Dead Boy

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

What do you do when you are dead, but your mother still wants you to do your homework and you definitely can't go outside because well there are maggots coming out of your skin and you kind-of have this distinct odor about you of decay? Crow Darlingson died when he was in the fourth grade, but his parents made a deal with a mythical creature with a very warped sense of humor. Crow was brought back to life, but as the living dead!

Laurel Gale has written a lovely dark humorous story about a young boy, through no fault of his own, has become a recluse who only wants to have a friend. This story takes places during the Halloween season, which by the way is the only time that his mother will let him out of the house is to go trick-or-treating. Crow this time has made a friend with the new girl next door, Melody, who doesn't seem to mind the smell or the maggots and is really curious to how he died and came back to being. But there is a mystery that is afoot, that might change Crow's life entirely if he dares!

Original story line that deals with friendship and the be careful of what you wish for theory. Great book for readers who appreciate maggots, body parts falling off and being sewed back on by Mom, mythical creatures who trick you into things and the meaning of true friendship -- oh yeah and it is really funny, too!

Overall Book Score: excellent