an interesting little book. Dead Boy was obviously for a younger audience, but I feel that anyone reading it can gain something from it. The book follows Crow, an eleven year old zombie. He knows he is dead and is incredibly sad about it. Dead Boy is about friendship, bullying, and being selfless. The ending was heartwarming, and lovely. Melody was a brilliant character and showed the reader how friendship doesn't look at how someone looks, acts, or if they are even alive. I recommend this to any child that can handle the ideas of death. The only issue I had with this book was that the ending didn't really conclude what happened to Melody's mother (which I am sure is obvious, but it should still be somewhat spelled out as it feels like a single hanging thread).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews