Make sure to put “signed copy” in the Order Comments section. For signed copies, order from my local indie, Best of Books. When you order from, a portion of your money goes to support me and independent bookstores everywhere. I am the author of the middle grade novels The Secret Life of Sam, Hello Future Me, Skeleton Tree, and Bone Hollow. Order your copy today from the retailer of your choice. Welcome to my website, where I, Kim Ventrella, talk about stories, my dog, and other writerly stuff. 💀 Nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019 in the UK. 💀 “Quietly powerful dark yet whimsical .” -Booklist 💀 “ emotional roller coaster tempered by a touch of magic and a resilient, likable protagonist.” -Kirkus Reviews 💀 “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 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 of Burning Blue and When Friendship Followed Me Home 💀 “Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Skeleton Tree upends the myth of the Grim Reaper. Kim Ventrella knows when to be playful and when to break your heart.” -Cassie Beasley, NYT-bestselling author of Circus Mirandus 💀 “ Skeleton Tree is a powerful and tender story. However, Miren is desperate not to lose her friend, forcing Stanly to question everything he’s ever believed about life, love, and the mysterious forces that connect us.

When Miren starts to grow sick, Stanly suspects that the skeleton is responsible, and does everything in his power to drive the creature away. Mischievous Miren adopts the skeleton as a friend, and soon, the two become inseparable playmates. There’s just one person who doesn’t find any of this weird-Stanly’s little sister. Even stranger, it seems to be growing into a full skeleton. But, oddly, the bone doesn’t appear in any photos.

With such a unique find he’s sure to win the grand prize.

Twelve-year-old Stanly knows the bone is a little weird, but that’s okay, because now he’ll have the perfect photo to submit for the Young Discoverer’s Competition. There are lots of things that grow in backyards.

Skeleton tree kim ventrella