Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Quests are supposed to change us.”
Below is the book trailer
Doll Bones was a book I would have adored as a child. Mostly because I had/have an obsession with creepy things and also dolls. Yes, you heard me right. I like dolls, but my mother says I can’t buy any from the antique shop because they terrify her.
This story follows three middle schoolers Poppy, Alice, and Zach who love to play what they call the “the game.” Which is pretty much just playing pretend with barbies and action figures! Also, there is a china doll who is haunted by a young girl’s spirit. This spirit demands the children to bring her back to her grave site, and so the adventure begins! I thought this entire book was a really fun coming of age story that anyone who loves slightly creepy things will like. It was just the right mix of scary and fun but won’t terrify younger readers. The way Holly Black is able to show each unique character struggle with growing up was executed wonderfully, and I felt for these characters as the story started to go not according to plan. They are relatable even to older audiences who have gone through these awkward struggles in the past.
I would recommend this book to readers who want to dip their toes into creepier themes in books like ghosts and also more experienced readers who love coming of age stories with a dash of ghostly encounters.