Written by Sandy Bigna
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026. Fiction. 239 pages.Anyone who has lost a family member knows what a difficult time it can be, especially for young children. I really appreciated this compassionate book for its acknowledgment that family loss, and the grief that follows, affects people in a variety of ways. This book also does a great job recognizing that sometimes friends step in to offer comfort and a solid support system when it is too hard for the family. I think the book also addresses the fact that losses don't happen in a vacuum: people still have to work and provide for their families, children are dealing with friendships and school, and the world doesn't pause while the healing happens.
Bones, trying to process the loss of a younger brother, finds some solace in her atypical hobby of collecting animal skulls, bones, and dried leaves. Disgusted by her hobbies, Edie, an unkind girl at school, gives her the nickname of Bones. Rather than being upset by this nickname, she embraces it. What does hurt her, is her friend Aiko abandoning their friendship, and spending more time with Edie.
Bones' mother, in her own stage of grieving, has to move away to follow a job that will better support her family. Luckily, Bones has a grandmother who steps up to provide necessary support. And early on in the book, we are introduced to Tenny, a new kid who moves to town and bravely takes on the challenge of befriending Bones.
I truly enjoyed Bones' journey of trying to find peace and comfort amid her tragic loss. I felt the joy and pain she encountered while trying to heal. I appreciated the friendships formed, and a grandmother providing a soft landing place. The author's decision to incorporate elements of magic, make a difficult topic more approachable for many people. If you are a person seeking out books as a resource for dealing with loss, this book will be one you are glad you chose.
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