Bone Jack

Gr 4–6—Haunting, ominous, and mesmerizing, this is a fantasy that captivates. Set in the English countryside, the story weaves medieval myths into a contemporary tale about war and its effects. Fifteen-year-old Ash Tyler is preparing for the annual Stag Chase. As he trains, he remembers all the times he ran this land with his father, and he wonders when his father will come home from war. When Ash's father finally returns, Ash cannot believe his eyes. His father is so different—a mere shell of a man. More determined than ever, Ash vows to run and win the race for his father. Legend has it that when the land is sick, the old ways return. Ash witnesses eerie visions in the hills and encounters a mountain man named Bone Jack. Ash researches myths and finds that Bone Jack is believed to be a magical creature who can appear as a human or as birds. Ash becomes increasingly on edge as he is warned off the race by his ex—best friend Mark. Mark has taken to the forest, killing birds and repeating old stories of bone and blood. Mark believes the land is broken and Nature is ailing. Old magic is returning, and old ways require blood sacrifice and the killing of a youth, the stag. Crowe is a masterly storyteller whose lyrical prose will enthrall young readers.