Praise for Bone Hollow
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
Praise for Skeleton Tree
“[An] emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic and a resilient, likable protagonist.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Kim Ventrella knows when to be playful and when to break your heart.” —Cassie Beasley, NYT-bestselling author of Circus Mirandus
“Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Skeleton Tree upends the myth of the Grim Reaper. Scary, sad, funny and always so, so sweet, Skeleton Tree will haunt me and remind me that life is miraculous when it’s rooted in hope and empathy.” —Paul Griffin, author When Friendship Followed Me Home
“Ventrella’s comforting storytelling reveals a magical world where a skeleton can grow and where a family’s love for each other can provide healing.” —School Library Journal
"Quietly powerful; dark yet whimsical . . .” —Booklist
Praise for The Secret Life of Sam
"The magic is rooted in evocative descriptions and strong emotions. Magically mesmerizing and moving." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for Hello, Future Me
"This light fantasy eases the tension of a tough topic." —Kirkus Reviews
“A perfectly magical story packed with twists, energy and charm!” –Janet Fox, award-winning author of The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle
“A sensitive story filled with humor, adventure and characters you want to hug. A wonderful read for all.” —Samantha M. Clark, author of The Boy, The Boat and the Beast
“Hello, Future Me is quite simply one of the most charming, and heartwarming books that I’ve read in a while. June is a wonderful protagonist who really makes you pull for her, and Tanglewood is the kind of small town that you immediately picture when reading about it. Tackles some difficult themes in a relatable way, and has everything you can ask for in a book. Mystery, magic, laughs, tears, and oh, did I mention Big Foot? Get this book and start reading TODAY!” –Jonathan Rosen, author of Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies
Winter 2018
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, NY
★ 2018-10-28
An orphaned kid with a biography of misfortune must die to see that home and happiness live in the strangest places.
Gabe is no stranger to death. His parents are dead. His grandfather is dead. And after an unfortunate encounter with a weather vane, so is he. He thinks it's all a misunderstanding until his uncaring caretaker turns him—and the gaping hole in his abdomen—away. The town echoes her revulsion by revolting against walking-dead Gabe with rocks, fists, and angry cries. His solace in his new, mysterious existence is his unflappably loyal dog and a strange girl (initially resembling an old friend named Niko) who rescues him from the mob. Not-Niko eventually reveals herself as Wynne, a long-dead girl who inherited the role of Death and wants to hand Gabe the baton. It's a fate Gabe refuses—no matter how much he finds himself enjoying the company of Death. Set in the rural South, the novel has syrup-soaked, rich imagery that's a sensory delight. Gabe's voice is distinct, and his countrified vernacular layers heart and humor onto a sensitive premise. And the evolution of his conflict—embracing friendship with Wynne while avoiding the responsibility—reinforces the humanity amid the magic. Gabe is white, as is most of the community. Niko is Bangladeshi (represented only in memory), and Wynne is black; racism is not a driving plot point, but its mention underscores ever present small-minded reality.
A heck of a good read about the bright side of some durn bad luck. (Paranormal adventure. 10-12)
