LITTLE BONES

Sometimes magic happens in the most unexpected ways.

The Italian Australian tween protagonist, nicknamed “Bones” by class mean girl Edie because of her collection of found skeletal remains, narrates her tale: It’s the end of term, and she and her classmates will be transitioning to middle school in the autumn. Bones will be going to the local middle school, but Edie, along with Bones’ former friend, Aiko, who’s fallen in with Edie, will be going to “the posh school for girls / on the other side of town.” Bones has lived in an apartment with Nonna Frankie since Mum went north to a mining town to find better employment. Her departure may also have been partially fueled by grief; Bones’ younger brother, Nico, died tragically less than a year ago, and each family member feels his loss keenly. While exploring one day, Bones comes across a bird skeleton, and her wish to bring it back to life has unexpected results. The skeleton reanimates—and can talk—and it’s up to Bones and new neighbor Tenny, who’s nonbinary, to discover how. This novel in verse explores themes of isolation, friendship, and grief. Striving and reluctant readers will find it particularly accessible; the economical poems written in conversational language offer an ideal introduction to deeper topics and ideas. Teow’s delicate spot art illustrations adorn the text, showcasing Bones’ collection of nature finds.

A poignant exploration of healing and growth.