I think this book should qualify as this generation's Bridge to Terabithia. It deals with a weighty subject in a light hearted way that keeps the reader engaged and turning pages til the end. As an adult reader the foreshadowing was slapping you in the face, but I think it’s subtle enough that it will be a surprise to many kids. This would fall in with books like I Kill Giants and A Monster Calls, except instead of a destructive kid, this has a kid who is all heart and just wants his sister to get well, his mom to be happy, and his dad to come back home.

A skeleton has started growing in Stanley’s backyard. His sister and all his friends can see it, but his caretaker Francine can see it. But no other adults can. Stanley really wants a way to make his father notice him and his sister after moving away, and he figures if he wins this big competition with pictures of the skeleton, then his dad would have to come home for sure.

I hate the dad. I hate the dad, who is never there for the entire book. But I love the rest of that cast. Mom tries her best and has such a burden. Sister Miren is so happy and carefree under dire circumstances. Then there is Francine who is like a grandmother indulging the kids, but making them use their heads and their hearts when they need to.

I am completely in love with this book and wish I had not held on to the galley for so long before reading it. I also love the original cover. I hate the new paperback cover.

This book is a big ol’ tear jerker, and worth every tear. Given enough time, and enough exposure I feel this book could become a classic akin to books previously mentioned. So give this book a chance. Why it may make the tears flow, it will leave the reader with a warm and happy feeling of love and friendship.
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