Title: The Kneebone Boy
Author: Ellen Potter
First published September 14, 2010
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312377724 (ISBN10: 031237772X)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Living in a secluded town can be quite mundane when nobody wants to be around you. However, when the Hardscrabble children are sent to their aunt’s house, who is on vacation, they embark on a journey that starts in the grimy alleys of London and concludes in a peculiar seaside village.
This village is home to a monstrous creature who is said to be half animal and half boy. Ellen Potter has crafted a hauntingly captivating story about a family that is anything but ordinary and a secret that will alter their lives forever.
Get ready for a thrilling adventure in this dark and unusual novel.
About the Author
Meet Ellen Potter, a talented author of children’s books. She has written many captivating stories that kids love, such as the Olivia Kidney series, Pish Posh, SLOB, and The Kneebone Boy.
In addition, she co-authored a non-fiction book called Spilling Ink; a Young Writer’s Handbook with Anne Mazer.
Ellen’s books have received numerous accolades. Olivia Kidney won Child magazine’s “Best Children’s Book Award” and was recognized as one of Parenting magazine’s “Books of the Year.” SLOB has been included on over 10 state book award lists and was even chosen for the Junior Library Guild.
Notably, Spilling Ink; A Young Writer’s Handbook was named a New York Public Library Top 100 Children’s Book for 2010 and a Children’s Literature Assembly 2011 Notable Book.
Ellen’s latest series, Piper Green and the Fairy Tree, is sure to be another hit with young readers.
Editoral Review
In her 2010 novel The Kneebone Boy, Ellen Potter presents a whimsical and unsettling tale that will satisfy the curious minds of children and adults alike. Potter is an accomplished author of young adult fiction, having written series such as Olivia Kidney and Pish Posh, and her experience shines through in the pages of this novel.
The Kneebone Boy follows the story of three siblings, Otto, Lucia, and Max Hardscrabble, who reside in a foreboding mansion in London with their father, an eccentric and reclusive inventor. The three children are often overlooked by their peers due to their parents’ offbeat behavior and their own peculiar tendencies, but they find solace in exploring the hidden corners of their home and the world beyond.
When their father goes missing, the siblings embark on a journey to find him, encountering strange creatures, steep cliffs, and mysterious legends along the way. The novel blends elements of gothic horror, dark comedy, and adventure, creating a unique and engrossing world that mirrors the children’s sense of isolation and perception of the bizarre.
Potter’s prose is rich and evocative, capturing the essence of the various settings and characters with vivid descriptions and clever wordplay. The Hardscrabble siblings are well-drawn and endearing, each with their own quirks and motivations that allow them to stand out from typical children’s book protagonists.
One of the strengths of The Kneebone Boy is its ability to address mature themes and concepts without sacrificing its whimsical tone or accessibility. The novel touches upon topics such as mental illness, abandonment, and identity, but does so in a way that is relatable and thought-provoking for young readers.
Potter also weaves in references to classic literature, folklore, and pop culture, giving the narrative a sense of historical and cultural significance.
The only limitation of the novel is its pacing, which can feel uneven at times due to the frequent detours and tangents taken by the characters.
However, this can also be seen as a strength, as it adds to the sense of disorientation and unpredictability that permeates the story. Overall, The Kneebone Boy is a captivating and entertaining read that showcases Ellen Potter’s talent for crafting imaginative and resonant stories.
It would be a great choice for readers who enjoy books such as Neil Gaiman’s Coraline or Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a memorable and rewarding literary experience.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
