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The Skeleton Tree
Less than 48 hours after twelve-year-old Chris casts off on a trip to sail down the Alaskan coast with his uncle, their boat sinks. The only survivors are Chris and a boy named Frank, who hates Chris immediately. Chris and Frank have no radio, no flares, no food. Suddenly, they've got to find a way to forage, fish and scavenge supplies from the shore. Chris likes the company of a curious friendly raven more than he likes the prickly Frank. But the boys have to get along if they want to survive.
Because as the days get colder, and the salmon migration ends, survival will take more than sheer force of will. There in the wilderness of Kodiak, they discover a bond they didn't expect, and through it, the compassion and teamwork that might truly be the path to rescue.
Because as the days get colder, and the salmon migration ends, survival will take more than sheer force of will. There in the wilderness of Kodiak, they discover a bond they didn't expect, and through it, the compassion and teamwork that might truly be the path to rescue.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
October 14, 2016
Really fast paced and engrossing story of survival. I couldn't put it down!
December 4, 2015
"The Skeleton Tree" may yet be the contemporary version of "Hatchet' by Gary Paulson as it is a thrilling adventure survival story set in the Alaskan wilderness in very recent time. There is no doubt that parts of it are nail-biting exciting, but there are other aspects that are difficult to reconcile. Two boys (Chris, 12 yr. and Frank 16 yr.) are left stranded in the wilderness after a freak sailing accident. Both boys are personally suffering as Chris has just lost his father to an automobile accident and Frank has been pretty hurt by an absent father and an alcoholic mother. The boys are tethered together despite their mutual dislike of each other. This point is where the book goes somewhat awry. Lawrence has a number of themes that he wishes to pursue in the book including the story of the skeleton tree, the mysticism of the raven, and the nature of the dysfunctional family, and the detritus from the Japanese tsunami. In trying to weave all these singular narratives together, the survival issues of the novel lose some of their impact and urgency. However, Chris' encounter with a grizzly bear is particularly memorable, as well as the relationship that he develops with a lone raven, significantly called "Thursday". Four stars had the story been tighter - and the coincidences less obvious.
March 25, 2021
In der Mythologie des Pazifischen Nordwesten Kanadas wird der Rabe als Schöpfer der Welt verehrt oder als mächtige Figur, die Licht ins Dunkel gebracht hat. In Iain Lawrence’s Abenteuerroman muss der Rabe sogar so mächtig sein, dass die Natur ihm zu Ehren einen gewaltigen Felsen in Rabenkopfform entstehen ließ.
Der 12-jährige Christopher ist eingeladen worden, mit seinem Onkel Jack 4 Wochen lang dessen Segelboot von Anchorage in Alaska zurück nach Vancouver zu segeln. Für Christopher wäre der Törn eine Gelegenheit, nach dem Tod seines Vaters mit Jack ein Gespräch unter Männern zu führen. Er verachtet jedoch auch nicht die Chance, dafür 4 Wochen vom Schulunterricht befreit zu werden. Nicht glücklich über das Angebot ist allein Christophers Mutter; denn Jack, der legendäre Kämpfer gegen Waldbrände, kann zu ihrem Kummer ohne Gefahr nicht leben. Zu Christophers Verblüffung wird Jack und ihn der 3 Jahre ältere Frank begleiten, der den Jüngeren vom ersten Tag herablassend behandelt. Auf dieser Welt kann es nichts geben, von dem Christopher wissen könnte und Frank nicht, stellt er klar. Man könnte annehmen, dass Jack mit den Jungen ein Boot-Camp in der Wildnis plant; denn er kassiert ihre iPods und Uhren ein. Bei Jack gibt es keine technischen Spielereien an Bord, stellt er klar. Doch es kommt anders, Jacks Boot wird im Sturm beschädigt und sinkt, Jack selbst von den Fluten verschlungen.
Die Jungen erreichen mit den letzten Planken des Rettungsbootes einen steinigen Strand an der Küste Alaskas, den möglicherweise seit Jahren kein Mensch betreten hat. Sie finden Unterschlupf in einer einfachen Hütte, können jedoch kein Feuer entzünden und leben einige Wochen lang von ungekochten Muscheln und Seetang. Erst als sie als Strandgut eine Angel finden und Lachse aus dem nahen Flüsschen fischen können, bekommen sie wieder Fleisch auf die Rippen. Die Hütte scheint ein Rabe als Revier zu beanspruchen, den Christopher Thursday nennt (angelehnt an Robinsons Freitag) und der hier oben in der Wildnis beinahe eine Mentorenrolle für den Jungen übernimmt. Das klingt idyllischer als es ist; denn Frank kann Thursday – natürlich – nicht ausstehen, so dass es ständig Streit um das Rabenviech gibt.
Das Verhältnis zum allwissenden Frank, der keine Gelegenheit auslässt, seine Überlegenheit zu demonstrieren, ändert sich erst, als ein Grizzlybär auftaucht und als Christopher erkennt, dass nicht nur er Angst vor dem Wald, der Einsamkeit und den Tieren im Dunkel hat. Der Fluss ist nämlich das Revier der Grizzlys, die einen breiten Pfad bis zum Wasserfall getrampelt haben, auf dem ihre Prankenabdrücke deutlich zu sehen sind. Eines Nachts erscheint Christophers verstorbener Vater in seinem Traum und verkündet, dass die Jungen auf einen Mann achten sollen und dass sie 7 Tage nach der Begegnung gerettet werden. Im beginnenden Herbst an einer einsamen unwirtlichen Küste und ohne Feuerzeug oder Streichhölzer scheint das ein mehr als frommer Wunsch zu sein. Doch Christopher zählt die Tage ...
Iain Lawrence setzt in seinem Abenteuerbuch für Jugendliche zwei Jungen unvorbereitet in Alaska aus, die sich zunächst bekämpfen wie Hund und Katze. Dass 2 Jahre nach dem Tsunami in Japan allmählich Strandgut aus dem Besitz der Opfer an Alaskas Küste angespült wird, ist nicht die einzige unheimliche Ebene der insgesamt etwas zu märchenhaften Geschichte. Die Jungen müssen sich mit ihren Ängsten ebenso auseinandersetzen wie mit den Erwartungen, die ihre Väter einmal an sie hatten. Die Rolle des schlauen Thursday bietet Interessierten die Gelegenheit, in die Mythologie des pazifischen Nordwestens einzutauchen. Als Sahnehäubchen erzählt Lawrence im Nachwort von der Entstehung des Buchs. Er arbeitete jahrelang in Prince Rupert in der Funkstation und konnte von seinem Arbeitsplatz die Küste Alaskas sehen. Christophers und Franks Abenteuer hat er praktisch an seinem Sehnsuchtsort angesiedelt. Ein Abenteuer für Leser aller Altersgruppen mit Sehnsucht nach gemäßigten Regenwäldern, in denen jahrhundertealte Bäume wie Magiere aus dem Nebel ragen …
Der 12-jährige Christopher ist eingeladen worden, mit seinem Onkel Jack 4 Wochen lang dessen Segelboot von Anchorage in Alaska zurück nach Vancouver zu segeln. Für Christopher wäre der Törn eine Gelegenheit, nach dem Tod seines Vaters mit Jack ein Gespräch unter Männern zu führen. Er verachtet jedoch auch nicht die Chance, dafür 4 Wochen vom Schulunterricht befreit zu werden. Nicht glücklich über das Angebot ist allein Christophers Mutter; denn Jack, der legendäre Kämpfer gegen Waldbrände, kann zu ihrem Kummer ohne Gefahr nicht leben. Zu Christophers Verblüffung wird Jack und ihn der 3 Jahre ältere Frank begleiten, der den Jüngeren vom ersten Tag herablassend behandelt. Auf dieser Welt kann es nichts geben, von dem Christopher wissen könnte und Frank nicht, stellt er klar. Man könnte annehmen, dass Jack mit den Jungen ein Boot-Camp in der Wildnis plant; denn er kassiert ihre iPods und Uhren ein. Bei Jack gibt es keine technischen Spielereien an Bord, stellt er klar. Doch es kommt anders, Jacks Boot wird im Sturm beschädigt und sinkt, Jack selbst von den Fluten verschlungen.
Die Jungen erreichen mit den letzten Planken des Rettungsbootes einen steinigen Strand an der Küste Alaskas, den möglicherweise seit Jahren kein Mensch betreten hat. Sie finden Unterschlupf in einer einfachen Hütte, können jedoch kein Feuer entzünden und leben einige Wochen lang von ungekochten Muscheln und Seetang. Erst als sie als Strandgut eine Angel finden und Lachse aus dem nahen Flüsschen fischen können, bekommen sie wieder Fleisch auf die Rippen. Die Hütte scheint ein Rabe als Revier zu beanspruchen, den Christopher Thursday nennt (angelehnt an Robinsons Freitag) und der hier oben in der Wildnis beinahe eine Mentorenrolle für den Jungen übernimmt. Das klingt idyllischer als es ist; denn Frank kann Thursday – natürlich – nicht ausstehen, so dass es ständig Streit um das Rabenviech gibt.
Das Verhältnis zum allwissenden Frank, der keine Gelegenheit auslässt, seine Überlegenheit zu demonstrieren, ändert sich erst, als ein Grizzlybär auftaucht und als Christopher erkennt, dass nicht nur er Angst vor dem Wald, der Einsamkeit und den Tieren im Dunkel hat. Der Fluss ist nämlich das Revier der Grizzlys, die einen breiten Pfad bis zum Wasserfall getrampelt haben, auf dem ihre Prankenabdrücke deutlich zu sehen sind. Eines Nachts erscheint Christophers verstorbener Vater in seinem Traum und verkündet, dass die Jungen auf einen Mann achten sollen und dass sie 7 Tage nach der Begegnung gerettet werden. Im beginnenden Herbst an einer einsamen unwirtlichen Küste und ohne Feuerzeug oder Streichhölzer scheint das ein mehr als frommer Wunsch zu sein. Doch Christopher zählt die Tage ...
Iain Lawrence setzt in seinem Abenteuerbuch für Jugendliche zwei Jungen unvorbereitet in Alaska aus, die sich zunächst bekämpfen wie Hund und Katze. Dass 2 Jahre nach dem Tsunami in Japan allmählich Strandgut aus dem Besitz der Opfer an Alaskas Küste angespült wird, ist nicht die einzige unheimliche Ebene der insgesamt etwas zu märchenhaften Geschichte. Die Jungen müssen sich mit ihren Ängsten ebenso auseinandersetzen wie mit den Erwartungen, die ihre Väter einmal an sie hatten. Die Rolle des schlauen Thursday bietet Interessierten die Gelegenheit, in die Mythologie des pazifischen Nordwestens einzutauchen. Als Sahnehäubchen erzählt Lawrence im Nachwort von der Entstehung des Buchs. Er arbeitete jahrelang in Prince Rupert in der Funkstation und konnte von seinem Arbeitsplatz die Küste Alaskas sehen. Christophers und Franks Abenteuer hat er praktisch an seinem Sehnsuchtsort angesiedelt. Ein Abenteuer für Leser aller Altersgruppen mit Sehnsucht nach gemäßigten Regenwäldern, in denen jahrhundertealte Bäume wie Magiere aus dem Nebel ragen …
April 2, 2017
Many will shelve this under adventure/survival but there's a lot more going on here...not just surviving the Alaskan wilderness, but surviving the magnitude of kept secrets. Strong sense of setting and characters you both want to love and hate...including a raven, this will be a great addition to classroom libraries. Readers who like Hatchet will enjoy this one.
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March 13, 2019(Reviewed in April)
I liked the Skeleton Tree and it was an okay student book award book. I did like raven though.
I liked the Skeleton Tree and it was an okay student book award book. I did like raven though.
March 15, 2016
I read all of Iain Lawrence's books with interest. Though I'm not his target audience--a reader in late childhood or adolescence--I suspect I'm not the only adult admirer of his work. This time, he has taken on something quite atmospheric and challenging. He's given us a story of two boys who are to sail along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Vancouver with an uncle, but something goes very wrong very quickly. The sailboat capsizes in a storm and the boys are washed ashore in remote wilderness. They have no idea if they're on the mainland or an island. There are signs of aboriginal habitation and bone burial in a funeral tree, and there's a more recently built cabin, apparently cobbled together by another poor castaway tossed onto the beach in a storm. There are also bears, wolves, and ravens.
The relationship between the two boys is initially very hostile--in fact, it remains thorny (and interesting) throughout. The younger boy, Christopher, 13, develops an uncanny relationship with a raven, whom he names "Thursday" in a nod to Robinson Crusoe. The boys attempt to survive, devising plans to alert ships or planes to their presence in the wild, and spend each night reading Kaetil the Raven Hunter, a cheap paperback fantasy set in Viking days that tells the story of a child adopted by ravens.
Lawrence appears to be exploring multiple themes in his book: the inevitability and reality of death, human kinship with nature and other animals, and the bonds of family, among other things. Debris from the Japanese Tsunami has washed up on shore. Christopher spends some of his time performing burial for human artifacts: a toddler's shoe, a child's diary, among them. This, the author, seems to say, is what we all come to. "We are all castaways" and the things we value are little more than flotsam on a huge sea.
This is a mysterious book that Lawrence admits in an author's note he struggled with. It is not a perfect piece. For instance, the elder boy, Frank develops a gangrenous infection, which too readily resolves with the intervention of the raven. It isn't that I can't accept this surreal happening in the context of the book; it's that the author doesn't build up to it sufficiently.
An interesting, mysterious, and thought-provoking book. .
The relationship between the two boys is initially very hostile--in fact, it remains thorny (and interesting) throughout. The younger boy, Christopher, 13, develops an uncanny relationship with a raven, whom he names "Thursday" in a nod to Robinson Crusoe. The boys attempt to survive, devising plans to alert ships or planes to their presence in the wild, and spend each night reading Kaetil the Raven Hunter, a cheap paperback fantasy set in Viking days that tells the story of a child adopted by ravens.
Lawrence appears to be exploring multiple themes in his book: the inevitability and reality of death, human kinship with nature and other animals, and the bonds of family, among other things. Debris from the Japanese Tsunami has washed up on shore. Christopher spends some of his time performing burial for human artifacts: a toddler's shoe, a child's diary, among them. This, the author, seems to say, is what we all come to. "We are all castaways" and the things we value are little more than flotsam on a huge sea.
This is a mysterious book that Lawrence admits in an author's note he struggled with. It is not a perfect piece. For instance, the elder boy, Frank develops a gangrenous infection, which too readily resolves with the intervention of the raven. It isn't that I can't accept this surreal happening in the context of the book; it's that the author doesn't build up to it sufficiently.
An interesting, mysterious, and thought-provoking book. .
December 3, 2021
>>“Wir sind alle Schiffbrüchige“, hatte sie eines Tages zu mir gesagt. „Wir werden auf die Felsen des Lebens geworfen, aber irgendwie überleben wir doch.“<<
„Skeleton Tree : Nur die Wilden überleben“ von Iain Lawrence ist die Geschichte von Chris und Frank, die nach einem Schiffsunglück an der Küste Alaskas stranden und in der rauen Wildnis um ihr Überleben kämpfen müssen. Gleichzeitig tauchen wir aber auch tief in die Geschichte der beiden Jungs ein und erleben mit, wie sie sich eben nicht nur den Gefahren der Wildnis stellen, sondern auch das Leben, ihre Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft lernen zu begreifen.
Sowohl Chris als auch Frank haben ihre Päckchen zu tragen und so ist der Weg zum Miteinander, ohne das sie nicht überleben können um so schwerer...
Begleitet werden sie hier von dem immer wieder und wieder auftauchenden Raben Thursday, der innerhalb der Geschichte noch eine ganz besondere Rolle spielt und mit dem „Skeleton Tree“ in Verbindung steht.
Iain Lawrence hat für mich hier eine ganz wunderbare, manchmal schaurige, mit alten Sagen gefüllte Geschichte erschaffen, die ganz ganz viel miteinander vereint.
Freundschaft, Erwachsenwerden, Licht und Schatten des Lebens und das Ganze verbunden mit der rauen Natur Alaskas, wundervollen Naturbildern, die beim Lesen entstehen verbinden sich hier zu einem für mich persönlich ganz besonderen und facettenreichen Abenteuer!
>>Als ich mich umdrehte, um Frank zu folgen, fiel mir etwas Merkwürdiges auf. Im Schatten des offenen Sarges erkannte ich die klaffenden Augen des Skeletts. Es hatte den Kopf gedreht, um zu mir hinabzuschauen.<<
Fazit: Wer sich auf das Abenteuer Alaska und seiner rauen Wildnis einlassen möchte und schaurige Aspekte nicht scheut, dem kann ich die Geschichte rund um den „Skeleton Tree“ und den Jungs Chris & Frank sehr ans Herz legen!📖💖
„Skeleton Tree : Nur die Wilden überleben“ von Iain Lawrence ist die Geschichte von Chris und Frank, die nach einem Schiffsunglück an der Küste Alaskas stranden und in der rauen Wildnis um ihr Überleben kämpfen müssen. Gleichzeitig tauchen wir aber auch tief in die Geschichte der beiden Jungs ein und erleben mit, wie sie sich eben nicht nur den Gefahren der Wildnis stellen, sondern auch das Leben, ihre Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft lernen zu begreifen.
Sowohl Chris als auch Frank haben ihre Päckchen zu tragen und so ist der Weg zum Miteinander, ohne das sie nicht überleben können um so schwerer...
Begleitet werden sie hier von dem immer wieder und wieder auftauchenden Raben Thursday, der innerhalb der Geschichte noch eine ganz besondere Rolle spielt und mit dem „Skeleton Tree“ in Verbindung steht.
Iain Lawrence hat für mich hier eine ganz wunderbare, manchmal schaurige, mit alten Sagen gefüllte Geschichte erschaffen, die ganz ganz viel miteinander vereint.
Freundschaft, Erwachsenwerden, Licht und Schatten des Lebens und das Ganze verbunden mit der rauen Natur Alaskas, wundervollen Naturbildern, die beim Lesen entstehen verbinden sich hier zu einem für mich persönlich ganz besonderen und facettenreichen Abenteuer!
>>Als ich mich umdrehte, um Frank zu folgen, fiel mir etwas Merkwürdiges auf. Im Schatten des offenen Sarges erkannte ich die klaffenden Augen des Skeletts. Es hatte den Kopf gedreht, um zu mir hinabzuschauen.<<
Fazit: Wer sich auf das Abenteuer Alaska und seiner rauen Wildnis einlassen möchte und schaurige Aspekte nicht scheut, dem kann ich die Geschichte rund um den „Skeleton Tree“ und den Jungs Chris & Frank sehr ans Herz legen!📖💖
August 11, 2017
Thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! I was not expecting this book to be what it was.
I knew the basic premise, two kids, shipwrecked in Alaska. What I didn't know was how incredible this book would be.
This book is written so well that I felt like I was right alongside them. I was terrified, creeped out and hopeful all at the same time.
So much more than just a survival story, this book will make you look at life a little differently. Chris's father, who has just passed away was not the man Chris thought he was, and, as it turns out, neither is Frank, the other boy he is stranded with. This book makes you cherish what you have, because you could just as easily be thrown into the middle of nowhere with nothing.
This book was raw, gripping and terrifying. The whole concept of the skeleton tree freaked me out a little bit.
I felt every emotion throughout this book, fear, anxiety, but also hope that they would be rescued and happiness for the connection the boys forged.
Overall, a terrific story for anyone looking for a story about being stuck in the middle of nowhere or just a unique, moving read.
Wow! I was not expecting this book to be what it was.
I knew the basic premise, two kids, shipwrecked in Alaska. What I didn't know was how incredible this book would be.
This book is written so well that I felt like I was right alongside them. I was terrified, creeped out and hopeful all at the same time.
So much more than just a survival story, this book will make you look at life a little differently. Chris's father, who has just passed away was not the man Chris thought he was, and, as it turns out, neither is Frank, the other boy he is stranded with. This book makes you cherish what you have, because you could just as easily be thrown into the middle of nowhere with nothing.
This book was raw, gripping and terrifying. The whole concept of the skeleton tree freaked me out a little bit.
I felt every emotion throughout this book, fear, anxiety, but also hope that they would be rescued and happiness for the connection the boys forged.
Overall, a terrific story for anyone looking for a story about being stuck in the middle of nowhere or just a unique, moving read.
January 30, 2018
This was A very good book enjoyed it a lot. If u are interested in survival and wilderness this is the book for you hope you enjoy it and learn to love the book like I did.
January 8, 2016
This book doesn't know what it wants to be.
Let's start from the beginning: I am a great fan of survival's stories, so I though this would be right in my alley.
Strangely, it wasn't.
The reason is that I couldn't care much for the two main characters, Frank and Chris. Now, I understand that they were teenagers, and teenagers do stupid things, but frankly? Stupid teens don't survive in the wilderness of Alaska. Clever teens (read: the Hatchett) can, but stupid ones?
Nah.
As a matter of fact they should have been dead several times over (eating uncooked rotting salmon?!). But of course couldn't, because duh, the story had to go on!
As I said: I understand that your Average Teenager would behave that way but it takes more than the Average Person to survive without gear and without training in that situation.
The result is that they come out as totally unlikable and instead of admiring their skill I am left rolling eyes at their idiocy.
The reason I give this book two stars instead of frankly one is Thursday, the raven. The only scene that gave me feelings was
Also, let me rant a bit about this:
The problem is: there are some fantasy element in this book. I love fantasy. How much fantasy do I want in a book about survival in the wilderness in our own, modern time? Exactly 0.
All in all, an interesting idea, but if you want to put characters in an extreme survival setting and have them survive, they must be emotionally the kind of people who can do it and the setting must be a modern survival one, without anything of fantasy or magic or the like. If you want to explore dysfunctional family dynamics with moody teens, you should choose another setting. If you want to explore fantasy by all mean do it but again. Different. Stuff.
In the end, this book wanted to be a survival story, a story about dysfunctional families, a coming-of age story, a boy-and-his-dog (well, raven) story with a dash of fantasy in.
Too much meat to the fire. It didn't work.
Let's start from the beginning: I am a great fan of survival's stories, so I though this would be right in my alley.
Strangely, it wasn't.
The reason is that I couldn't care much for the two main characters, Frank and Chris. Now, I understand that they were teenagers, and teenagers do stupid things, but frankly? Stupid teens don't survive in the wilderness of Alaska. Clever teens (read: the Hatchett) can, but stupid ones?
Nah.
As a matter of fact they should have been dead several times over (eating uncooked rotting salmon?!). But of course couldn't, because duh, the story had to go on!
As I said: I understand that your Average Teenager would behave that way but it takes more than the Average Person to survive without gear and without training in that situation.
The result is that they come out as totally unlikable and instead of admiring their skill I am left rolling eyes at their idiocy.
The reason I give this book two stars instead of frankly one is Thursday, the raven. The only scene that gave me feelings was
Also, let me rant a bit about this:
The problem is: there are some fantasy element in this book. I love fantasy. How much fantasy do I want in a book about survival in the wilderness in our own, modern time? Exactly 0.
All in all, an interesting idea, but if you want to put characters in an extreme survival setting and have them survive, they must be emotionally the kind of people who can do it and the setting must be a modern survival one, without anything of fantasy or magic or the like. If you want to explore dysfunctional family dynamics with moody teens, you should choose another setting. If you want to explore fantasy by all mean do it but again. Different. Stuff.
In the end, this book wanted to be a survival story, a story about dysfunctional families, a coming-of age story, a boy-and-his-dog (well, raven) story with a dash of fantasy in.
Too much meat to the fire. It didn't work.
December 6, 2015
Full Disclosure: I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I am of two minds about The Skeleton Tree. In the first, I found it odd that in a story of survival, neither of the two characters seems at all concerned with surviving. Little-to-no time is spent on worry of any sort, despite the fact that they are lost in the wilds of coastal Alaska. Instead, they seem to think they are on some sort of scout trip or reality show, where concern is a needless subplot. Though danger and despair are common themes, the characters never seem to be bothered by their situation, instead immediately accepting it and moving forward. Even the death of a family member moments before they wash up on the beach is completely ignored, which could be part of their characters (ie denial, etc) if we weren't inside one of their heads the entire time, fully aware that he is not thinking about any of these things at all. It was frustrating as a reader, almost enough to set the book aside.
However, I am glad I did not. As the book moved along, I found myself enjoying the journey they took. Although most of the plot twists and bits of the denouement are easily seen coming (though perhaps they won't be for the target demographic), its the getting there that matters, and Iain Lawrence takes us on a believable journey in terms of the two characters' relationship.
All in all, the book was a good read. While not 'Lord of the Flies,' it does present today's young readers with a oft-convincing tale of survival and friendship. I would recommend it to a reader looking to avoid the latest crop of dystopian novels and dive into something with a little heart and soul.
I am of two minds about The Skeleton Tree. In the first, I found it odd that in a story of survival, neither of the two characters seems at all concerned with surviving. Little-to-no time is spent on worry of any sort, despite the fact that they are lost in the wilds of coastal Alaska. Instead, they seem to think they are on some sort of scout trip or reality show, where concern is a needless subplot. Though danger and despair are common themes, the characters never seem to be bothered by their situation, instead immediately accepting it and moving forward. Even the death of a family member moments before they wash up on the beach is completely ignored, which could be part of their characters (ie denial, etc) if we weren't inside one of their heads the entire time, fully aware that he is not thinking about any of these things at all. It was frustrating as a reader, almost enough to set the book aside.
However, I am glad I did not. As the book moved along, I found myself enjoying the journey they took. Although most of the plot twists and bits of the denouement are easily seen coming (though perhaps they won't be for the target demographic), its the getting there that matters, and Iain Lawrence takes us on a believable journey in terms of the two characters' relationship.
All in all, the book was a good read. While not 'Lord of the Flies,' it does present today's young readers with a oft-convincing tale of survival and friendship. I would recommend it to a reader looking to avoid the latest crop of dystopian novels and dive into something with a little heart and soul.
February 7, 2016
This was a fun book that kept you reading. However, as others have pointed out, much of the survival theme and urgency gets lost in other elements in the story. There is a supernatural thread involving the raven and wolves; there is the family drama involving Chris and Frank; there is another supernatural thread involving the skeleton tree. Still, there were some interesting modern threads, such as all the detritus from the Japanese tsunami washing up on the shore, both providing the survivors with some needed supplies as well as sad mementos of lives destroyed. Chris poignantly buries these in the forest. I deeply objected to the behavior of the grizzly bear in the story, basically hunting down Chris. It stretched credulity and portrays an inaccurate and dangerous view of the behavior of bears.
Still, this was an exciting and at times scary read that will probably appeal to many YA readers.
Still, this was an exciting and at times scary read that will probably appeal to many YA readers.
January 10, 2019
This book was action packed and definitely a very good book for people who are into survival. It was full of adventure and struggle and really showed how hard they tried to stay alive. They are on an island alone and they don't exactly get along which makes some things harder.
April 9, 2017
I selected this book as one of my classroom book club picks, but don't think I'll be using it next year. I thought it would be similar to The Sign of the Beaver, a book we read as a class in August, but it just wasn't was I was hoping for.
May 4, 2018
I liked this book because it is book about brothers who got stuck on an island and how they didn't get along then they started working together and not arguing as much
October 11, 2017
I liked this book. It was a good survival story about two boys who were off the coast of Alaska and there boat sank and they were stranded on an island. They hated each other but as time goes on they began to build a friendship. It was a pretty good book I recommend this book to read especially if you like survival stories.
July 6, 2015
Full disclosure: I am pals with the author.
However, that said, this is a beautiful and exciting book. Let me be the first to say this, because I think others will, "It's Hatchet for this generation."
It's an exciting adventure, with well written, believable characters and a setting that is both beautiful and frightening. I won't spoil it with a plot summary (it's here anyway on GR and the jacket), but it's a tale of unlikely friendship, past secrets, and hope. As it unfolds, you want to read faster and find out what happens. It moves seamlessly between the present and the past, and I think readers of both genders will find it an exciting adventure.
However, that said, this is a beautiful and exciting book. Let me be the first to say this, because I think others will, "It's Hatchet for this generation."
It's an exciting adventure, with well written, believable characters and a setting that is both beautiful and frightening. I won't spoil it with a plot summary (it's here anyway on GR and the jacket), but it's a tale of unlikely friendship, past secrets, and hope. As it unfolds, you want to read faster and find out what happens. It moves seamlessly between the present and the past, and I think readers of both genders will find it an exciting adventure.
August 31, 2016
It has been awhile since I have enjoyed an adventure story this much. The relationship between Chris and Frank was one of a kind. Also thought the Raven and Bear were perfect additions to the story! Excellent.
July 26, 2017
Lord of the Flies, Alabama Moon, Hatchet meets The Skeleton Tree, an adventure story. Chris and his older, meaner brother Frank (they don't know they are brothers) get shipwrecked off a desolate coast of Alaska. Here they learn how to survive off the land, fend off wild animals and keep clear of the skeleton tree. This is where natives buried their dead in trees to keep them away from drifting out to sea. More importantly they learn about one another and their pasts. Well developed characters I think you will enjoy. Frank has a chip on his shoulder and Chris is the meek and mild of the two. Through this experience they both change. The ending is a little forced/contrived but it didn't bother me much since these were young kids. 😉
April 17, 2019
Two boys are the only survivors of a shipwreck off the Alaskan coast. They have no radio, no flares, and no food. Suddenly, they've got to forage, fish, and scavenge the shore for supplies. Frank immediately hates Chris, while Chris prefers the company of a curious raven to prickly Frank. But as the days get colder and the salmon migration ends, the pair will have to get along if they want to survive.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be but I was happy with it. Or, as happy as you can be reading about two teenage boys who are trying to survive after a shipwreck. Most of it read true as far as I'm concerned. I think this would be a great YA book and also a book for boys aged 10 and up.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be but I was happy with it. Or, as happy as you can be reading about two teenage boys who are trying to survive after a shipwreck. Most of it read true as far as I'm concerned. I think this would be a great YA book and also a book for boys aged 10 and up.
April 16, 2021
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um eine Geschichte für deutlich jüngere. Und genau da liegt für mich das Problem, man merkt es. Für die Zielgruppe ist das Buch glaube ich nicht schlecht, doch für mich war es einfach zu wenig. Es war kaum spannend und auch langatmig. Ich habe mich teilweise durchgequält- trotzdem hat die Geschichte mich irgendwie doch gehabt, weil ich unbedingt wissen wollte wie es endet. Und das Ende hat mich tatsächlich auch berührt. Ich mochte das. Und genau das spricht auch wiederum für das Buch.
Trotzdem würde ich es keinen Erwachsene empfehlen, Jungendlichen und Kindern auf jeden Fall!
Trotzdem würde ich es keinen Erwachsene empfehlen, Jungendlichen und Kindern auf jeden Fall!
November 29, 2017
Being a fan of Hatchet, I really wanted to love this book. In truth I had difficulty connecting with the main characters, Chris and Frank. I thought the flow of the story was choppy at times which disrupted my ability to fully visualize the story. On a positive note, the raven, named Thursday, added a mythical and mysterious feel to the story which I enjoyed. The connection between Chris and Thursday was sweet as well. Late elementary to middle school aged, adventure story lovers, will likely enjoy this book. It is not heavy on the survival side of being stranded in the wilderness but there are some exciting parts like a shipwreck and a run in with a grizzly to experience.
June 21, 2017
12-year old Chris is invited to go sailing with his Uncle Jack in Alaska. When Chris arrives, he is introduced to another boy, Frank, around 15-years old, who is also coming. Unfortunately, their boat sinks and they lose Jack. Chris and Frank are stranded somewhere in Alaska, trying to survive.
I really liked this. But, wow, did I hate Frank! What a jerk! I loved Thursday, the smart raven who befriended Chris. I really enjoyed the story, though. I suppose it’s those good stories that make you feel such strong love or hate for the characters, sometimes.
I really liked this. But, wow, did I hate Frank! What a jerk! I loved Thursday, the smart raven who befriended Chris. I really enjoyed the story, though. I suppose it’s those good stories that make you feel such strong love or hate for the characters, sometimes.
January 25, 2020
This will go on my list as a fantastic middle school choice. It's like an edgy Hatchet as it's a survival story, but it feels much more middle school with the two boys' relationship being quite volatile and the overall despair of being trapped on an island with winter coming.
As I was reading, I kept wondering how the book would end, and I was so pleasantly surprised and happy with the ending.
There is also a bit of magic realism in here as the raven that attaches itself to one of the boys seems to almost be human and even talks. It's the perfect dash of magical realism for this age.
As I was reading, I kept wondering how the book would end, and I was so pleasantly surprised and happy with the ending.
There is also a bit of magic realism in here as the raven that attaches itself to one of the boys seems to almost be human and even talks. It's the perfect dash of magical realism for this age.
August 2, 2024
Rating: 2.5
I really liked Thursday; he really is a smart and kind raven. The relationship and growth between Chris and Frank was interesting as well, even though I was annoyed by Frank's treatment of Chris. The beginning was very promising, but there was a lot of repetition (fishing, fighting between the boys, etc), so the longer they were on the island, the more the story dragged. The story also had some fantastical elements surrounding the animals, which I wasn't too fond of since it felt out of place for a survival story.
I really liked Thursday; he really is a smart and kind raven. The relationship and growth between Chris and Frank was interesting as well, even though I was annoyed by Frank's treatment of Chris. The beginning was very promising, but there was a lot of repetition (fishing, fighting between the boys, etc), so the longer they were on the island, the more the story dragged. The story also had some fantastical elements surrounding the animals, which I wasn't too fond of since it felt out of place for a survival story.
June 19, 2018
3.5 🌟
My son really liked this book. He likes nature in general so this was right up his alley with surviving nature and all its elements.
I found it to be slow at times, and didn’t quite understand the “mystical” part of it.
My son really liked this book. He likes nature in general so this was right up his alley with surviving nature and all its elements.
I found it to be slow at times, and didn’t quite understand the “mystical” part of it.
December 10, 2024
A good survival middle grade for readers who also enjoy stories like Hatchet. Two boys shipwrecked on the coast of a deep wilderness. They have to fight with nature and each other to survive. It’s an overall hopeful story with tons of character growth.
February 27, 2018
I’ve read several books by Iain Lawrence and this is my favorite. Great story development. A real page turner. Great for preteens, teens, and adults who like a good, well-written adventure/thriller book that is also clean.
March 26, 2018
I thought that this book was good. I had it at my house so it was an easy read. I think the authors type of writing wasn't my favorite but overall the story of how to overcome an obstacle like that was extraordinary.
May 23, 2018
AMAZING!!!
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