Here Lies Linc

by Delia Ray

When 12-year-old Linc Crenshaw decides he wants to go to public school, his professor mom isn't so happy with the idea. He's convinced it will be the ticket to a new social life. Instead, it's a disaster when his mom shows up at their field trip to the local cemetery to lecture them on gravestones, and Linc sees her through his fellow-students' eyes. He's convinced his chances at a social life are over until a cemetery-related project makes him sought-after by fellow students he's not so sure he wants as friends, helps him make a new, genuine friend, and brings to light some information about his family that upends his world.

Delia Ray has written a funny, heartfelt story about a lonely kid and his mother as they ultimately cope with the grief left behind from his dad's death, and along the journey find new ways to connect with each other, and their community.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Childrens, Family, Friendship

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Review: From the title, and even the cover art, of this book, I admit that I was expecting something in the way of a silly spooky teen story to get you ready for Halloween. Wasn’t I surprised to find, instead of a supernatural fantasy, a wonderful story based on a true account! Here Lies Linc has a contemporary and engaging plot, full of finding connections with yourself and your past.

Linc (Lincoln) learns so many things as he struggles to find himself. He’s in a new school and has a strange mother. He doesn’t know where he belongs. I have to admit that through much of the book, I didn’t like Linc. He had no backbone and seemed to have no qualms with lying, stealing, and pretending to be someone he wasn’t. However, he did improve and learn! It did make me think of the fact that many of us, at one time or another, feel like we want to ‘fit in’ and do some pretty dumb things to do it. Luckily, Linc’s mistakes take him down a very interesting path of discovery—both of the past and of his future. He makes some wonderful friendships with very unlikely people (especially his cute old neighbor, Mr. Krasny, whom I loved) and discovers the joy of searching through the past and making lasting connections with his community.

Learning about the Black Angel monument in the Iowa City, Oakland Cemetery was so interesting, especially because it was true! We have the opportunity to follow Linc as he works to disprove the ‘curse’ of the Black Angel and uncover the true identity of the woman who commissioned the monument and why she did it. I loved reading the epitaphs at the beginning of each chapter, and they become even more fun as I discovered that they are real epitaphs from actual headstones! There were funny ones, sad ones, and many famous ones. It made me wonder what I would write on mine… More than anything, though, I loved seeing the joy that came to so many people as they searched through the past to uncover the truth!

This novel takes place around a cemetery, but it never gets creepy. Instead, it makes you want to go to a cemetery and wander around, just to see what stories you may find! Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 Stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: One mild instance

VIOLENCE: A few very mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: One very mild instance

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 12+

There is one mild exclamation of profanity (a character is thankful about something).

The few very mild instances of violence include a short description of a movie some characters are watching (a horror movie for Halloween—included zombies and a ‘jump’ scene), a story about a cursed statue (some characters become ‘cursed’ after defacing a ‘cursed’ statue and lose arms/fingers), and some mean pictures/remarks about another person (bullying). There is also a very cranky character who seems to take joy in the misery of others and has to have total control. Some characters are trapped in a burial vault for a short time.

The only instance of any sexual content is when one character mentions she discovered she was pregnant after her boyfriend left town. It is a necessary part of the story, as there was some adoption/lost family involved. This specific information is told in just the manner I just did (matter-of-fact, and in one sentence).

The mature themes are mild and include overcoming grief, trying to fit in at a new school (bullying, being embarrassed of a parent or old classmates, lying or stealing in order to ‘fit in’, etc.), and communicating with family and friends. There is one character who is caught drunk.

Here Lies Linc is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 12+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Knopf for a review

To see more fantastic books reviewed with content in mind, visit us at Squeaky Clean Reads!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linc's mom is a professor who studies gravestones so Linc is always hanging out in graveyards. It is only when he goes to public school when things change. Can he hold on to his family, survive school and more? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good read about family, friends and more. Be sure to check this middle grade book out at your local library and wherever books are sold.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Lies Linc was such an engaging read it kept me hooked from the first page until the last. Linc is attending his first year at public school after being homeschooled for the majority of his life. Junior High is definitely tough especially when you’ve previously gone to a small school with a close knit group of friends you’ve known for years. Linc makes a number of missteps but shows growth and strength of character by the end of the book. I enjoyed the details about cemetery customs and history that were woven in to the book. This book is targeted towards middle schoolers but is an enjoyable read for adults as well.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book overall but I wish that they should've told you that the gravestones at the start of each chapter were real ones. Also I think that the spirits that Linc heard were just there for comedic effect and they weren't even that funny. It just slowed down the pace of the story.

[Lisa Nocita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln "Linc" Raintree Crenshaw is twelve and feeling all of the angst that comes with the territory. Add to it that his father passed away suddenly a few years ago, his mother studies graves and burial rites for a living, and he is beginning his first year of public school with all of its possibilities for missteps and mistakes and you have the basic premise of the book. He just wants to fit in and feel "normal," not easy when you don't have a TV, a working vacuum, nice shoes or clothes, and live next door to a cemetery. When he is assigned a local history project to investigate the life of one of the cemetery's residents, he is sure that further humiliation awaits as his mom is the guide for the field trip. However, the project serves as the catalyst in the story for growth and understanding for Linc and his mother, who hasn't been able to get past the death of her husband. Along the way, Linc unravels a few mysteries and learns about integrity.

The book is well written. The characters are fully realized and add a quirkiness of their own to the novel. Each chapter begins with a real inscription from a tombstone which were both entertaining and thought provoking. It's about not only fitting in but standing out and doing the right thing. Might make a good read aloud.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
Honestly, having to read this for a school assignment, it was ok. It wasn't a really big page-turner, and I got bored easily, even learning about the story behind the book. I feel like it could've been faster paced; it wasn't really exciting. Half the time it was Linc and the other characters going around the library, etc., doing research to solve the mystery of the Black Angel. The plot twists also didn't really catch me off guard either, and I feel it was expected that the Raintree guy from the tombstone Delaney picked was related to Linc. What I did like is seeing character flaws, like seeing Lottie handling the loss. When she was getting upset how Linc was enjoying the memories of his father and how she claimed how they "had to move on," you could see how she herself hasn't moved on, and seeing her development at the end of the book makes me appreciate her character more.
remember I'm not trying to be professional and this is all my opinion lmao

[Shaunna Roszell]

I thought it was realy good. The reason was because it was a mystery and I like mystery books.

[Charity Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Macie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln Crenshaw can't ever seem to catch a break as he goes from his less than normal homeschool crowd to public school where, to many, he couldn't be any weirder. His mother doesn't seem the motherly type, his father long passed and set in a grave Linc can't bear to imagine much less visit, he feels lost and lonely running through the motions of everyday life. Yet, in the light of a new school project on a subject he actually knows something about, Lincoln finds the spotlight, and maybe a little more than that too.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Lincoln has a character that can be relatable to anyone struggling with the loss of a parent or the miscommunication that often can take place in the parent-child relationship. It covers the journey many children go through of earning their reputation at school and becoming who they want to be rather than just how everyone sees them. Linc is a character with courage and daring that takes all the risks he needs to, but backs down when he needs to, forgiving and making amends where both are due.

Content Warning- none

[Leann S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy is living with his professor mom, his dad had died when he was 7. He is going into public school for first time, and for history class they get an assignment that takes them to the cemetery. His mom happens to be a cemetery and gravestone expert! Yet he never knew much about his father's family. Until now. A friend chooses a grave that shares his uncommon middle name. He chooses the mysterious black angel who is supposedly cursed, to learn the truth about it! A realistic book for kids, one that history or geneaology buffs may especially enjoy.

[Sharon Falduto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A YA book about a young man whose mother is a cemetery researcher, and who is transitioning to a regular school from a home schooling situation. He's just trying to fit in, but what do you know, a field trip to the cemetery. Especially enjoyable for me because it was Oakdale Cemetery in Iowa City,and the story prominently features the Black Angel, which is a legendary tombstone/monument in the cemetery in my town.

2/3 of my kids said this book was scary. I didn't think it was scary.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Lies Linc is an amazing story told by a junior high student who just wants to be normal. His life turns out to be the opposite of normal, and he ends up finding a family secret. The story is presented wonderfully and it was difficult to put down! 100% recommend!

[Emilie LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very amazing. Not only was it well written, with me not correcting any of her sentence forms, it was also a very good plot. It is exciting, and I would recommend it to anyone that asks. I really don't understand why she is not just as famous as J.K Rowling.

[Christinalovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished reading this to my son... great book, great plot, heartwarming and mysterious. Loved it!

[Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book very quickly because I wasn't very interested in it. I didn't really care too much for the characters and the story wasn't very fun either.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Ray uses the basis of true facts and places these wonderful characters in an amazing story! Its exciting, scary, funny and sweet all at the same time! Well done!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool

[Mary Diebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was an easy and interesting read. My interesting genealogy made the searching for background of people in a cemetery very enjoyable. I want to read more of her books now.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my 4th graders and loved it. It’s by a local author which made it even more interesting with Iowa City connections

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was just ok. A little slow and too long and not very exciting. Never grabbed my interest and never wanted to pick it up and read it.

On a side note, and this is a bugaboo of mine, the cover art scene never happens in the book. I hate when publishers do that--put an interesting/ exciting/ gripping cover on a book (that certainly seems to be taken from the story) to entice you but then that scene never takes place. The cover of the two main characters & a dog staring down into a grave never happened. In fact, nothing near that exciting happens in the book. If it had, it would have been a better read.

[Stan Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the end of one life and the start of a new one for Lincoln Raintree Crenshaw. The old life had two parents, each with a passion to share and teach; a small basement homeschool where lots of the other professors’ children went; and a friend, Jeeter, who maintained the cemetery next door. It might have been a bit different, but it was happy, interesting and safe. The new life had one parent now that Linc’s dad had passed away; a public middle school full of ordinary classes and ordinary kids; and no friends – yet, or maybe never. Linc wasn’t sure.

Day one of the new life was going okay. In his old school one of his friends there had described middle school as like living in ancient Egypt. There was the pharaoh, next the high priests and nobles and after that the peasants and slaves and Linc could see that was true. He thought he was peasant and he could love with that until American Studies class when Mr. Oliver announced a project. They were going on a field trip to the Oakland Cemetery and while there they were going to meet with “one of the nation’s premier cemetery experts…to lead our tour. Charlotte Landers.”

First of all the cemetery was next door to Linc’s house. Second of all the “expert” was his mom. Third of all Linc knew his mom was rather unconventional, but he didn’t need his entire class to know that. And after that day, Linc was certain they would and now he wondered why he had ever thought his life could change…

One thing leads to another and by the end of the book Linc’s life has changed – some good and some not so good; some predictable and some totally unforeseeable. Here Lies Linc can help you think about appreciating what you have and also help you realize there is probably more to a person or a situation than you think…even those things you thought you’ve known your whole life. It is an interesting look at families, friends, people and history. How would you like your epitaph to read?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln Raintree Crenshaw is having a tough start to seventh grade. He has transferred from his small private home school to a regular public middle school. He's becoming increasingly aware that his off-beat mom, a professor who studies gravestone and burial rituals, is having her own problems. And his father's sudden death several years ago continues to color his life.

Linc's teacher assigns the students to choose a gravestone and to complete research to learn more about the person. Linc chooses the infamous Black Angel [Note: this is a real monument in the Iowa City Cemetery!] while his new friend Delaney chooses Robert Raintree.

And here begins the mystery -- Linc learns about his family connection to Iowa City and helps his mother find a way to move through her continuing grief. He also enlists his Czech neighbor to learn more about the legend behind the Black Angel and finally uncovers the truth behind a woman's tragedy-filled life. Linc also learns a lot about himself, finds a way to develop friendships, and proves that a nice kid can grow up to be a normal teen.

Each chapter begins with a gravestone epitaph, which provides some amusement and interest. Delia Ray describe the actual Iowa City cemetery and provides information about gravestones in a fairly extensive author note.

This might be a bit of a tough Black-Eyed Susan sell. The book is long and while the reading level is certainly accessible for 5th graders it needs a bit of a commitment to read the whole book. I also found some of Linc's problems overly described or rehashed. I initially considered this book realistic fiction but many of the reviews, especially written by middle grade readers, noted a positive response to the mystery element.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Here Lies Linc” by Delia Ray is a really cute and funny juvenile book. Lincoln Raintree Crenshaw is a twelve-year-old boy who makes the decision, after being homeschooled with a very smart group of kids, to go to public school for junior high. His mother, who he calls, Lottie, is a bit of an eccentric history professor. Lottie has always been fascinated by the historical value behind cemeteries, and tombstones in particular, so it was nothing for Linc to wake up on a blanket on top of someone’s grave when he was young. Now that Linc is older, he is determined to “fit in” with his new peers so when he discovers that his American Studies class was going on a field trip to the cemetery and that local cemetery expert, Professor Charlotte Landers would be giving a tour, Linc begged his mother to not let anyone know she was his mother during the cemetery tour. Her feelings are hurt somewhat but she agrees to Linc’s plan. During the cemetery tour, the students are assigned to a project called, “Adopt-A-Grave” to which each student is to pick an old grave to research. Most of the boys pick old war veteran’s graves while Linc decides to pick the Black Angel grave that is surrounded by tales of evil and curses. Interestingly, one of the girls picks a grave with the name of Robert Raintree. Linc’s dad, who had died when Linc was just seven, shared Linc’s unusual name and had once believed their middle name, Raintree, had ties to this Midwestern town in Iowa where they had moved to when Linc was only six years old. This author does a great job of weaving this tale to which she incorporated parts of actual grave stories. It would be a great read-aloud for a class of upper elementary and middle school students.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another title written for the middle grades, so it's a little out of my normal reading zone, but it was another that I read quickly and enjoyed and will gladly recommend to students when school resumes. I always have kids asking me for more mysteries, so I was excited to find this one, and it has a boy protagonist too which is a little unusual. The MC here is Lincoln, a socially awkward 12-year old who, as part of a school project, has been assigned to research a grave in the local cemetery. Now it just so happens that Lincoln's mother is a college professor who specializes in burial customs, so Linc knows his way around a cemetery. However, there is a creepy story surrounding the grave Lincoln chooses, that of a black angel, and because of the many tales, Linc is on his own to find some answers as to why this grave is so disturbing. Then there is a second mystery involving Linc's father, who died previously and has some connection to the town where Linc and his mom are now living. There's also a new friend who helps Lincoln with his various investigations, as well as the requisite bad guy who tries to kick Lincoln out of the cemetery for good.

This is quick, interesting, and actually solves two mysteries, so I think it will be one many young readers will be happy to find.

[Jan Blazanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graveyards don't bother twelve-year-old Lincoln Crenshaw. He's spent most of his life tagging after his mother, Lottie, as she studies the history of burial customs. This year Linc leaves his tiny private school and begins sixth grade at Plainview Junior High. It's not easy to fit in, especially when their first American Studies outing is exactly what Linc doesn't want--a field trip to Oakland Cemetery with his mom as a tour guide. Things only get worse when the class project is to "adopt" a grave and learn everything possible about the person buried there. Linc chooses the infamous Black Angel headstone to prove the curse is nothing but a rumor. But the more information he uncovers, the more it appears the curse may be the real deal.

This is a fun, not-too-spooky book for kids 8-12. Readers will enjoy following Linc as he adjusts to his new school and makes both friends and enemies. His new friend Delaney is a brave female character, cemetery worker Jeeter provides comic relief, and Kilgore, the new cemetery superintendent, is suitably obnoxious and foils Linc at every turn. This novel has depth, too, as Linc comes to terms with his dad's death, his mom's unusual parenting style, and an out-of-the-blue discovery about his family history.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln Raintree Crenshaw is all too familiar with death. He lives right next door to the town cemetery, his mother is an anthropologist who has taken Linc visiting cemeteries and graves all over the US, and his father died suddenly when Linc was only seven. Now, as Linc begins his first year in a “real” middle school, what is one of his first assignments? To choose a tombstone in the cemetery and find out the history of the person buried there. Linc has a lot to prove. He has finally convinced his mom to let him go to public school after years in a homeschool setting, he has no friends at his new school, and he really needs to fit in. So, which tombstone does he choose? The Black Angel, a giant statute of a scary looking angel that hovers over the whole cemetery. The Black Angel has a bad reputation, with lots of frightening things happening to people who touch it. As Linc unravels the mystery of the Black Angel, he also unravels some painful things about his own family and the town he lives in. Will the hurt be worth it in the end? Read Here Lies Linc to find out for yourself! A great read for grades 5 and up.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I've been spending a lot of time in graveyards lately. At least in books. Twelve-year-old Linc is making changes in his life. He has decided to attend public school for the first time. His mom is not especially happy with this decision. She's a somewhat eccentric professor--an expert on death customs, who is still struggling to deal with the death of Linc's dad five years earlier. Linc and his mother live right on the edge of the Oakland Cemetery, and his campaign to fit in at school gets a major set back when he learns that his class will be starting an Adopt-a-Grave project. So they'll be taking a field trip to the Oakland Cemetery that will be guided by his own mother. There was a lot to like about this book. The idea that the cemetery is filled with stories is a wonderful one. And the true story that we learn in this book is fascinating. Linc's struggles to find his way were believable, if somewhat predictable. A nice read with a lot of boy appeal.

[Tracie D'angelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being home-away-from-home (Ho-Hos) schooled, Linc decides to try out public school. His first major project is to "adopt" a grave in the local cemetery and learn about whoever was laid to rest there. Linc is no stranger to cemeteries. He's travelled to many all over the place with his mom, Lottie, who is a history professor with a specialty in burial customs. In hopes of impressing the "cool" group, Linc chooses the most ominous tomb in the graveyard, The Black Angel. Through researching and teaming up with a new friend, Delaney, Linc uncovers much more than local history.

I thought Here Lies Linc was rather slow. I kept expecting something exciting to happen and it just never did. It was a very hear-warming story though and the end was very good. I love books that leave the reader with just a happy, good feeling.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Here Lies Linc; I read it in a day. Three adventures were going on at once, and I thought they'd all end up as part of the same adventure, but they didn't. Something unexpected happened, instead. Hurray!

I really liked Linc because he seemed understandable and could make friends with people who are hard to understand at times. He's a nice boy. Another character I liked was Delaney, who was pretty brave. The mystery of the Black Angel was cool. Oxidation happened, and it turned black!

I liked the end. It was satisfying. I liked all the chapter headers, what it said on the gravestones. My favorite one was "I've made a lot of deals in life, but I really went into the hole on this one." If I had a gravestone, it would say, "I'd rather be at the library."