A review by daisey
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

2.0

I have read some wonderful reviews of this book, but it just didn't create that same overwhelming emotion for me. It is a very poignant story about the horrors of being a refugee, and that aspect makes it an important read. However, I kept getting distracted and pulled out of the story by my own questions and doubts. The mystical elements kept me from truly staying with the realistic horror of the situation. I couldn't quite make these two components fit together in a way that worked for me, and I kept questioning the possibility of some things, specifically Jimmie's constant ability to sneak in and out. Then, although I appreciate that everything is not just neatly wrapped up in the ending, this one left too many unanswered questions for me to be satisfied.

Additionally, when I review a middle grade novel I think about who I would recommend it to, and I had a hard time coming up with the kind of student I would give it to and what I would say about it to encourage them to read it.

* I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.