49 pages • 1 hour read
The Skeleton Tree
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • Contemporary
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
Super Short Summary
The Skeleton Tree follows 12-year-old Chris as he fights to survive in the Alaskan wilderness with 15-year-old Frank, a stranger whose cruelty intensifies Chris’s struggle. They face hunger, harsh weather, and wildlife, uncovering connections to each other and encountering a raven named Thursday that plays a crucial role in their journey. Themes include survival, grief, and male identity. The book addresses vehicle deaths and animal cruelty.
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
1,999 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Skeleton Tree by Iain Lawrence receives mixed reviews, highlighting its compelling narrative about survival and brotherhood. Positively, readers praise the vivid Alaskan setting and emotional depth. Criticisms include a slow start and occasional predictability. While it captivates many, some feel it struggles to maintain consistent tension throughout. Lawrence, Iain. The Skeleton Tree. Yearling, 2018.
Who Should Read The Skeleton Tree?
A reader who enjoys survival adventures like Gary Paulsen's Hatchet will be captivated by Iain Lawrence's The Skeleton Tree. This book appeals to those fascinated by wilderness survival, sibling dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a thrilling read for middle-grade and young adult audiences.
1,999 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Alaska • Contemporary
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
670L
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