The Kneebone Boy

Quirky, mysterious, a little Gothic and fun. Max, 10 year old genius, Otto an older brother who never takes off his scarf and refuses to speak out loud, but instead uses an invented sign language that only his sister Lucia really understand. One of these children is the author of this book but is forced to stay anonymous by his/her siblings because it is their story. I'd say this is best for children and adults who'd like a slightly cheerier Lemony Snicket. I'd recommend it for those who don't mind a little peril inflicted upon the child characters but SPOILER ALERT things turn out okay in the end.

Just noticed I never posted my review for this book here :o

The Hardscrabble children are a peculiar lot. Otto the eldest doesn't speak and always wears a scarf, Lucia who looks just like her name is bold and does not suffer fools who ask idiotic questions, and Max is the youngest but is the cleverest of them all. In their small and boring town the siblings live with their peaceful, artistic father who often leaves them for days or weeks at a time to paint portraits of poor and forgotten royals and when he leaves them they must stay with the horrible Mrs Carnival because their mother is not around. Years ago she disappeared and although Max believes she is only missing Lucia is convinced that she is dead. For his latest job Casper Hardscrabble decides to send his children to London instead to stay with a cousin since the school year is almost over but soon what should just be a few days of fun and change in the city quickly becomes an adventure filled with danger and mystery in a seaside town.

This novel was not a paranormal or a fantasy but it had magic, the kind of magic you find in stories like The Little Princess or The Secret Garden. It shone a light on the courage of children and on the bond and love of siblings who may bicker and fight but are there for each other when it really counts. It was as I said filled with adventure and so many different and delightful characters. From the children themselves to the many different people they encounter who were at times awful, amusing, intimidating, enigmatic and intriguing.

The way Ellen Potter writes is simple but charming, and the way she had her narrator tell the story was both amusing and filled with self-awareness. She has made a story I feel that would appeal not only to its target audience but also older readers looking for a middle-grade read that is stimulating for all ages.

When I finally read the last page of The Kneebone Boy it left my heart feeling lighter despite the bitter-sweetness to the ending because this story was not only delightful and clever but it was honest. Ellen Potter is a writer who knows how to make reality, fantastic and she knows how to do it while still treating readers with respect. I can't wait to read her other books.