From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-While trying to save a chicken on the roof, orphan Gabe falls, is impaled on a weather vane, and dies. However, he's not entirely dead, and finds himself still wandering around town, joined by his loyal dog Ollie, until he is ostracized by his neighbors and forced to flee. While on the run, Gabe and Ollie meet a mysterious girl named Wynne who invites them into her home, only for Gabe to discover that she is a grim reaper of sorts, helping the dead pass on from the living world into the afterlife. She hopes to train Gabe to follow in her footsteps. Although not a direct sequel to Ventrella's debut middle grade novel Skeleton Tree, many of the same themes, particularly those revolving around death and grief, are reprised in her sophomore effort. Gabe, although a little bland, is likable, and his attitude regarding death evolves over the course of the story from bitterness about the death of his parents and, even more so, the death of his grandfather, to an acceptance that death is a natural part of life. While the pace is a little sluggish and the topic will likely not appeal to every child, this offbeat novel may bring comfort to young readers trying to better understand death and loss. VERDICT Purchase where Ventrella's Skeleton Tree is popular.-Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2019
"Set in the rural South, the syrup-soaked, rich imagery is a sensory delight. Gabe's voice is distinct, and the evolution of his conflict reinforces the humanity amid the magic. A heck of a good read about the bright side of some durn bad luck." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Ventrella fearlessly tackles the sensitive subject of death for a middle grade audience." -Booklist
"The magic is rooted in evocative descriptions and strong emotions. Magically mesmerizing and moving." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review of The Secret Life of Sam
"[An] emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic and a resilient, likable protagonist." --Kirkus Reviews on Skeleton Tree
About the Author
Kim Ventrella spends her days searching for whimsy and wonder, even in the darkest of times. She is the author of Bone Hollow and Skeleton Tree, which Kirkus Reviews called an "emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic." She lives in Oklahoma City, where her favorite activities include writing stories, working at a haunted house, and racing her dog in the rain.
