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Skeleton Tree
A staggering debut that will forever change the way you think about life, hope, death . . . and the power of friendship to transcend them all.
Twelve-year-old Stanly knows the bone growing in his yard is a little weird, but that's okay, because now he'll have the perfect photo to submit to the Young Discoverer's Competition. With such a unique find, he's sure to win the grand prize.But, oddly, the bone doesn't appear in any photos. Even stranger, it seems to be growing into a full skeleton . . . one that only children can see.
There's just one person who doesn't find any of this weird--Stanly's little sister. Mischievous Miren adopts the skeleton as a friend, and soon, the two become inseparable playmates. When Miren starts to grow sick, Stanly suspects that the skeleton is responsible and does everything in his power to drive the creature away. However, Miren is desperate not to lose her friend, forcing Stanly to question everything he's ever believed about life, love, and the mysterious forces that connect us.
Twelve-year-old Stanly knows the bone growing in his yard is a little weird, but that's okay, because now he'll have the perfect photo to submit to the Young Discoverer's Competition. With such a unique find, he's sure to win the grand prize.But, oddly, the bone doesn't appear in any photos. Even stranger, it seems to be growing into a full skeleton . . . one that only children can see.
There's just one person who doesn't find any of this weird--Stanly's little sister. Mischievous Miren adopts the skeleton as a friend, and soon, the two become inseparable playmates. When Miren starts to grow sick, Stanly suspects that the skeleton is responsible and does everything in his power to drive the creature away. However, Miren is desperate not to lose her friend, forcing Stanly to question everything he's ever believed about life, love, and the mysterious forces that connect us.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2017
About the author
Kim Ventrella
8 books116 followersKIM VENTRELLA loves infusing everyday settings with a touch of magic. Her works explore difficult topics with big doses of humor, whimsy and hope. Her most recent middle grade novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SAM, was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020. BONE HOLLOW was chosen as a Best Book for Kids 2019 by New York Public Library, and SKELETON TREE was nominated for the 2019 Carnegie Medal in the UK. She is also a contributor to the middle grade horror anthology, DON'T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS. She is a former librarian, Peace Corps Volunteer and a lover of all things strange and creepy. When she's not writing, she spends her days ruling over a seaside garbage dump and her nights helping vampires remove all that excess glitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
September 29, 2017
Yeah, I'm bawling... Holy crap this book was so beautiful and heartbreaking. It may be a children's book but it's definitely a book that can be enjoyed by adults and teens too, in my opinion.
The best thing about the book is the fact that it's told from a 12 year old's point of view. Ventrella really did a fantastic job with Stanley, he really sounded like a naïve 12 year old boy who was losing his innocence because of situations he couldn't understand at the beginning. It sort of reminded me of A Monster Calls - only in the sense that it's about a young boy who is in a horrible situation that he was too young to understand and a magical creature comes to his house but the two are two completely different stories. I won't say much about the plot because I don't want to ruin anything but the story was good and I loved the magical element. Everything isn't what it seems in the story and I just thought it played out very nicely. This is one of those books where you will cry from sadness but also cry from happiness too.
The other characters were also all very three-dimensional, they felt so real and the relationships in the book had a lot of depth but they were still quite simple at the core so kids will have no problem with the book. The writing was quite simple but it was enjoyable and it kept my attention throughout the entire book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's wonderful and it was a fantastic debut for Ventrella.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dad was like the hard drive to the Stanwright family computer. With him gone, they were just a bunch of spare parts."
"When Dad was here everything felt balanced. Like how a seesaw needs someone on both sides to keep it upright. Now it was him and Mom and Miren on one side and inch by inch they were sinking into the ground."
"By now you should know, little Stanley, that the ones you hold dear never leave you."
The best thing about the book is the fact that it's told from a 12 year old's point of view. Ventrella really did a fantastic job with Stanley, he really sounded like a naïve 12 year old boy who was losing his innocence because of situations he couldn't understand at the beginning. It sort of reminded me of A Monster Calls - only in the sense that it's about a young boy who is in a horrible situation that he was too young to understand and a magical creature comes to his house but the two are two completely different stories. I won't say much about the plot because I don't want to ruin anything but the story was good and I loved the magical element. Everything isn't what it seems in the story and I just thought it played out very nicely. This is one of those books where you will cry from sadness but also cry from happiness too.
The other characters were also all very three-dimensional, they felt so real and the relationships in the book had a lot of depth but they were still quite simple at the core so kids will have no problem with the book. The writing was quite simple but it was enjoyable and it kept my attention throughout the entire book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's wonderful and it was a fantastic debut for Ventrella.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dad was like the hard drive to the Stanwright family computer. With him gone, they were just a bunch of spare parts."
"When Dad was here everything felt balanced. Like how a seesaw needs someone on both sides to keep it upright. Now it was him and Mom and Miren on one side and inch by inch they were sinking into the ground."
"By now you should know, little Stanley, that the ones you hold dear never leave you."
June 3, 2021
"Stanly woke up Sunday morning to the sound of laughter and the smell od sizzling bacon.To his surprise, he hadn't had any more nightmares about hollow eye sockets or bony fingers. Instead, he'd dreamed about shadow zpmbies performing a ballet, and how he and Miren and even Princy got up onstage and danced with them. It was a weird dream." (PG 147)
I got this for the book design and the title. It did not disappoint. It started out with a skeleton hand growing in the backyard. Stanly, his best friend Jaxon with an x, and Stanly's sister, Miren would water it and suddenly it was growing taller, like a tree. But bones don't grow right?
Right away the reader knows that the Stanwright household is going through many emotional things at one time. Mom is working long crazy hours while dad is gone without communicating with his wife and children. Mom is crying a lot because Miren has something in her body that is making her have tubes in her nose after coughing so much. Stanly is in the dark. The skeleton shows up, and while he makes Miren laugh more with his silly tricks, she also seems to be getting worse.
Such a sweet story filled with so much sadness. If your pre-teen is an emotional person this might not be such a good story for them but I think it helps them understand someone else's situation and maybe see the light and love in a tragedy.
It was a quick read for YA but I think many adults would like it.
I got this for the book design and the title. It did not disappoint. It started out with a skeleton hand growing in the backyard. Stanly, his best friend Jaxon with an x, and Stanly's sister, Miren would water it and suddenly it was growing taller, like a tree. But bones don't grow right?
Right away the reader knows that the Stanwright household is going through many emotional things at one time. Mom is working long crazy hours while dad is gone without communicating with his wife and children. Mom is crying a lot because Miren has something in her body that is making her have tubes in her nose after coughing so much. Stanly is in the dark. The skeleton shows up, and while he makes Miren laugh more with his silly tricks, she also seems to be getting worse.
Such a sweet story filled with so much sadness. If your pre-teen is an emotional person this might not be such a good story for them but I think it helps them understand someone else's situation and maybe see the light and love in a tragedy.
It was a quick read for YA but I think many adults would like it.
March 21, 2016
I was lucky enough to get to read an early version of THE SKELETON TREE and I was immediately charmed by this beautiful, amazing story. Kim Ventrella is a talented writer who created an extraordinary novel. I'm looking forward to more great things from her. Highly recommended!
February 22, 2017
"The ones you hold dear never leave you." Just one of the many lines in this beautiful debut novel that will stick with me.
Kim Venttrella has written a story about care, loss, family, and mysterious forces that connect it all. She has developed strong characters to help us learn deep lessons, and reflect up our lives and our relationships with others.
I cannot wait for others to read this novel this fall.
Kim Venttrella has written a story about care, loss, family, and mysterious forces that connect it all. She has developed strong characters to help us learn deep lessons, and reflect up our lives and our relationships with others.
I cannot wait for others to read this novel this fall.
June 10, 2017
Note: ARC received via Amazon Vine.
I had to think long and hard about Skeleton Tree, but after talking over the issues with a trusted friend, I have opted to tell you to avoid this book. Ventrella's writing, from a technical standpoint, is totally on point for the target age group. Her constructions make the book flow very well and make this a quick adult read while also being something the middle grade crowd can devour. But...
The issue I have is the issues the book deals with and the way they are handled. There is just too much tragedy going on. From a topical standpoint, great, include a few things like the missing dad or the dying sib, but when you put it all together it's just too too much. For anyone who has read A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (inspired by Siobhan Dowd) which is more geared for a YA crowd, the inspiration is obvious at times. That book handles the issue of a dying family member with much more subtlety and gave me all the feels. Skeleton Tree, on the other hand, gave me none of the feels and just frustrated me. There are moments where plot/character development comes off as paint-by-numbers or like someone is just checking things off a list. The magical realism that gets shoehorned into the book along with a few other features (such as a contest element that feels like it's overly hammering home dad's absence) makes this clunky at times. Younger readers will probably figure out what isn't being told to the main character since he figures it before it's explicitly stated.
Then, we hit the end. It is underwhelming. It is not at all a surprise. And life goes on. There's not even a proper resolution (which I guess makes this all the more realistic in a sense), but spending all that time developing something to have it turn out to be, well, not quite nothing but still not really something, is frustrating from the reader standpoint. That said, I wouldn't rule out reading more from the author, but I would also hope to see a more developed sense of subtlety and tension in future outings. This type of story has a place in children's literature; it just needs a more rounded execution that doesn't pile tragedy on top of tragedy.
I had to think long and hard about Skeleton Tree, but after talking over the issues with a trusted friend, I have opted to tell you to avoid this book. Ventrella's writing, from a technical standpoint, is totally on point for the target age group. Her constructions make the book flow very well and make this a quick adult read while also being something the middle grade crowd can devour. But...
The issue I have is the issues the book deals with and the way they are handled. There is just too much tragedy going on. From a topical standpoint, great, include a few things like the missing dad or the dying sib, but when you put it all together it's just too too much. For anyone who has read A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (inspired by Siobhan Dowd) which is more geared for a YA crowd, the inspiration is obvious at times. That book handles the issue of a dying family member with much more subtlety and gave me all the feels. Skeleton Tree, on the other hand, gave me none of the feels and just frustrated me. There are moments where plot/character development comes off as paint-by-numbers or like someone is just checking things off a list. The magical realism that gets shoehorned into the book along with a few other features (such as a contest element that feels like it's overly hammering home dad's absence) makes this clunky at times. Younger readers will probably figure out what isn't being told to the main character since he figures it before it's explicitly stated.
Then, we hit the end. It is underwhelming. It is not at all a surprise. And life goes on. There's not even a proper resolution (which I guess makes this all the more realistic in a sense), but spending all that time developing something to have it turn out to be, well, not quite nothing but still not really something, is frustrating from the reader standpoint. That said, I wouldn't rule out reading more from the author, but I would also hope to see a more developed sense of subtlety and tension in future outings. This type of story has a place in children's literature; it just needs a more rounded execution that doesn't pile tragedy on top of tragedy.
May 11, 2016
My heart - what a beautiful novel. Stanly has many challenges - a sick younger sister, a MIA father, strange bones protruding from the ground underneath a tree in the back yard, and a stressed and unhappy mother. But all is not what it appears to be.... this story took my heart from page one and kept it right through the end. A beautiful story that could easily become a classic!
September 24, 2016
I was incredibly privileged to read an early version of The Skeleton Tree, and all I can say is: this is middle grade writing at its best. Warm, heartfelt - it had me choking back tears. Truly a gorgeous, unique book. I urge everyone to put this on their TBR pile for 2017.
October 6, 2021
Well I was truly hooked on this book! I read the majority of it last night in one sitting - in the old days (aka last winter) I would have stayed up late to finish it but now I know such behaviour is not good for my health - so I finished it in the car on the way to the horse ranch this morning. The story is both creepy and mysterious - but it is also very different than what I had expected. This is not anything like Goosebumps or something similar even though it is about a skeleton.
In many ways it's actually a lot smarter. But don't go into this expecting a horror story because it's not. If you do it will disappoint you.
The characters in here were all very endearing. I actually think that is what I really loved about this book. The characters. And there was no super annoying one like there are in many books... And I thought they seemed rather real too. Like the main character Stanley trying to hold his anger (and stress) in but exploding on a few occasions because it just grew too much. I have been there before too.. You try to swallow all the bad stuff and pretend it doesn't bother you but sometimes it just gets to be too much. Stanley tries so hard to do the right thing in this book but the situation is so bizarre - what is the right thing? The answer is not clear!
And his little sister was cool too. How she loved her ponies. And wanted to help her big brother at times but at other times made huge fusses or messes. It sounds so real doesn't it? Right down to refusing to brush her teeth... Miren is 7 years old.
And I really loved Ms. Francine...even if I have no idea what borsch is. Oddly enough I liked how she talked?
But this book is not exactly happy.. It's actually about a serious subject.. I don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin the story. But it's a powerful and touching story. And yes, I kind of guessed where the story was heading.
This is set around Halloween (right before, during and after) so it makes it a perfect read for autumn.
In many ways it's actually a lot smarter. But don't go into this expecting a horror story because it's not. If you do it will disappoint you.
The characters in here were all very endearing. I actually think that is what I really loved about this book. The characters. And there was no super annoying one like there are in many books... And I thought they seemed rather real too. Like the main character Stanley trying to hold his anger (and stress) in but exploding on a few occasions because it just grew too much. I have been there before too.. You try to swallow all the bad stuff and pretend it doesn't bother you but sometimes it just gets to be too much. Stanley tries so hard to do the right thing in this book but the situation is so bizarre - what is the right thing? The answer is not clear!
And his little sister was cool too. How she loved her ponies. And wanted to help her big brother at times but at other times made huge fusses or messes. It sounds so real doesn't it? Right down to refusing to brush her teeth... Miren is 7 years old.
And I really loved Ms. Francine...even if I have no idea what borsch is. Oddly enough I liked how she talked?
But this book is not exactly happy.. It's actually about a serious subject.. I don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin the story. But it's a powerful and touching story. And yes, I kind of guessed where the story was heading.
This is set around Halloween (right before, during and after) so it makes it a perfect read for autumn.
March 11, 2020
While this book didn't have the gravitas that I crave in middle grade books (Forget Me Not, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster etc.), it did make me tear up toward the end, which I was not expecting, especially given the light-hearted tone that pervaded the rest of the book (naming a main character Stanley Stanwright should ring a bell).
I liked the relationship between Stanley and his best friend and Stanley and his caregiver. I didn't like Stanley's younger sister. I thought she was irritating and spoiled. And I thought Stanley's mother relied entirely too much on his to help raise his sister, which was too big of a responsibility for a child his age (not to mention not his job!).
I thought this was a creative and carefree story but ultimately not one that will stay with me in memory.
I liked the relationship between Stanley and his best friend and Stanley and his caregiver. I didn't like Stanley's younger sister. I thought she was irritating and spoiled. And I thought Stanley's mother relied entirely too much on his to help raise his sister, which was too big of a responsibility for a child his age (not to mention not his job!).
I thought this was a creative and carefree story but ultimately not one that will stay with me in memory.
May 19, 2017
I enjoyed this although with a theme of death you try not to get too attached. The brother 12 yr old Stanly is the main character and his little sister, Miren is ill.
The Mother works hard and Ms Francine looks after them as their Dad went to work somewhere else and has not been heard of for 10 months.
A bone finger gets Stanly's attention, it seems to move. Over the week he brings his friend over to see and they try to document the skeleton uncovering itself for a competition, where Stanly is sure his Dad will return and everything will get back to normal.
Mr Princly liked to make Miren laugh and once he is all dug up he spends time in her room. Ms Francine can see the skeleton she knows why he is here {she is my favourtie character in this book making lots of borsch and telling her stories of when she grew up in a harder country} , but their Mother is oblivious.
As Miren gets taken to hospital, the sense that you can become friends with death is a strange concept to some but as others refuse to see it or ignore it, some are afraid and run away, this tale has a calming way of dealing with what happens. There are tears, but also new beginnings and that is what life is about. It would appeal to readers of A Monster Calls 10+
The Mother works hard and Ms Francine looks after them as their Dad went to work somewhere else and has not been heard of for 10 months.
A bone finger gets Stanly's attention, it seems to move. Over the week he brings his friend over to see and they try to document the skeleton uncovering itself for a competition, where Stanly is sure his Dad will return and everything will get back to normal.
Mr Princly liked to make Miren laugh and once he is all dug up he spends time in her room. Ms Francine can see the skeleton she knows why he is here {she is my favourtie character in this book making lots of borsch and telling her stories of when she grew up in a harder country} , but their Mother is oblivious.
As Miren gets taken to hospital, the sense that you can become friends with death is a strange concept to some but as others refuse to see it or ignore it, some are afraid and run away, this tale has a calming way of dealing with what happens. There are tears, but also new beginnings and that is what life is about. It would appeal to readers of A Monster Calls 10+
December 21, 2016
I can't wait to share this one with the middle school kids I know and teach. <3
January 9, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own
Kim Ventrella has shared a beautiful story as her debut novel. This story follows Stanley, his very sick sister, Miren, and their discovery of a skeleton growing in the backyard. This book was captivating, intriguing, mysterious and absolutely heartbreaking. It tackles the issues of death, loss, fear and acceptance all in a very unique way. My eyes definitely got watery towards the end which is a rather odd occurrence when I’m reading!!!
“I was little, so I didn’t know that death always had to be sad and terrible and something to fight against.”
I absolutely loved Ms. Francine. She was a side character who watched after the children. She fed them Broscht, shared stories from her time in Kyrgyzstan and had these wonderful insights full of so much wisdom. I also really enjoyed Princy. I’ll admit, he had his share of creepy moments. However, I love how your perspective of him changes as the story progresses. He starts off being weird, unrealistic and scary, then ends up being a character who is funny, quite charming and a tad scared himself. This was a fantastic intro and insight into the Grim Reaper.
Add this book to your list. The characters are incredibly realistic. Their emotions, conversations and struggles will instantly draw you in. It was easy to get invested in their tale. They have a great lesson to share with everyone.
Kim Ventrella has shared a beautiful story as her debut novel. This story follows Stanley, his very sick sister, Miren, and their discovery of a skeleton growing in the backyard. This book was captivating, intriguing, mysterious and absolutely heartbreaking. It tackles the issues of death, loss, fear and acceptance all in a very unique way. My eyes definitely got watery towards the end which is a rather odd occurrence when I’m reading!!!
“I was little, so I didn’t know that death always had to be sad and terrible and something to fight against.”
I absolutely loved Ms. Francine. She was a side character who watched after the children. She fed them Broscht, shared stories from her time in Kyrgyzstan and had these wonderful insights full of so much wisdom. I also really enjoyed Princy. I’ll admit, he had his share of creepy moments. However, I love how your perspective of him changes as the story progresses. He starts off being weird, unrealistic and scary, then ends up being a character who is funny, quite charming and a tad scared himself. This was a fantastic intro and insight into the Grim Reaper.
Add this book to your list. The characters are incredibly realistic. Their emotions, conversations and struggles will instantly draw you in. It was easy to get invested in their tale. They have a great lesson to share with everyone.
November 2, 2017
I think... 3.5 stars. I wasn't really sure what I expected going into this, but the death aspect was a surprise. When Princy is first described looking like the Grim Reaper I was actually shocked and left wondering what kind of children's book I was reading!
Stanly - the spelling of that irked me so much, as well as the fact that his last name is Stanwright. So he's Stanly Stanwright, something I feel like editors could have caught and maybe changed? But anyway. For the most part he was a good brother, trying to help and protect and save Miren throughout her undisclosed illness. He was sometimes awful, but honestly tried his best.
I liked Ms. Francine; she was a fun character and brought a human touch to the story that felt very cold, otherwise. The characters felt flat and I didn't really connect with them. Possibly because they were children, but I've read other middle grade novels that have had better characters. The mom was stressed and kind of a bad parent, and the dad was awful!
The whole idea of Princy and the Grim Reaper spending time with someone they're taking away before they leave is a fascinating one, and somewhat sweet. There was a beautiful quote about death:
"...maybe death wasn't all worms and nothingness. Maybe, sometimes, there was mystery and whimsy and dancing shadow puppets, too. The kind that needed both light and dark to be seen."
It stopped me in my reading and really resonated. It's beautiful, and really put life and death into perspective for a moment. The ending and Miren's death took my breath away. I didn't cry, but I felt it in my soul. This little boy with a broken family has lost even more, and has to keep on keeping on. I can't even imagine.
The book teaches that death isn't as scary as we think it is, and Miren was happy with wherever she and Princy wound up. We can all help to wind up there too, when our time comes, I suppose.
It's also got a dancing skeleton in the bottom right corner of all the pages; a flip book of sorts that is adorable and I really enjoyed it.
It's definitely a book for parents and kids to read together, and maybe a good conversation starter about death and dying. It's scary, and it always will be. But maybe this could help.
Stanly - the spelling of that irked me so much, as well as the fact that his last name is Stanwright. So he's Stanly Stanwright, something I feel like editors could have caught and maybe changed? But anyway. For the most part he was a good brother, trying to help and protect and save Miren throughout her undisclosed illness. He was sometimes awful, but honestly tried his best.
I liked Ms. Francine; she was a fun character and brought a human touch to the story that felt very cold, otherwise. The characters felt flat and I didn't really connect with them. Possibly because they were children, but I've read other middle grade novels that have had better characters. The mom was stressed and kind of a bad parent, and the dad was awful!
The whole idea of Princy and the Grim Reaper spending time with someone they're taking away before they leave is a fascinating one, and somewhat sweet. There was a beautiful quote about death:
"...maybe death wasn't all worms and nothingness. Maybe, sometimes, there was mystery and whimsy and dancing shadow puppets, too. The kind that needed both light and dark to be seen."
It stopped me in my reading and really resonated. It's beautiful, and really put life and death into perspective for a moment. The ending and Miren's death took my breath away. I didn't cry, but I felt it in my soul. This little boy with a broken family has lost even more, and has to keep on keeping on. I can't even imagine.
The book teaches that death isn't as scary as we think it is, and Miren was happy with wherever she and Princy wound up. We can all help to wind up there too, when our time comes, I suppose.
It's also got a dancing skeleton in the bottom right corner of all the pages; a flip book of sorts that is adorable and I really enjoyed it.
It's definitely a book for parents and kids to read together, and maybe a good conversation starter about death and dying. It's scary, and it always will be. But maybe this could help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
I think this book should qualify as this generation's Bridge to Terabithia. It deals with a weighty subject in a light hearted way that keeps the reader engaged and turning pages til the end. As an adult reader the foreshadowing was slapping you in the face, but I think it’s subtle enough that it will be a surprise to many kids. This would fall in with books like I Kill Giants and A Monster Calls, except instead of a destructive kid, this has a kid who is all heart and just wants his sister to get well, his mom to be happy, and his dad to come back home.
A skeleton has started growing in Stanley’s backyard. His sister and all his friends can see it, but his caretaker Francine can see it. But no other adults can. Stanley really wants a way to make his father notice him and his sister after moving away, and he figures if he wins this big competition with pictures of the skeleton, then his dad would have to come home for sure.
I hate the dad. I hate the dad, who is never there for the entire book. But I love the rest of that cast. Mom tries her best and has such a burden. Sister Miren is so happy and carefree under dire circumstances. Then there is Francine who is like a grandmother indulging the kids, but making them use their heads and their hearts when they need to.
I am completely in love with this book and wish I had not held on to the galley for so long before reading it. I also love the original cover. I hate the new paperback cover.
This book is a big ol’ tear jerker, and worth every tear. Given enough time, and enough exposure I feel this book could become a classic akin to books previously mentioned. So give this book a chance. Why it may make the tears flow, it will leave the reader with a warm and happy feeling of love and friendship.
#mountTBR
#Booked2020
#PopSugar
#ReadwithMrBook
#Beatthebacklist
#LMPBC
A skeleton has started growing in Stanley’s backyard. His sister and all his friends can see it, but his caretaker Francine can see it. But no other adults can. Stanley really wants a way to make his father notice him and his sister after moving away, and he figures if he wins this big competition with pictures of the skeleton, then his dad would have to come home for sure.
I hate the dad. I hate the dad, who is never there for the entire book. But I love the rest of that cast. Mom tries her best and has such a burden. Sister Miren is so happy and carefree under dire circumstances. Then there is Francine who is like a grandmother indulging the kids, but making them use their heads and their hearts when they need to.
I am completely in love with this book and wish I had not held on to the galley for so long before reading it. I also love the original cover. I hate the new paperback cover.
This book is a big ol’ tear jerker, and worth every tear. Given enough time, and enough exposure I feel this book could become a classic akin to books previously mentioned. So give this book a chance. Why it may make the tears flow, it will leave the reader with a warm and happy feeling of love and friendship.
#mountTBR
#Booked2020
#PopSugar
#ReadwithMrBook
#Beatthebacklist
#LMPBC
March 22, 2016
Travel a bumpy road with twelve-year-old Stanly. You’ll meet a little sister who is sick, an over-worked mother, a nanny from the old country, a friend with OCD, and a chomping zombie inside his head. You’ll even encounter a skeleton that grows bigger and bigger in the backyard. It’s a trip worth taking, but you may not get to the end of the journey unscathed.
April 4, 2017
I was excited for this book the moment I read the description, but I had no idea how amazing it would be. Nor how heartbreaking. I simply adored the characters and the imagery. Ventrella does a fantastic job of painting vivid scenes with her words. I absolutely recommend this book to everyone, but especially for any children who are dealing with loss. Phenomenal.
November 13, 2018
Sweet read that will definitely appeal to young MG readers, just wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed.
September 29, 2021
What if death, the Grim Reaper, really is a skeleton, like you see in all the medieval paintings and tapestries, and even wears a scary cloak with a cowl?
What would you do if the Grim Reaper started growing in your backyard when your little sister was sick? So sick she has to go to the hospital multiple times?
Twelve-year-old Stanley isn't sure, at first, what the skeleton is. First a finger bone, then all the fingers, then an arm, and the skull and ribs and spine wiggle out of the earth in Stanley's backyard.
His little sister Miren waters it, encouraging it to grow. He and his best friend, Jaxon, try to get a picture of it for a National Geographic's Young Discoverer contest, but somehow it's always moving and nothing but a blur in the photos.
Why is it emerging now? And once it's fully grown, and dancing inside the house and making Miren laugh (she names it Princey), why can only the kids and the nanny, Ms. Francine, see it? Why can't their mom? Or anyone else, except that one nurse at the hospital?
This story starts out touching all the right creepy beats, but morphs oh so slowly into the inevitable sad tale it must be, because the Grim Reaper never shows up for no reason. But that doesn't mean he, or what he does, must be scary. What if Princey's job is to gather the dead in the kindest, gentlest manner possible?
This story will make you cry ugly tears.
Enjoy!
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What would you do if the Grim Reaper started growing in your backyard when your little sister was sick? So sick she has to go to the hospital multiple times?
Twelve-year-old Stanley isn't sure, at first, what the skeleton is. First a finger bone, then all the fingers, then an arm, and the skull and ribs and spine wiggle out of the earth in Stanley's backyard.
His little sister Miren waters it, encouraging it to grow. He and his best friend, Jaxon, try to get a picture of it for a National Geographic's Young Discoverer contest, but somehow it's always moving and nothing but a blur in the photos.
Why is it emerging now? And once it's fully grown, and dancing inside the house and making Miren laugh (she names it Princey), why can only the kids and the nanny, Ms. Francine, see it? Why can't their mom? Or anyone else, except that one nurse at the hospital?
This story starts out touching all the right creepy beats, but morphs oh so slowly into the inevitable sad tale it must be, because the Grim Reaper never shows up for no reason. But that doesn't mean he, or what he does, must be scary. What if Princey's job is to gather the dead in the kindest, gentlest manner possible?
This story will make you cry ugly tears.
Enjoy!
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
May 3, 2026
This was beautiful and so well done! There was a LOT of heartbreak and tragedy for one story, but it didn’t feel super heavy despite all that.
The little sister character was pretty annoying (perhaps intentionally so). As an adult reader, I did want answers about a few things: 1) what the heck was Miren’s diagnosis? It bothered me that we never found out and it made the whole thing seem less real and relatable. 2! Where did the dad go? WTF is wrong with that guy?! Did they separate? Get divorced? Is he sending money back to them? GOOD LORD, how could he miss his own daughter’s funeral?!?!?
Anyways. The concept of the skeleton tree was lovely. I liked how it turned out he was basically like a thestral from Harry Potter—you can only see him if you’ve had some kind of firsthand experience with death. I also love the idea of death as a friend who comes to help smooth your transition to whatever is next. It reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books, Duck, Death and the Tulip.
The little sister character was pretty annoying (perhaps intentionally so). As an adult reader, I did want answers about a few things: 1) what the heck was Miren’s diagnosis? It bothered me that we never found out and it made the whole thing seem less real and relatable. 2! Where did the dad go? WTF is wrong with that guy?! Did they separate? Get divorced? Is he sending money back to them? GOOD LORD, how could he miss his own daughter’s funeral?!?!?
Anyways. The concept of the skeleton tree was lovely. I liked how it turned out he was basically like a thestral from Harry Potter—you can only see him if you’ve had some kind of firsthand experience with death. I also love the idea of death as a friend who comes to help smooth your transition to whatever is next. It reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books, Duck, Death and the Tulip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
To his astonishment, Stanly Stanwright finds a bone in the back yard of his home, and even more astonishing, the bone grows over time. When it forms into a full skeleton, Stanley's little sister Miren takes it as her playmate. At first, Stanly thinks if he takes a photograph of the bone and his father sees it, he will return to the family, but then he realizes that adults can't see the skeleton, Princy, or its bones. While he is happy that Miren has found a new friend, particularly because she is ill, Stanly begins wondering if perhaps her illness is related to the bones. Is the skeleton a friend or a foe? Readers need to have tissues nearby as they read this heart-tugging story about family love, loss, and acceptance. The book troubled me--in a good way--and made me think of the possibilities in life and in death and how we must savor the moments that are our lot.
June 4, 2019
I was incredibly unprepared for how emotional this novel was actually going to make me! I thought it was going to be a spook-tastic romp through a good old ghost story, but man was I wrong. Instead you get a heartfelt tale of a young boy just trying to stay afloat amidst his parent's divorce, his sick sister the family's lack of money. When he spots the chance to win a cash prize to help out his family and possibly bring his father back, he jumps on it. But what starts as a money making scheme soon turns into a family adventure that's going to change all of them by the end. The writing was lovely and it took me a little over half of the novel to see the twist coming, so for a middle grade novel, that's pretty impressive. Over all the imagery was really great and ended on a poignant and bittersweet note.
June 8, 2017
There is a skeleton growing in Stanly's backyard, like a tree. At first, Stanly thinks it's cool. So does his little sister, Miren, who gets to spend lots of time with the skeleton, since she's often home sick from school.
But the more time Miren spends with the skeleton, the sicker she gets, and Stanly just knows the skeleton’s to blame. But how do you stop a skeleton?
SKELETON TREE is equal parts creepy and gorgeous and emotional. Reading it feels sort of like walking through a beautiful graveyard at lunchtime--not scary, just a little unsettling. And sad. If you're looking for a highly unique and slightly eerie middle grade, you should read SKELETON TREE--just make sure you have your handkerchief handy.
But the more time Miren spends with the skeleton, the sicker she gets, and Stanly just knows the skeleton’s to blame. But how do you stop a skeleton?
SKELETON TREE is equal parts creepy and gorgeous and emotional. Reading it feels sort of like walking through a beautiful graveyard at lunchtime--not scary, just a little unsettling. And sad. If you're looking for a highly unique and slightly eerie middle grade, you should read SKELETON TREE--just make sure you have your handkerchief handy.
November 1, 2019
"Live the life you have, because one day. Poof! You won't have it any more."
Wow, this book made me cry. It's children book but I think everyone can read it. A story about love, caring and sadly loss.
Wow, this book made me cry. It's children book but I think everyone can read it. A story about love, caring and sadly loss.
July 19, 2019
Check out The Seventh Seal, a movie by Ingmar Bergman. Very influential film. Lots of death tropes in movies/books were inspired by this movie. Several aspects of this story reminded me on the movie.
September 8, 2024
Loved it. The ending was so masterfully done—I cried so much and yet was so happy about it.
November 7, 2025
I read this with my daughter and sobbed several times. A lovely children’s book about death.
January 7, 2020
I really, really liked this book, but it was a difficult read. It would be a good read for children who know another child might be dying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
I received this book from #kidlitexchange to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Skeleton Tree by Kim Ventrella was a shocking read. I was all settled in for a haunted, creepy middle grade read and the more I read the more real life lessons came alive in a wonderfully arranged story. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Stanly finds a finger in the backyard and wants to keep it a secret to win a prize that he hopes will make his Dad come back home. Two days after finding the finger his sister, Miren becomes seriously ill and requires oxygen constantly. Stanly hunts to find answers about his sister's illness but his mom avoids the question and his dad won't answer his phone. Soon Stanly and his sister discover if you water the bone it grows. Soon his finger find has become a skeleton. Only every time Stanly tries to take a picture to enter the archaeological contest all he ever captures is a white blur. Then on Miren's birthday just when the party is about to start the skeleton disappears and Stanly gives up all hope on entering the contest. But Stanly finds the skeleton in his sister's room and us able to submit his photo for the contest. Soon after though Stanley finds out the skeleton may be the grim reaper and thinks he is trying to take his sister. Then one day Stanly comes home from school to find his sister almost dead. He quickly calls 911. His sister is rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, but the doctors can not figure out why her lungs keep failing her. Stanly is sure it is the skeleton's fault his sister is sick. Stanly attacks the skeleton trying to protect Miren, but it only upsets her. Stanly learns that no matter how hard he tries nothing will ever be the same again and the ones he loves will always be there for him. Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing, Go Read, Amazon, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
November 2, 2017
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.
If you are looking for a spooky Halloween story for your kiddos, this is not the book for you. Stanly Stanwright is amazed and a bit scared when he finds a bone sticking out of the ground in his backyard. What’s more disturbing is that the bone seems to be growing up from into a skeleton! Stanley is determined to get a picture of the growing skeleton so he can enter it into a contest for the Young Discoverer’s Prize. The grand prize is a trip for an archeological dig worth $10,000. Stanley is desperate to win the prize so he can take his dad on the trip. He has not seen his dad for 10 months since he left the family. His good friend Jaxon is trying to help him in his quest to enter the contest.
As the skeleton grows in the backyard, we also see the relationship between Stanly and his little sister Miren, who has some serious health issues. Even though they sometimes fight like siblings do, Stanly feels a responsibility to take care of his little sister. Stanly’s mom has to work very hard as a single mother, and is overwhelmed trying to take care of her family. Ms. Francine, the family’s babysitter, is an integral part of the story. She is one of the few adults who can see the skeleton. Ms. Francine, and her stories of growing up in Kyrgyzstan, add another layer to the story, and her relationship with the family helps them deal with the difficult situations they are faced with.
The skeleton “tree” grows into a full size skeleton, and Miren affectionately names him Princy. Princy seems to be following Miren, and he tires to avoid Stanly and does not want him to take his picture for the contest. Jaxon and Stanly do some research, and come up with a theory of who Princy really is. Stanly wants Princy to stay away from Miren, until he realizes how much better he makes her feel, and accepts why he is there for Miren.
The Skeleton Tree shows how a young boy has to face some very difficult situations. Even though there is sadness, Stanly learns how to get through it, and in the end, he and his family get a new beginning.
This was a very different book for me. It was not at all what I was expecting from the title. I did really like the relationship between Stanly and his little sister, and I loved the character, Ms. Francine, for all of the advice love, and help she gave to the family. I was disappointed with how the situation with Stanly’s dad ended up. My heart broke for the loss that Stanly and his family had to suffer, but I think it is good for children to be exposed to these issues to help them learn how to deal with real life situations. I would recommend this book for children in grades 4 or above.
If you are looking for a spooky Halloween story for your kiddos, this is not the book for you. Stanly Stanwright is amazed and a bit scared when he finds a bone sticking out of the ground in his backyard. What’s more disturbing is that the bone seems to be growing up from into a skeleton! Stanley is determined to get a picture of the growing skeleton so he can enter it into a contest for the Young Discoverer’s Prize. The grand prize is a trip for an archeological dig worth $10,000. Stanley is desperate to win the prize so he can take his dad on the trip. He has not seen his dad for 10 months since he left the family. His good friend Jaxon is trying to help him in his quest to enter the contest.
As the skeleton grows in the backyard, we also see the relationship between Stanly and his little sister Miren, who has some serious health issues. Even though they sometimes fight like siblings do, Stanly feels a responsibility to take care of his little sister. Stanly’s mom has to work very hard as a single mother, and is overwhelmed trying to take care of her family. Ms. Francine, the family’s babysitter, is an integral part of the story. She is one of the few adults who can see the skeleton. Ms. Francine, and her stories of growing up in Kyrgyzstan, add another layer to the story, and her relationship with the family helps them deal with the difficult situations they are faced with.
The skeleton “tree” grows into a full size skeleton, and Miren affectionately names him Princy. Princy seems to be following Miren, and he tires to avoid Stanly and does not want him to take his picture for the contest. Jaxon and Stanly do some research, and come up with a theory of who Princy really is. Stanly wants Princy to stay away from Miren, until he realizes how much better he makes her feel, and accepts why he is there for Miren.
The Skeleton Tree shows how a young boy has to face some very difficult situations. Even though there is sadness, Stanly learns how to get through it, and in the end, he and his family get a new beginning.
This was a very different book for me. It was not at all what I was expecting from the title. I did really like the relationship between Stanly and his little sister, and I loved the character, Ms. Francine, for all of the advice love, and help she gave to the family. I was disappointed with how the situation with Stanly’s dad ended up. My heart broke for the loss that Stanly and his family had to suffer, but I think it is good for children to be exposed to these issues to help them learn how to deal with real life situations. I would recommend this book for children in grades 4 or above.
May 6, 2017
Stanly Stanwright finds a bone in his garden, needing a photo for a competition he takes a shot of it, only for the bone to change to point at him when he later looks back at the shot and later disappear completely!
He has a sister called Miren who is seven and ill with bad lungs and she relies a lot on the use of an oxygen tank. As well as his friend, Jaxon having OCD which Stanly handles both situations for each person really well, caring for his sister and also joining in and being patient with Jaxon.
The book overall was very funny in parts but also serious too, with all the health aspects as well as having one parent to rely on whom also doesn't have much money to spend on things for her kids or even big healthcare bills. The skeleton is a really different aspect to any story idea as he grows in their garden and even manages to cheer up sick Miren who grows very attached to him.
Though unfortunately, the skeleton and the grim reaper exist for a reason but in this a book it leads us gently towards the inevitable.
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
He has a sister called Miren who is seven and ill with bad lungs and she relies a lot on the use of an oxygen tank. As well as his friend, Jaxon having OCD which Stanly handles both situations for each person really well, caring for his sister and also joining in and being patient with Jaxon.
The book overall was very funny in parts but also serious too, with all the health aspects as well as having one parent to rely on whom also doesn't have much money to spend on things for her kids or even big healthcare bills. The skeleton is a really different aspect to any story idea as he grows in their garden and even manages to cheer up sick Miren who grows very attached to him.
Though unfortunately, the skeleton and the grim reaper exist for a reason but in this a book it leads us gently towards the inevitable.
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
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