What do you think?
Rate this book
Bone Tree: What Lies Beneath May Be More Than Friendship
Praise for Jenna Lehne's Bone
"Bone Tree is a fast-paced spookfest, and an authentic, heartfelt story about friendship and grief."- Sarah Cannon, Author of spooky middle-grade novels including Twist & Oddity.
"A funny, heartbreaking, and genuinely scary read, Roman and Elsie are a great example of friendship that endures to the end --- and beyond." - Shari Simpson, Author of The Sleepwalkers series with Disney/Hyperion.
Elsie battles a terrifying ghost to keep her best friend around forever. But does forever have too much of a cost? Elsie's best friend, Roman, is dying. But Roman has a plan to escape death. He wants to be resurrected through the powers of the Bone Tree and the curse of the Woman in White, Mary Simon, whose body lies beneath the tree. Terrified, yet determined not to lose him. Elsie promises Roman to summon Mary's ghost and the powers of the Bone Tree to bring him back when he dies. When the Bone Tree's magic works and Roman resurrects, Elsie vows to do anything to keep him around, even if that means battling an angry, screeching banshee, with talons for fingers. But what Elsie doesn't realize is that the cost of keeping Roman around may be too high. When the Woman in White kidnaps Roman's brother, Jake, and threatens to take his life as revenge, Elsie must choose between saving the lives of many from the deadly grasp of Mary Simon, the Woman in White, or keeping her best friend.
Buy now on Amazon.
"Bone Tree is a fast-paced spookfest, and an authentic, heartfelt story about friendship and grief."- Sarah Cannon, Author of spooky middle-grade novels including Twist & Oddity.
"A funny, heartbreaking, and genuinely scary read, Roman and Elsie are a great example of friendship that endures to the end --- and beyond." - Shari Simpson, Author of The Sleepwalkers series with Disney/Hyperion.
Elsie battles a terrifying ghost to keep her best friend around forever. But does forever have too much of a cost? Elsie's best friend, Roman, is dying. But Roman has a plan to escape death. He wants to be resurrected through the powers of the Bone Tree and the curse of the Woman in White, Mary Simon, whose body lies beneath the tree. Terrified, yet determined not to lose him. Elsie promises Roman to summon Mary's ghost and the powers of the Bone Tree to bring him back when he dies. When the Bone Tree's magic works and Roman resurrects, Elsie vows to do anything to keep him around, even if that means battling an angry, screeching banshee, with talons for fingers. But what Elsie doesn't realize is that the cost of keeping Roman around may be too high. When the Woman in White kidnaps Roman's brother, Jake, and threatens to take his life as revenge, Elsie must choose between saving the lives of many from the deadly grasp of Mary Simon, the Woman in White, or keeping her best friend.
Buy now on Amazon.
- GenresMiddle Grade
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Lehne
5 books24 followersJenna Lehne is a tea-sipping, horror-loving mom of two boys, and a kitten named Lemons, in Calgary, Alberta.
She's a former Pitch Wars mentor, contributor on the blog MidnightSocietyTales.com, and her middle grade debut, BONE TREE, is out April 2021 from Blue Bronco Books.
She's a former Pitch Wars mentor, contributor on the blog MidnightSocietyTales.com, and her middle grade debut, BONE TREE, is out April 2021 from Blue Bronco Books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 16, 2021
This book will be a hit with middle school kiddos. Just creepy enough to keep them up a bit at night, but not all night! Perfect length for the reluctant readers as well.
October 26, 2021
This one holds ghosts, curses, graveyards, friendship, emotion, heart-break, determination, adventure...need I say more?
Elsie and Roman have been best friends for most of their lives. When Roman is diagnosed with cancer, he asks her to help him learn more about a town myth surrounding the old tree in the graveyard, one that has the magic to bring someone back to life. Research and tons of digging has them deciding there might be some truth to the myth, but there's a puzzle piece missing. When Roman dies, Elsie follows his wish, and it works. Roman is visible even if he isn't alive. But by bringing him back, they uncover the secret surrounding the original magic, the tree, and a ghost, who will protect her ability to 'live' no matter what the cost.
I'm not sure where even to begin with this book. It packs a punch, pulls at the heartstrings, throws in chills, and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat the whole way through. So, I guess I'll start at the beginning and an amazing friendship. Elsie and Roman are there for each other no matter what. Even when Roman gets sick, Elsie stays herself and stands at his side until the end. Even the family life of both is true blue, comes across naturally, and offer a wonderful base of warmth, which withstands even the troubling times and a hiccup or two. Elsie has a great base and that sets a wonderful foundation for the tale.
The more serious tones of this story head toward the death of a friend, how to deal with it, and how to carry on. This is very well done and weaves naturally along the thrilling adventure and tense plot, staying almost in the background most of the time. The author handles this theme with care, while allowing the emotions to sit exactly where they need to...and that without ever growing over-bearing or becoming too much for the age group. Elsie does mourn, but it's handled in careful way, making sure it fits the situation and allows her to grow and move on.
But despite all of this, the main part of this read is all about the ghosts and curses, and horrible danger, which threatens to spill into the town and steal lives. The ghost, Mary, is evil and the stakes are very high. Elsie does witness dark moments and gets into very dangerous situations. I'd recommend this one more for the upper end of the middle grade age group because it does deal with death, and not just Roman's. There is a little gore, too. Sensitive readers might find some moments a bit much, but, in general, it's still appropriate for thrill seekers of this age group.
I enjoyed the tale quite a bit, was surprised by several twists and turns, and can recommend it for a Halloween read (and for the rest of the year, too). I received an ARC and found this one to be very well done
Elsie and Roman have been best friends for most of their lives. When Roman is diagnosed with cancer, he asks her to help him learn more about a town myth surrounding the old tree in the graveyard, one that has the magic to bring someone back to life. Research and tons of digging has them deciding there might be some truth to the myth, but there's a puzzle piece missing. When Roman dies, Elsie follows his wish, and it works. Roman is visible even if he isn't alive. But by bringing him back, they uncover the secret surrounding the original magic, the tree, and a ghost, who will protect her ability to 'live' no matter what the cost.
I'm not sure where even to begin with this book. It packs a punch, pulls at the heartstrings, throws in chills, and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat the whole way through. So, I guess I'll start at the beginning and an amazing friendship. Elsie and Roman are there for each other no matter what. Even when Roman gets sick, Elsie stays herself and stands at his side until the end. Even the family life of both is true blue, comes across naturally, and offer a wonderful base of warmth, which withstands even the troubling times and a hiccup or two. Elsie has a great base and that sets a wonderful foundation for the tale.
The more serious tones of this story head toward the death of a friend, how to deal with it, and how to carry on. This is very well done and weaves naturally along the thrilling adventure and tense plot, staying almost in the background most of the time. The author handles this theme with care, while allowing the emotions to sit exactly where they need to...and that without ever growing over-bearing or becoming too much for the age group. Elsie does mourn, but it's handled in careful way, making sure it fits the situation and allows her to grow and move on.
But despite all of this, the main part of this read is all about the ghosts and curses, and horrible danger, which threatens to spill into the town and steal lives. The ghost, Mary, is evil and the stakes are very high. Elsie does witness dark moments and gets into very dangerous situations. I'd recommend this one more for the upper end of the middle grade age group because it does deal with death, and not just Roman's. There is a little gore, too. Sensitive readers might find some moments a bit much, but, in general, it's still appropriate for thrill seekers of this age group.
I enjoyed the tale quite a bit, was surprised by several twists and turns, and can recommend it for a Halloween read (and for the rest of the year, too). I received an ARC and found this one to be very well done
November 21, 2021
I won an ecopy of this book from the publisher via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elsie's world shatters when her best friend, Roman, dies of cancer. Before his death, Roman was obsessed with a local legend about a Bone Tree and a Lady in White whose ghost has haunted the tree and surrounding cemetery for years. Armed with the secret of how to return as a ghost, Roman makes Elsie promise to bring him back. She is all too willing but the Lady in White is furious and Elsie soon learns that there is a price to pay for having her best friend's ghost around.
I loved this! There were definitely some extra sad moments but it's mostly a ghost story with a unique (to me) back story and some rather spooky and thrilling plot twists. The story behind the Bone Tree is and the Lady in White was extra interesting.
While this is a great spooky story (perfect for Halloween!) it's also a look at losing a close friend or loved one at a young age and what lengths people will go to deal with their grief. This heartwarming ghost story will appeal to middle-grade readers who want a spooky, edge-of-your-seat read that isn't too long or time-consuming!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
Elsie's world shatters when her best friend, Roman, dies of cancer. Before his death, Roman was obsessed with a local legend about a Bone Tree and a Lady in White whose ghost has haunted the tree and surrounding cemetery for years. Armed with the secret of how to return as a ghost, Roman makes Elsie promise to bring him back. She is all too willing but the Lady in White is furious and Elsie soon learns that there is a price to pay for having her best friend's ghost around.
I loved this! There were definitely some extra sad moments but it's mostly a ghost story with a unique (to me) back story and some rather spooky and thrilling plot twists. The story behind the Bone Tree is and the Lady in White was extra interesting.
While this is a great spooky story (perfect for Halloween!) it's also a look at losing a close friend or loved one at a young age and what lengths people will go to deal with their grief. This heartwarming ghost story will appeal to middle-grade readers who want a spooky, edge-of-your-seat read that isn't too long or time-consuming!
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.
August 22, 2021
The Bone Tree is a very original premise on which to base a series. It allows for numerous characters and stories. The father-son relationship which is at the heart of the story is rich and complex. However, the history of the father and the family of bad guys and Carlos Marcello, the gangster, seemed too forced. It seemed to be too much of an intertwining of too many bad guys over too many years. That said, the book was very entertaining. I'm glad to have found it. I am looking forward to what Snake will do in the next book.
January 17, 2022
The Bone Tree is a spooky, sensitive, heart warming, suspenseful middle grade read that you won't be able to put down. I loved the well developed characters and especially liked the boy/girl platonic friendship. My favorite part of the story is when Roman was able to give his mom a gift of his scent of fabric softener and peppermint from his favorite t-shirt as a memory of her son. I also liked the magic and mystery throughout the story. I would recommend this book to students who are looking to read a book that scares their socks off but also will make them cry.
February 1, 2021
A non stop thrill that captures the true essence of friendship while maintaining a full blown spookfest of a tale. The story's pace is fierce and fun even while touching on topics of illness, loss and afterlife. Not only a great book but a perfect match for MG readers who need constant action that pulls them into the story. It is a great blend of fright, friendship and all the "feels". Well done!
May 25, 2021
Jenna Lehne makes you laugh, get the spooky-chills, and makes you wish you had a box of tissue by your side. This story is filled with laughter, lovable characters, and a spooky nonstop adventure that seamlessly weaves the pain of navigating through grief while still seeing the hope that is left after pain. Bone Tree is a beautiful must-read for both children and adults.
August 3, 2021
This book will be perfect for middle grade readers. It has just enough spooky to keep them on the edge of their seats but enough beauty to make them think. This story shattered my heart and put it back together again. It was so moving and gives a whole new meaning to what one is willing to do to see someone just one more time. #BookPosse
January 20, 2021
Creepy, sad, and adrenaline pumping middle grade story! Great read for middle school aged kids! I would think a reluctant reader would also find this a good one as there is action from the beginning and it's not intimidatingly long! It was a good read!
#bookposse
#bookposse
August 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ This is a hard one to rate. If you’re in middle grade and like ghost stories, you’d probably like this one! But I’m a parent and all I could think was “why don’t her parents know where she is ever??”
June 30, 2021
When you can't let go of someone. When you do whatever it takes to keep them with you. Only sometimes that can hold you back.
A beautiful and fun story about loss and grief and true friendship.
A beautiful and fun story about loss and grief and true friendship.
September 2, 2021
This was eerie and unnverving, and it also made me cry.
But it was really good.
But it was really good.
May 10, 2024
Spooky as it may be...BONE TREE is a fast-paced, heartwarming story of friendship and love, and the lengths one will go to hold on to both. Loved it!
May 2, 2021
I could not put this book down! With creepy chills and thrills, at its heart this is a story about the lengths we will go to hold onto those we love.
Elsie and Roman have been best friends since they were 7. When Roman is faced with a terminal illness, he and Elsie research the town’s legendary Bone Tree, which is purported to be able to bring the dead back to life. Roman makes Elsie promise to bring him back, and it works! But they soon realize that this “magic” is not what it seems, and a ghoulish ancient ghost is now haunting Elsie. How can Elsie hold onto Roman without hurting many other people?
Elsie and Roman have been best friends since they were 7. When Roman is faced with a terminal illness, he and Elsie research the town’s legendary Bone Tree, which is purported to be able to bring the dead back to life. Roman makes Elsie promise to bring him back, and it works! But they soon realize that this “magic” is not what it seems, and a ghoulish ancient ghost is now haunting Elsie. How can Elsie hold onto Roman without hurting many other people?
June 7, 2021
Thank you Blue Bronco Books and Jenna Lehne for sharing a copy of Bone Tree in exchange for an honest review! I have been in the mood for spooky and dark and sad...and this book is all of these-plus it is FUNNY! My emotions were an absolute mess reading this book, in all the right ways.
3 things about Bone Tree...
1-Heartbreak
2-Loss
3-Choices
I hope you read Bone Tree and I hope you enjoy it!
3 things about Bone Tree...
1-Heartbreak
2-Loss
3-Choices
I hope you read Bone Tree and I hope you enjoy it!
February 5, 2022
I highly recommend this spooky middle-grade debut. This story is layered with so many things, friendships, first crushes, grief and all things spooky! Jenna Lehne did a fantastic job! This book is also very approachable for reluctant middle school readers with its larger text and short chapters.
April 10, 2021
I don’t know who was asking for a book that will rip your heart out AND scare the pants off of you, but thank you!!! This is a perfect MG novel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews