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Bone Talk

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( 959 ratings, 163 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay is a coming-of-age story set in the Philippines in 1899. The novel follows a young boy named Samkad from a remote mountain village, suddenly exposed to the outside world when American colonizers arrive. Themes of identity, tradition, and cultural change emerge as Samkad faces challenges that test his courage and resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories that explore cultural traditions and the challenges of growing up during a time of change. Set in the Philippines at the turn of the 20th century, it weaves a rich tale of identity and friendship, as a young protagonist navigates colonial pressures and discovers the true strength of community.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A coming-of-age story set in a remote village in the Philippines, about growing up, discovering yourself and the impact of colonialism on native peoples and their lives.

A coming of age story set in a remote village in the Philippines, about growing up, discovering yourself and the impact of colonialism on native peoples and their lives.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay is set in a tribe deep in the Philippine jungle at the end of the nineteenth century. The story follows Samkad, who has never encountered anyone from outside his own tribe before. He's about to become a man, and while he's desperate to grow up, he's worried that this will take him away from his best friend, Little Luki.

However, Samkad's world is about to change utterly.

A strange man with white skin arrives in his village, and Samkad discovers the brother he never knew he had. A brother who tells him of people called Americans. Americans who are bringing war and burning to Samkad's home...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay has been praised for its evocative writing and ability to grip readers from the beginning, as noted by the Guardian. It has also been highlighted as very special by The Times, with the Observer describing it as vividly drawn and mesmerising. The Scotsman lauds Gourlay as a master storyteller, indicating broad acclaim for the book's storytelling and narrative style.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788450188

Publisher: David Fickling Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 December 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: David Fickling Books

Audience: Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 223g

Pages: 252

About the Author

Growing up in the Philippines, Candy Gourlay wondered why all the books she ever loved only featured pink-skinned children who lived in snow-covered worlds that didn't resemble her steamy, tropical home in Manila. As a result, it took her years to fulfil her dream of becoming an author - and years to learn that Filipino stories too, belong in the pages of books. Candy's novels for young readers, Tall Story and Shine, have been published to acclaim and listed for many prizes such as the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Book Prize. Both novels won the Crystal Kite Prize for Europe. She lives in London with her family, where she wages war on the snails in her garden.

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