The Truce

Gr 5-7–The year is 1942, it’s almost Christmas, and things are unsettled in Bone’s world. Although she promised her Uncle Ash she would call a truce with her aunt, the dead body that turned up in the local coal mine wearing her uncle’s dog tags created tensions beyond what Bone can bear. When Uncle Ash turns up at his own funeral, Bone uses her “gift” to read the lives of people who have touched the object to figure out the identity of the dead man. Now, the community has a choice to come together or be pulled apart as World War II comes closer to home than they imagined. Filled with believable characters from a Virginian coal town, this third book in the “Ghosts of Ordinary Objects” series takes readers back in time and weaves this historical world into the magical realism of ghost dogs and magical powers. While a background knowledge of the wars, particularly World War I, would be useful, the author notes explaining the historical places and events mentioned is helpful for readers and provides context. Though this installment can stand on its own, having the introduction and context of some of the characters would enhance reader experience, so purchase of the entire series is recommended.