A Bone to Pick

Peggy Henderson Adventure #4

by Gina McMurchy-Barber

Peggy is off to a Viking site in North America where she unearths the remains of a brave young warrior.


It’s a dream come true for Peggy Henderson when her friend, Dr. Edwina McKay, lets her tag along to the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Park in Newfoundland, where Dr. McKay will be teaching archaeology field school for the summer. Peggy already knows a lot about archaeology — having been on three previous excavations — but does she need to brag about it so much? After alienating herself from the other students with her know-it-all attitude, Peggy accidentally discovers a Viking burial cairn. The students and archaeologists are ecstatic. But when it comes time to excavate, she’s banned from participating in the dig. Will Peggy’s trip to Newfoundland end just as badly as the Vikings’ did? She’s afraid it will — that is until she learns an unexpected lesson from a Viking warrior.

Genres: Middle Grade

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2015

About the author

Gina McMurchy-Barber is an award winning Canadian author. Her books are favourites with teachers and librarians looking for stories that will touch the heart. Her latest book, The Jigsaw Puzzle King, was the winner of the 2021 Silver Birch Award and is nominated for three more awards in 2022. It's the story of 11 year old Warren coming to terms with how society judges his brother who has Down syndrome. Anyone with a family member with any kind of exceptionality will relate.

Gina's archaeology adventure series brings history to life. Themes include First Nations, building the railroad, fur trade, Vikings and more.

Gina's other passions in life include animals (she was a research assistant in Borneo with Birute Galdikas, studying orangutans), archaeology (she earned her degree from Simon Fraser University), writing (she is working on her eighth book for kids), and teaching (she has been a classroom teacher for over twenty years, and writes plays and stories that inspire her students.)

Gina started writing while studying archaeology at university. This led her to study journalism and become a freelance writer. After the birth of her two sons she discovered the amazing world of children's books.

In 2004 Gina received the Governor General's Award for Teaching Excellence in Canadian History. Since then she has been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association Book Award, BC Book Prize, Saskatchewan's Willow Awards, the Silver Birch Awards, Hackmatack and various other book awards.

Gina's books incorporate her love of history, archaeology, children and animals. She continues to teach and visit schools to talk about her work.

Reviews

[Capn · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Bone to Pick – well, I have several, in fact. This is the fourth and final (?) instalment of the Peggy Henderson Adventure series, following Peggy to Newfoundland and a Viking-era field school dig.

As I have read the entire series in order, I’ll be partially reviewing the series itself, as well as A Bone to Pick.

In this story, Peggy is disappointed to learn that her elderly friend, Dr. Edwina “Eddy” McKay, a professor of archaeology at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, has been called away on short notice to fill in as an instructor at one of Memorial University’s undergraduate archaeology field schools in L’Anse aux Meadows, on the northernmost point of the island of Newfoundland. Thirteen year-old Peggy has no reason (or funding) to follow substitute instructor McKay there, and has a good pout about it. After all, the kid has (implausibly) been instrumental in three prior digs (the least likely of which was in Bone Deep, surprisingly the best book of the series, if you ignore the glaring plot hole of allowing an uninsured thirteen year-old to go unaccompanied on an open ocean underwater expedition with accredited researchers and experienced university students). Her mother, seeing her disappointment, opts to take Peggy and friend TB to Victoria for the day to visit a Norse exhibit at the Royal British Columbia Museum as a consolation prize. I was fine with the plot up until this point.

It has been established early on in this story (and others) that matters of domestic housekeeping and culinary arts are of no interest at all to young Peggy. We see her comically burn and boil over chilli in the opening chapters of this book. And so, when Dr. McKay finds a way to inveigle Peggy to NL by hiring her on as a last-minute replacement cook’s assistant*, the irony is laid bare (and not very deftly, but on par for standard middle grade lit.). Peggy messes up her first morning (inedible scrambled eggs), and as a result is put on notice by fat, loud-mouth, pumpkin-haired, Hawai’ian shirt wearing Bertha the cook (coincidentally, identical in body and demeanour to fat, loud-mouth, pumpkin-haired, Hawai’ian shirt wearing Berta the cook from “Two and a Half Men”, Newfie accent notwithstanding. Hmm..). Peggy doesn’t learn – we get culinary disaster after disaster due to extreme immaturity, a lack of judgment, and a personality that seems insulting to the target audience (or at least, so I felt). *at thirteen. In another province, in a remote location with generator power. Odd choice.

Time and again in this series, I felt the author had very little emotional insight into the internal milieu of young teens. I once went and looked up her bio to see if she was simply out of touch with youth – she’s a school teacher and a mother of two boys. Then I remembered my own teachers throughout elementary, middle and secondary school – some were absolutely clueless and assumed only the simplest and worst motivations for the behaviour of their students. Some were complete morons, and others seriously flawed (and jaded!) adults. I could see this at 13, as could my fellow students. I can remember being thirteen, vividly, and I just cannot relate much at all to Peggy. She doesn’t even remind me of anyone I went to school with, either, or of the teens that age who I know now, as an adult.

Peggy is at her absolute worst in this book. She’s an obnoxious, arrogant little twerp with about as much self-possession as someone with a serious and crippling personality disorder or developmental handicap. I’m not being trite – I cannot fathom how a kid who is routinely in trouble with her teachers for just scraping by academically is somehow a helpmeet in a research capacity at an archaeological dig. Child-like enthusiasm / teenage obsession for a subject is simply insufficient for this degree of involvement. I’ve griped previously about her lack of a convincing personal bond with Dr. McKay in previous books. If Peggy was a juvenile delinquent, in and out of the corrections system, and was being taken under McKay’s wing in a professional capacity via a program to help at-risk teens, then these stories would almost make sense. But she isn’t – she’s a spoiled, over-confident and socially retarded tween, allowed free reign in many situations that just cannot possibly come to pass. And worst of all, I just don’t get the feeling that many readers of Peggy’s age would appreciate being grouped in with her.

See, the thing about Nancy Drew and other teen-saves-the-day stories is that the teen in question is both accessible and relatable while also being a glowing paragon of the many virtues teens have (and there are virtues – I’m not sure the author believes there are, but I do!). Readers want to be able to identify with a character, and be given a positive feeling about themselves. I’m just not sure I would have liked Peggy at all at any age. She’s somehow both a know-it-all and a total idiot. That’s not a combination I’ve come across (with the exception of some users on internet forums – but those were adults, incredibly. I digress.). Most kids who scrape by in school aren’t ‘blessed’ with unshakeable self-confidence. If archaeology is all she’s truly ‘good at’, I would expect someone who in all other respects felt awkward and shy, someone observant of others and in awe of the researchers, maybe envious of the undergrads but never condescending towards them (what 13 year-old pre-pubescent shrimp talks down, arrogantly, to 20-somethings?! I’m only assuming she hasn’t hit puberty – there’s no discussion and few if any allusions to her stature or body shape, which left me wondering re: neoprene dive suit sizing in the last book. Thirteen year-olds are physically awkward and as self-conscious as they come, male and female and transgender alike. But not Peggy, for reasons I’ve never been able to ascertain).

In A Bone to Pick, we meet another 13 year-old amateur archaeologist, Louise. Louise, a local Newfie girl, is similarly utterly unconvincing as a character: once again, we have traits that seem out of keeping with her age, stirred up with some bratty aspects and excessive irresponsibility for good measure. I’ve been reading middle grade books all month for the August MG Reading Challenge (this is book # 28 for me, in think?), and of course before this month too (see and please join my fan groups for Susan Cooper and Penelope Lively!) – I’ve rarely seen less unconvincing personalities as I have in this series. Again, I think as a school teacher, the author’s taken a very dim view of children of this age. One thing I appreciate is that these kids aren’t completely preoccupied with the opposite (or same) gender as prospective romantic pursuits. But to not describe the other young characters physically (let’s say those undergraduate age and under) as seen through the curious and self-conscious eyes of a teen is just overlooking a huge part of the psychology of people who are rapidly leaving the familiar world of childhood behind and are faced with a swirling storm of unfamiliar hormones and new ways of relating to the adults around them.

There's a third preteen girl in the mix in this particular book - Sigrid, of the Norse people who populate the settlement which is later L'Anse aux Meadows. I didn't have any major issues with her story, based on historical fact about the Norse settlers in Newfoundland, and it weirdly reminded of James A. Houston's books (such as Black Diamonds, Frozen Fire: A Tale Of Courage, Ice Swords), probably because of a pint sized character up against a polar bear. I'm not sure of the connection there. I was pleased with the outcome of that encounter - it was one of the only believable aspects of the book. If you would like to read other middle grade/YA books about Vikings, there's a well-padded Listopia list here to check-out: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... , and also one on Prehistory: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...

Another good thing about this book is that the author went away from the usual Leif Eriksson narrative we all got in school, and into further elaboration on the others, who were in some tellings far more important or instrumental in establishing Vinland (North America): Thorfinn Karlsefni and Gudrid Thorbjornsdottir. Leif Eriksson rolls off the tongue far more easily - I'm betting that's why we've heard more about him. ;)

I bought the entire series of these books as soon as I learned of their existence. I was extremely taken with the concept: introductory archaeology for the juvenile audience, set in British Columbia (Crescent Beach, no less!), Canadian written. It was like they were written with my tastes in mind! The premise was strong, the cover artwork sharp – I was so set on falling in love with these books, warts and all. But it was not to be. The execution was ham-fisted, the characters dreadful, the writing flat. Now I want to be very clear that I could do no better. I am also not the creative type. Judging by the career arc of McMurchy-Barber, she sure isn’t either (undergrad archaeology at SFU, switching to journalism, switching to teaching. None of this suggests untapped, subterranean aquifers of liquid creativity just waiting to gush forth). And of course that’s the trouble – her contemporaries are often limitlessly artistically gifted, are natural storytellers, and keen observers of people and what makes them tick.

So I do want to end on a positive note. I think she had a great concept here, and she managed to knock out four distinct books with interesting archaeological sites and stories, in spite of not having a natural talent for it. There must have been untold hours of research and effort put into producing these, and that’s worth being proud of. There are other archaeology themed books (loads, actually – check out the Listopia list for Archaeology in Middle-Grade and YA Fiction: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...), but I have yet to read one for this age group that was so focused on the techniques and theory behind the discipline. I’d be delighted to read another that put the science of archaeology at the core of the story (it’s often just a convenient excuse for a timeslip story. Big fan of those, too).

These books are not abysmal, and have lots of historical Canadian content. They seem exactly like the sort of books that would be assigned by a teacher in the classroom, and for that purpose, they are completely satisfactory. A kid Peggy’s age already interested in archaeology and local history might also find these a fun and light read.

Otherwise, read some of the others on the lists mentioned above preferentially. ;)

I didn't learn my lesson here, and so I bought another juvenile, set in BC, artifact-based series without reading book 1 first: Hannah and the Spindle Whorl. I'll be writing comparative reviews for these books as well in the future. But I think I'm going to need a serious palate-cleanser after these beforehand.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received access to this as an E-book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I had really high expectations for this book, after all, Vikings and archaeology are two of my favorite subjects! In the end though, I was supremely disappointed. The plot of the story is very interesting and the writing is good. Actually, this book would get 5 stars if that were all there were to it. Unfortunately, more goes into a book than good plot; namely, the characters. There wasn't a single character in this book that I liked. Aunt Margaret was overbearing and condescending. Peggy's mom was oddly accommodating toward everyone. Robbie was a snot. But the worst character was the main character Peggy. She was arrogant, lazy, and a know-it-all. I also feel that she was partially compared to Sigrid (at least in the beginning of the book) which I thought was badly done and not appropriate at all. Peggy did get better towards the end of the book but that did not make up for how horrible she was in the beginning. If I hadn't promised to review this book, I would have DNFd it just because of how insufferable Peggy was.

Finding out that this book is the 4th in a series is worrisome. Peggy showed some growth over the course of the book, but she was so annoying in the beginning. I would hate to see what she was like for the first two books. I'm very glad to be done with this book [and not have to read the other two] and will not be buying a copy.

[Sarah Monsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy Henderson is expecting to have a quiet summer at her home in British Columbia when instead she scores the opportunity to join her friend Dr. Edwina McKay at an excavation site in Newfoundland. Peggy's been on digs with Dr. McKay before, but this time she's having a tough time getting away from her job as cook's assistant in order to actually be a part of the dig. When Peggy does get away, she manages to discover an important Viking site, but due to several factors she's immediately banned from the site. Will she ever get credit for her discovery?

This is the fourth adventure in the Peggy Henderson Adventure series. I haven't read the previous books, and it can be difficult starting a series in the middle. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed A Bone to Pick and had no trouble relating to or understanding the characters. It read well as a stand-alone book.

A Bone to Pick would be great for kids with an interest in history, anthropology, or forensics. As a history buff and fan of Kathy Reichs' Temperence Brennan mysteries, I greatly enjoyed those aspects of the books. Peggy is a flawed, enthusiastic, and fun character. She's very knowledgeable and driven to learn all she can about archaeology, but strives to be taken seriously by the college students on the dig.

Now that I've read this one, I'll be looking for the previous Peggy Henderson stories so that I can catch up on her escapades.

I read A Bone to Pick as an electronic advance reader copy courtesy of Dundurn and NetGalley.

[Katarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second "Peggy Henderson Adventure" I've read, even though it's book 4 of the series. Each book works as a stand alone.

TBH, I liked the first book I read a lot more. I still love the story of this one, but Peggy is such an ungrateful brat, and that gets annoying.

She was also a giant brat in the first book I read, but towards the end she seemed to be learning a lesson and got so much more tolerable. With this book, she's back to being so self-centered, ungrateful, obnoxious and rude. I was hoping she would develop into a better person, but I guess not.

I'm torn about recommending this book. I think the story is great and kids will love reading about the adventure. But I really don't like Peggy and I wouldn't buy this books for any kids I know, because I don't want them to get the message that her bahaviour is OK.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bone to Pick: A Peggy Henderson Adventure by Gina McMurchy-Barber

169 Pages
Publisher: Dundurn Press, Dundurn
Release Date: November 21, 2015

Fiction, Children’s Fiction, Middle Grade, Archeology, Canada, Newfoundland

Peggy is 13 years old and wants to be an archeologist like her friend Dr. Eddy McKay. She lives with her mother and her Aunt Margaret in Canada. Dr. McKay has been invited to lead a two-week archeology program in Newfoundland at a Viking site. Penny really wants to go but is too young and does not have the funds to go.

When an opportunity comes for Penny to go but as a cook’s helper, she cannot wait to get there. She travels close to fifteen hours to get there but she knows nothing about cooking. She soon finds her position does not give her much time to investigate. She makes friends with Louise, a local girl with a secret she shares with Penny.

In the past, we learn about 13-year-old Sigrid and her Viking family. She wanted to be a shield maiden instead of a wife and mother. Living in the wilds of the new world proves difficult for Sigrid and the Vikings and gives them reason to leave.

The story has a steady pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in first and third perspectives. This is the fourth book in the series. If you like Viking stories, this would be a good read.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun! This is a fast-paced, plot-driven romp through the lives of Vikings by way of a very adventurous young woman. Perfect for middle grades, YA, and adults looking for something easy and fun. It would also be great for a class or family read aloud. I found the heroine of our story delightful and if I were 15 again would probably put her on my list of fictional characters I'd like to be. This will go on my school's library list as a book I'd recommend for my students.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

For full review, please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"

REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 5 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This was a great story! I like the Norsemen parts because I learn even more about history, my favorite subject!

My favorite character is the cook of the camp because she is so strong. My favorite part is when she tries to make spicy eggs.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book enjoyed the plot and the characters was easy to read in one setting the flow of the book is very good I am very happy to recommend this book and looking forward to reading more of Gina McMurchy-Barber books in the future worth the money and time spent reading and buying.