Bone's Gift (Ghosts of Ordinary Objects) - Hardcover

Smibert, Angie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1629798509 ISBN 13: 9781629798509

Publisher: Astra Young Readers, 2018

Synopsis

In this supernatural historical mystery, twelve-year-old Bone possesses a Gift that allows her to see the stories in everyday objects. When she receives a note that says her mother's Gift killed her, Bone seeks to unravel the mysteries of her mother's death, the schisms in her family, and the Gifts themselves.

In a southern Virginia coal-mining town in 1942, Bone Phillips has just reached the age when most members of her family discover their Gift. Bone has a Gift that disturbs her; she can sense stories when she touches an object that was important to someone. She sees both sad and happy--the death of a deer in an arrowhead, the pain of a beating in a baseball cap, and the sense of joy in a fiddle. There are also stories woven into her dead mama's butter-yellow sweater--stories Bone yearns for and fears. When Bone receives a note that says her mama's Gift is what killed her, Bone tries to uncover the truth. Could Bone's Gift do the same? Here is a beautifully resonant coming-of-age tale about learning to trust the power of your own story.

About this title

About the Author

Angie Smibert is the author of several young adult books, including Memento Nora, The Forgetting Curve, and The Meme Plague, numerous nonfiction books for children, as well as many short stories for both adults and teens. She also worked for 10 years at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. She lives in Roanoke, Virginia. Visit angiesmibert.com.

Review

“This mystical mystery...effectively evokes the Appalachian culture with written dialect and a cultural emphasis on storytelling that’ll snag even history-resistant readers. Readers will definitely invest in Bone’s journey. Bone’s Gift is just the opening installment of the Ghosts of Ordinary Objects trilogy.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

“In a genuine voice that sucks readers into Appalachia during World War II, Smibert tells an absorbing coming-of-age story. The narrative has the feel of the Appalachian folktales that the protagonist loves so much, with a mix of realism and magic. Smibert weaves the folktales intricately into the story. Middle graders won’t want Bone’s story to end.” – School Library Journal

“Part fantasy, part mystery, and part history, Smibert’s Bone’s Gift will have broad appeal. The descriptive writing makes it easy to imagine living in a coal-mining town in WWII-era Virginia. It is clear that Smibert conducted thorough research to create a realistic setting. Fans of cozy mysteries and time travel will enjoy this book.”-VOYA

“This historical fiction story with supernatural elements is the first book in the Ghosts of Ordinary Objects trilogy. The accurate use of Southern Appalachian dialect...gives the book a charming authenticity. The author’s note at the end provides sources regarding the historical accuracy of the novel and the Appalachian folklore.” - School Library Connection

“Smibert surrounds Bone with a loving, complicated extended family....(with) language, which feels real and down-to-earth, like her characters. An intriguing blend of history and magic.” – Kirkus Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1629798509
• ISBN 13: 9781629798509
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256