Author: Lisa Godfrees

Lisa Godfrees is fascinated with creatures that don't exist, especially jackalopes. Cactus cats are a close second. When not searching for elusive mythological beasts, she types middle-grade and YA fantasy. Read her short stories for free at www.LisaGodfrees.com.
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Doll Bones by Holly Black

Doll Bones by Holly Black is a dark Middle Grade mystery most suited to fifth grade and up.  While Doll Bones won a Newberry Honor Award, it is creepy, deals with the occult, and therefore may not be suitable for all children.

Synopsis

Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity . . .

Pros:

  • Ultimately, the story is about friendship and trying to do the right thing, despite the foolishness of adults.
  • The book is well-written and entertaining, and I like the cast of characters.

Cons:

  • The story is creepy. Ultimately it deals with a girl who was murdered and her bones were ground up to make a porcelain doll in her image. (See, creepy!)
  • In the story, Poppy manipulates her friends into going on an adventure to get the doll back to her grave. The doll speaks to Poppy and directs her actions, not always in a truthful or trustworthy way.

Final Word

Ultimately, my concern with the novel is its tendency to normalize and/or promote the occult. That doesn’t mean that kids shouldn’t read it, but if they DO read it, please discuss the dangers of dabbling in the occult with them. (See discussion questions).

Discussion Questions

  1. Zach enjoyed playing “dolls” with the girls, although it was really more like role playing. Have you ever enjoyed doing something that you’d be embarrassed for your friends to find out about?
  2. Was Zach’s father right to throw out his son’s action figure? Was he wrong to force him to play sports even though Zach wasn’t interested? Why?
  3. What was Poppy’s motivation for removing the Queen from her case? Was Poppy’s interest in the Queen healthy or unhealthy?
  4. What did you think of Poppy’s actions — the way she got her friends to do what she wanted them to do? Do you have any friends who act that way?
  5. Do you think ghosts exist? Do you think people from beyond the grave can communicate with the living? If so, should they?
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Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

 

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is a dark Middle Grade mystery most suited to fifth grade and up.  The setting is the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, 1899 where we are introduced to a very interesting girl named Serafina.

Synopsis

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate. There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity . . . before all of the children vanish one by one.

Serafina’s hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Pros:

  • This story holds the reader’s attention because there are so many things you want to know as you read: why does Serafina live the way she does? why doesn’t her pa want anyone to know about her? who is the man in the black cloak?
  • I enjoyed the friendship that grows between Serafina and Braeden. Serafina is a brave girl but she is lonely. Braeden is a kind, generous boy who needs a friend who doesn’t care about his money. In each other, they find true friendship.
  • [spoiler] As a Christian, I couldn’t help but notice that the Black Cloak tempted Serafina with “imagine understanding and controlling everything around you…” and “you will become all-knowing, all-powerful…” The Black Cloak was a walking metaphor for the sin, and not just any sin, but the temptation to be like God. It was a very Garden-of-Eden moment that Serafina must experience but ultimately overcome.

Cons:

  • The story is spooky. Middle-grade fiction seems to be going through a dark/spooky/horror phase. I picked this book up because it was nominated for a state award. If your child is sensitive or prone to nightmares, this might not be the book for them. Or at least, not right before bedtime.
  • Like many adventure stories, Serafina does things against her father’s wishes.

Final Word

I thought the redemptive ending made the book well worth reading. After we learned more about Serafina, who she was and where she came from, it made me interested to read more in the series.

Discussion Questions

  1. When did you first realize that Serafina was an unusual girl?
  2. After you found out about Serafina’s mother, were there clues in the book that gave you hints as to Serafina’s origin?
  3. Which character was your favorite in the book? Why?
  4. Did you find the book scary? If so, what parts?
  5. What did you think of the Man in the Black Cloak? What would you do if you met someone like him?
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We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen is a Young Adult book that targets grades 7 and up.  This contemporary story deals with significant social and family issues including grief, a gay parent, peer pressure, stepfamilies, moving, underage drinking, and (almost) date rape. 

Pros:

  • The writing is fresh and enjoyable. The story is told in alternating points of view by a 13-year-old boy prodigy and a 14-year-old spoiled fashionista. This is a book both male and female readers can enjoy.
  • The stepmother in the story is relatable, not evil. A departure from most blended family stories.
  • The author has a great sense of humor and she uses it effectively.
  • Many important issues, especially for girls, are developed in this book. While some of the subjects are mature (bigotry, hate crimes, date rape lite), they are introduced in an age-appropriate way.

Cons:

  • The only con is the subject matter. If you are a conservative parent/teacher you may want to reserve this book for older readers. Again, I think this is an important book for any girl to read before she starts dating.

Discussion Points

Take advantage of the topics this novel covers to discussion difficult subjects with your young reader in a safe matter. To help you, here are some questions to get you started:

  1.  Which character in the story did you relate to more: Ashley or Stewart? Why?
  2. Did you feel sorry for Ashley or Stewart? If so, why?
  3. How would you feel if your parents divorced and your dad lived in your backyard?
  4. How would you feel if one of your parents told you they were gay?
  5. How would your life change if one of your parents died?
  6. Do you know any kids at your school like Steward or Ashley? How do other students treat them? How do you treat them?
  7. Have you ever been in a situation at school where you’ve been afraid? What did you do?