Doll Bones

Each time I went to my Great Grandma Lucy’s house, I never dared go into the guest room. That’s where her collection of dolls stared at you so intently it looked like they could climb right into your soul. After reading Holly Black’s marvelously creepy “Doll Bones,” I think it was best I stayed out of that room.

“Doll Bones” follows Zach, Alice, and Poppy, three BFFs who’ve bonded over their very imaginative afterschool games. The story begins with Zach’s dad telling the boy it’s time to grow up and hang around with guys his own age. Some spooky powers-that-be have different ideas, however. Poppy is visited by a ghost inhabiting one of her mother’s dolls, and this supernatural visitor puts the three kids together on a spectral road trip that will have to delay the cease-and-desist date for the children’s adventures.

I was really impressed by Black’s ability to make this book feel so realistic and contemporary while simultaneously maintaining an otherworldly tone. Zach, Poppy, and Alice are so relatable in their move from tweendom to their teen years, as they worry about popularity, the opposite sex, and the stresses of growing up. Imagine dealing with all of that while having a ghost demand you do her a favor! Despite having no supernatural experience of my own to back this up, it felt like Black accurately captures how this paranormal problem would affect those coming-of-age struggles.

What I loved most about “Doll Bones” is that this story is so much more than what it appears. On the surface, this is a story about a group of kids who are being haunted by a ghost. As the story unfolds, you see it’s really about the hardships haunting these children’s lives. While Zach, Poppy, and Alice confront the challenge this ghost has presented, they also confront the ghosts in their own lives, giving this book the best mix of undeniably creepy and tear-jerkingly heartwarming moments. The sudden shift between these conflicting emotions keeps you on your toes and turning the pages. Once you turn that last page, “Doll Bones” will haunt you in the best way!

Doll Bones by Holly Black is a delightful story about the wonders of growing up. With a fabulous trio of protagonists, Doll Bones is an enticing adventure that was intriguing until the last page.

Dolls are so creepy to begin with in my opinion, and paired with the history Holly Black has given them? Even creepier. The dreams that the characters have and the pieces of history behind the doll were the creepiest part of the story, but I was hoping for a little more creep throughout the rest of the book. Doll Bones approached the line I was hoping for, but never quite crossed it.

Zach, Poppy, and Alice all bring something different to the table - I loved the contrast between their personalities. The trio is at an age that is so crucial, so seeing the bonds of their friendship tested makes such a great story. As they go through their quest, their friendship has its trials, but really it comes out strengthened in the end.

There are a handful of illustrations throughout the book and I loved them. The ones featuring the doll were particularly well done, as I think they really added to the creep factor of the book.

I also must add that the fact that Zach's cat is named The Party was one of the best things ever.

Anyone looking for a good quest story that puts friendship at the forefront should pick up Doll Bones. It was unique and very good. It's a fast paced read that I read in about an hour and a half.