39 pages • 1 hour read
Doll Bones
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Book Brief
244
Novel • Fiction
Small-town America • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Doll Bones by Holly Black follows three friends, Zach, Poppy, and Alice, whose imaginative games take a supernatural turn, sending them on a quest to return a haunted doll to its gravesite before it causes chaos in their lives. The story explores the complexities of growing up and the impact on their friendship. The novel includes sensitive language regarding mental health.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Fantastical
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
30,207 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Holly Black's Doll Bones is lauded for its rich, eerie atmosphere and well-developed characters that appeal largely to middle-grade readers. The narrative engagingly combines adventure and supernatural elements, although some find the plot occasionally slow-paced. Overall, it successfully addresses themes of friendship and growing up.
Who Should Read Doll Bones?
Readers who enjoy Doll Bones by Holly Black are typically fans of middle-grade fantasy with a dark, mysterious twist. Similar to Coraline by Neil Gaiman and The Graveyard Book, they appreciate spooky adventures, themes of friendship, and the blending of reality with the supernatural. This book suits readers aged 8-12 who relish eerie, engaging stories.
30,207 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Poppy Bell
Poppy Bell
Described as "tiny and fierce" with thick freckles and red hair, Poppy is Zach's close friend who often plays villains in their games. She struggles with issues of control and abandonment due to her family's neglectful environment.
Alice Magnaye
Alice Magnaye
A close friend of Zach and Poppy, characterized by her bronze skin and glossy box braids. Living under the strict rules of her grandmother, she finds escapism in her adventurous role-playing sessions with her friends.
The Great Queen
The Great Queen
An eerie bone china doll belonging to Poppy's mother, locked in a display cabinet. The doll, central to the children's games, emits an unsettling presence that influences their journey.
244
Novel • Fiction
Small-town America • Contemporary
2013
Middle grade
10-14 years
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