The+Skeleton+Tree

The Skeleton Tree by Ian Lawrence 2016 SLJ grades 4-7 Survival

Nominated by Barrington Public Library

Comments: This book reminded me of an updated version of Hatchet. Two boys survive when a sailboat manned by an uncle sinks and the uncle does not survive. The boys reach land and try to find ways to survive. One of the boys is rather surly and so the two of them don't get along very well. There is blame on each side about the reasons for not being rescued. One boy befriends a raven who helps them with survival. The ending wraps things up, but leaves room for a sequel. I would recommend this book to students who enjoyed Hatchet, but they might find the style to be enjoyable for them. Janet Fitzpatrick Weare Middle School