The Dead Boy by Laurel Gale

     When I first heard of Dead Boy, by Laurel Gale, I thought it would be one of those comical stories that would be a little gross and a lot of funny!  Oh no, this story is dark, gross and funny.  I am so happy I didn't wait to read it with my son.  I don't think, even at 12 years old, that he'd have liked it.  Me- I loved it!  It was different.  It's YA, but can be enjoyed by any age.  This story was put together with a magical imagination that has you feeling bad, mad, angry and extremely hopeful for a little, dead boy!

    The story is about a boy named Crow.  He's dead.  He's stuck in his house, day in and day out, because the world outside wouldn't understand him.  He's lonely.  His mother homeschool's him, and does her best to hold to a sense of normalcy.  He's a non brain-eating zombie.  Actually he east nothing at all, since he no longer has any taste buds and because of what food does to his stomach.

     It's not until he meets Melody that he truly craves for more in life!  He wants to be outside more and do more and feel more- so he takes a chance on Halloween night.  He does something that takes them on an adventure, unlike any other.  And you want him to succeed.  You find yourself hoping for him.

     The story was written with such an elegant simplicity, it can be read by anyone.  The story is a magical adventure.  It's also got a message that hits right in the gut- where your maggots sit to feast on old food.  I found Gale's writing style perfect for such a tale, offering a smooth,  easy read that I'm hoping my son will soon come to love.

     There are parts that are slightly dark.  Like dealing with the maggots inside him, the loss of his hand and even his eyeball falling out during an altercation with a bully.  Though things like that happen, it keeps you on the understanding end of Crow's existence.  Why he feels so alone and set apart.  And mostly, why he desires being alive again.  It's a part of who he is and why he had to do on the adventure he does.  My son wouldn't have been able to handle it, but there are mature, middle graders who would have let the gross aspects roll off their backs.

     Check out this amazing story and see why I think you'll love Dead Boy!📚
Rating:  👓👓👓👓out of 5 specs
*The Pug List is next! 
**Book is from my personal library, for an honest review.​

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