39 pages 1 hour read

Holly Black

Doll Bones

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Family

Topics

Religion / Spirituality