The Kneebone Boy

The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Kneebone Boy is the story of the Hardscrabble children: Otto, Max and Lucia (pronounced Lu-CHEE-a according to the never revealed but easily guessed narrator. The Hardscrabble children are living with their father, Casper, in a town called Little Tunks, near London. Their Mum disappeared five years ago, and their dad goes away on trips to paint famous royalty. Their father is usually quite careful about having them stay with Mrs. Carnival while he is away, but when he has to leave in quite a hurry, he decides to have them stay with his cousin Angela in London. It turns out cousin Angela is away on a holiday when they arrive. Apparently, there was a miscommunication with the girl asked to walk Angela's dog. The resourceful Hardscrabble children, alone in London, find their way to their Great-aunt Haddie's castle folly in Snoring-By-the-Sea. Here they have an adventure trying to find the mysterious kneebone boy, who supposedly is captive in the real castle behind where Great-aunt Haddie is staying. Their stay not only involves adventure, but uncovers other mysteries in their lives. Reminiscent of The Series of Unfortunate Events, the story thoroughly charmed me. Definitely a must read for the middle school crowd.



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The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The big question to be solved in this novel is whether or not the finger puppet created by "weird Dwight" really has the ability to give advice that can be trusted. Tommy documents several different first-hand accounts of experiences of fellow students and their encounters with Origami Yoda, Dwight's finger puppet. It seems that in most of the stories, Origami Yoda, really does have some amazing power, unlike his operator, Dwight. Since, no one believes Dwight could think of the answers that Origami Yoda gives, the Yoda must indeed be magical. Tommy's big question for Yoda is whether or not Sara likes him. Middle schoolers will have to decide for themselves whether or not Origami Yoda has magical powers. I think they will enjoy weighing the evidence. Fun story.



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