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The Garden Bone
The Garden Bone is a middle-grade novel that tells the story of Wenceslao Killean, who discovers a strange fossil in his backyard, a fossil that shouldn't be there. How did the fossil get there? Why is it changing? And what else maybe be lurking in his garden? Wences enlists the help of his friends Matteo and Jeanine, and together they embark on an adventure that will take them out of this world... and into TROUBLE!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 4, 2022
This was such a unique & creative story. Loved it! Wenceslao Killean discovers a strange fossil in his backyard, a fossil that shouldn't be there. How did the fossil get there? Why is it changing? And what else maybe be lurking in his garden? Wences enlists the help of his friends Matteo & Jeanine, & together they embark on an adventure that will take them out of this world... & into TROUBLE! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book involving dinosaurs before, but this was done so well! I loved every detail of the world we see including the politics of the world & the dinosaurs & the whole backstory. Also loved the magical aspects to this. The friendship dynamic between the 3 kids is great. The bond between Wences & Akheilos is so incredible though, & Akheilos has my heart. This got a little darker at times, so upper MG. I love my upper mg though. This was full of mystery, danger, adventure, suspense, friendship, & imagination. Loved the twist & turns at the end! Fast-paced adventure read for sure! I hope there will be more, can’t wait to see what happens next! Beautiful cover & inside illustrations-all done by the author!💜
February 23, 2022
I know this place, have known it my whole life. But right now, this place and I are not friends.
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Wenceslao Killean discovers a strange fossil in his backyard, a fossil that shouldn't be there. How did the fossil get there? Why is it changing? And what else maybe be lurking in his garden? Wences enlists the help of his friends Matteo and Jeanine, and together they embark on an adventure that will take them out of this world... and into TROUBLE!
🦄🦄🦄
The Garden Bone is a fast paced mysterious middle grade novel by Maria Magliano that's not only adventurous but educational as there are pointers for any paleontology or dinosaur loving kid out there (can anyone else hear Ross Geller? 😂). Beginning with a very bad day and ending with a lot of twists and turns, Wenceslao finds out a lot more about his now deceased family with the help of his friends. He's a character that will relate to any kid out there because he wears his heart on his sleeve and is curious by nature but at the same time he is resilient and loyal.
The way the book is written will also appeal to a younger crowd as it's from Wenceslao's POV and is not heavy on the language (except the bits about paleontology specifically dinosaur names which i think is really cool!).
There's one thing that does give this book it's fantasy vibe but it's a HUGE spoiler so I'm keeping my mouth shut - just know that it was absolutely brilliant and because of it we can hopefully get more books in this series.
Overall, it's a great book filled with adventure and mystrey and is perfect for young children!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
Wenceslao Killean discovers a strange fossil in his backyard, a fossil that shouldn't be there. How did the fossil get there? Why is it changing? And what else maybe be lurking in his garden? Wences enlists the help of his friends Matteo and Jeanine, and together they embark on an adventure that will take them out of this world... and into TROUBLE!
🦄🦄🦄
The Garden Bone is a fast paced mysterious middle grade novel by Maria Magliano that's not only adventurous but educational as there are pointers for any paleontology or dinosaur loving kid out there (can anyone else hear Ross Geller? 😂). Beginning with a very bad day and ending with a lot of twists and turns, Wenceslao finds out a lot more about his now deceased family with the help of his friends. He's a character that will relate to any kid out there because he wears his heart on his sleeve and is curious by nature but at the same time he is resilient and loyal.
The way the book is written will also appeal to a younger crowd as it's from Wenceslao's POV and is not heavy on the language (except the bits about paleontology specifically dinosaur names which i think is really cool!).
There's one thing that does give this book it's fantasy vibe but it's a HUGE spoiler so I'm keeping my mouth shut - just know that it was absolutely brilliant and because of it we can hopefully get more books in this series.
Overall, it's a great book filled with adventure and mystrey and is perfect for young children!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 10/10
Melina L.
Currently Reading
July 22, 2022It was an exciting book! I enjoyed it very much!
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March 22, 2022
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway. As a mom of an 11 & 13 year old I am always looking for new books that we can read together. The Garden Bone definitely fit the bill as one of those types of books.
The fast paced, action packed world where humans and Dinosaurs walk together piqued the interest of my dinosaur loving 11 year old daughter. She’d be embarrassed for me to admit this but she still sleeps with her rainbow sparkle Allosaurus from Build-A-Dino.
Author, Maria Magliano, brings the reader on an adventure that they don’t want to end. The main character, Wense, doesn’t know the history of his family as well as he thinks he does and because of that, he and his two best friends embark on an adventure most young readers would love to actually experience. From dinosaurs you can have a conversation with, to hidden caves with glowing portals and a world at the brink of war, the rate of page turning only increases the deeper into the story you read.
The theme of this book is also one I think most children learn with time and it’s the importance of family. One day your annoying little brother won’t be so little anymore and the attention of your grandparents won’t be there. This isn’t a one note action story, but one with a deeper meaning that helps education and entertain.
I’m thankful I won this book and thankful I got to read it with my 11 year old. Thank you again to Goodreads for setting up the giveaway and author, Maria Magliano, for allowing her work to be shared.
The fast paced, action packed world where humans and Dinosaurs walk together piqued the interest of my dinosaur loving 11 year old daughter. She’d be embarrassed for me to admit this but she still sleeps with her rainbow sparkle Allosaurus from Build-A-Dino.
Author, Maria Magliano, brings the reader on an adventure that they don’t want to end. The main character, Wense, doesn’t know the history of his family as well as he thinks he does and because of that, he and his two best friends embark on an adventure most young readers would love to actually experience. From dinosaurs you can have a conversation with, to hidden caves with glowing portals and a world at the brink of war, the rate of page turning only increases the deeper into the story you read.
The theme of this book is also one I think most children learn with time and it’s the importance of family. One day your annoying little brother won’t be so little anymore and the attention of your grandparents won’t be there. This isn’t a one note action story, but one with a deeper meaning that helps education and entertain.
I’m thankful I won this book and thankful I got to read it with my 11 year old. Thank you again to Goodreads for setting up the giveaway and author, Maria Magliano, for allowing her work to be shared.
February 6, 2022
This briskly paced novel expertly captures the voice, cadence and world view of its pre-teen protagonist in its opening chapters, and promptly launches its characters into a heart-pounding, brilliantly hued and unique adventure, which is no mean feat in the derivative wilderness that is youth literature. With just enough exposition to be clear, but not so much as to slow the action, vivid imagery, and a chorus of strong, distinct character voices that build to a complex harmony in an organic way, this novel is sure to catch the imagination of pre-teens and their parents, and leave them hungry for a sequel.
June 9, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the book description but I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself sucked into the story. This book has such a unique story with funny lovable characters. Its a pretty fast read so if you are on the edge thinking about buying this book I strongly recommend it.
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May 11, 2022This is the review from The Children's Book Review, also viewable at https://www.thechildrensbookreview.co...
From a gut-wrenching nightmare to his little brother breaking his favorite model dinosaur, Wenceslao is having a terrible day—that is, until he finds the fossil in his garden. Wences knows the Carcharodontosaurus tooth should not have been there, but once he’s dug it up, everything starts to change. Suddenly, Wences is having the same weird dreams that made his dad and grandpa famous as paleontologists, while the tooth takes on more life moment by moment and its spirit stalks through his dreams. As Wences and his friends try to work out what it all means, they face a journey into another world—and their own hearts.
Any parent of a child obsessed with dinosaurs knows just how irresistible these prehistoric wonders are. The Garden Bone brings that obsession to life with breathtaking attention to scientific detail and a bone-deep understanding of childhood emotions. Wenceslao is a thoroughly relatable, endearing protagonist, whose ups and downs would keep the reader gripped even if it weren’t for the exciting adventure narrative. The story is rich with details, from Wences’ Abuela’s Argentinian Spanish to the barbed exchanges of Wences’ classmates. Edgy comic-book-style illustrations help bridge the distance between middle-grade and tween, as well as giving readers a peek inside Wences’ head.
The Garden Bone is a beautifully written and completely engrossing story, blending scientific fact with roller-coaster fantasy.
From a gut-wrenching nightmare to his little brother breaking his favorite model dinosaur, Wenceslao is having a terrible day—that is, until he finds the fossil in his garden. Wences knows the Carcharodontosaurus tooth should not have been there, but once he’s dug it up, everything starts to change. Suddenly, Wences is having the same weird dreams that made his dad and grandpa famous as paleontologists, while the tooth takes on more life moment by moment and its spirit stalks through his dreams. As Wences and his friends try to work out what it all means, they face a journey into another world—and their own hearts.
Any parent of a child obsessed with dinosaurs knows just how irresistible these prehistoric wonders are. The Garden Bone brings that obsession to life with breathtaking attention to scientific detail and a bone-deep understanding of childhood emotions. Wenceslao is a thoroughly relatable, endearing protagonist, whose ups and downs would keep the reader gripped even if it weren’t for the exciting adventure narrative. The story is rich with details, from Wences’ Abuela’s Argentinian Spanish to the barbed exchanges of Wences’ classmates. Edgy comic-book-style illustrations help bridge the distance between middle-grade and tween, as well as giving readers a peek inside Wences’ head.
The Garden Bone is a beautifully written and completely engrossing story, blending scientific fact with roller-coaster fantasy.
April 28, 2022
Ever since Wences' parents died in a helicopter crash on their archeological expedition, Wences has laid off his obsession with dinosaurs. That summer was supposed to be a fun excavation project with the whole family. Instead, it ended in tragedy, leaving Wences and his brother in the care of their grandma. One day, Wences is in his backyard when he finds a mysterious object, which he quickly discovers is a dinosaur fossil. But what is a dinosaur fossil doing in Wences' backyard in Berkeley, and why does the fossil keep changing? Things get even weirder when Wences finds a real-life dinosaur under his porch! Can Wences and his friends Matteo and Jeanine discover where the dinosaur came from and return it to its home?
Opinion:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it was on the longer side, the storyline itself was very captivating and kept me reading. The pacing of this book was very consistent, which also encouraged me to keep reading. Even with plot twists and exciting scenes, I found that there was no one part of the book that felt boring or like it dragged on. Another thing that I enjoyed about this story was each character's background and development. I loved the individual backstories given to each character, which made it easy to understand the relationships in the story. Additionally, as I read further into the book, I started to understand more about each character. This book was funny, exciting, and surprising, and I recommend it to upper elementary schoolers looking for a fun read!
Opinion:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While it was on the longer side, the storyline itself was very captivating and kept me reading. The pacing of this book was very consistent, which also encouraged me to keep reading. Even with plot twists and exciting scenes, I found that there was no one part of the book that felt boring or like it dragged on. Another thing that I enjoyed about this story was each character's background and development. I loved the individual backstories given to each character, which made it easy to understand the relationships in the story. Additionally, as I read further into the book, I started to understand more about each character. This book was funny, exciting, and surprising, and I recommend it to upper elementary schoolers looking for a fun read!
August 15, 2022
Good story, perfect for middle schoolers. U inquest adventure, one especially for those liking dinosaurs and fantasy adventures. I recommend this book to others.
March 28, 2022
This is the best book I've read since the Harry Potter series!
I did not dislike any part of it! Please, Maria Magliano, keep the story going. From Wences as he ages, Nico as he ages, their friends and families, etc. I loved every minute of this story! For my fellow readers, please note that I am a 65 year old grandmother of 14 grandchildren, ages 1 through 27. This story is for everyone at every age. This wonderful book is captivating and enthralling. Very visual. I really do hope to be able to read the continuing saga soon!
I did not dislike any part of it! Please, Maria Magliano, keep the story going. From Wences as he ages, Nico as he ages, their friends and families, etc. I loved every minute of this story! For my fellow readers, please note that I am a 65 year old grandmother of 14 grandchildren, ages 1 through 27. This story is for everyone at every age. This wonderful book is captivating and enthralling. Very visual. I really do hope to be able to read the continuing saga soon!
June 16, 2022
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A delightful, action packed adventure for readers who enjoy dinosaurs! Middle-schooler and son of paleontologist parents, Wences, discovers a mysterious bone in his back yard. Soon he and his friends are immersed in an alternate world and find themselves in the middle of a dinosaur war. Full of magic, adventure, and heart, this book will appeal to a variety of readers.
A delightful, action packed adventure for readers who enjoy dinosaurs! Middle-schooler and son of paleontologist parents, Wences, discovers a mysterious bone in his back yard. Soon he and his friends are immersed in an alternate world and find themselves in the middle of a dinosaur war. Full of magic, adventure, and heart, this book will appeal to a variety of readers.
October 9, 2022
This is a great book for the tween reader! I'm well past that age but I found it an interesting and exciting read and I think they would too. Wences and Akheilos and their friends are great characters .. the story moves fast with lots of action .. dinosaurs always make great fun .. the illustrations are nice .. the friendships are heartfelt. Bottom line, this is a well written adventure story that will appeal.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
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April 10, 2023Good fantasy dinosaur story for tweens
I received this as an ARC. This story had a good pace and was full of adventure. I enjoyed the author's writing style and descriptions. She created an entirely new world and I can definitely see this as part of a series. The plot took a sharp turn to more of a "fantasy" storyline than I had expected from the beginning, but I would recommend it for tween fans of dinosaurs and fantasy.
I received this as an ARC. This story had a good pace and was full of adventure. I enjoyed the author's writing style and descriptions. She created an entirely new world and I can definitely see this as part of a series. The plot took a sharp turn to more of a "fantasy" storyline than I had expected from the beginning, but I would recommend it for tween fans of dinosaurs and fantasy.
February 28, 2023
Adventure Awaits
I won this book as a Giveaway Winner. It took me a while to get through it but I loved the story line. Action packed, relatively friendly, a learning experience, historical, adventurous and so much excitement. It is a great story, if you like dinosaurs of course. Recommended to young adult readers.
I won this book as a Giveaway Winner. It took me a while to get through it but I loved the story line. Action packed, relatively friendly, a learning experience, historical, adventurous and so much excitement. It is a great story, if you like dinosaurs of course. Recommended to young adult readers.
April 13, 2022
What a well told fun story
I expected a slow moving tale of a dinosaur. What I found was a book I couldn't put down.
Anyone with children that love dinosaurs should share this book with them.
I expected a slow moving tale of a dinosaur. What I found was a book I couldn't put down.
Anyone with children that love dinosaurs should share this book with them.
February 8, 2023
I received this book from #goodreadsgiveaway
It was a good plot for a middle grade book. Definitely would recommend it for middle grade readers, especially if they are into dinosaurs!
It was a good plot for a middle grade book. Definitely would recommend it for middle grade readers, especially if they are into dinosaurs!
February 25, 2023
2½ This book was okay. I was enjoying it at the beginning, but not so much once I got towards the middle of the book. A lot of different dinosaurs were mentioned by name, and I had no idea what any of them were or what they looked like. I didn't hate the book, but I'm not running out to buy a copy for my classroom.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews