Hungry Bones

Hung, Louise. Hungry Bones

October 1, 2024 by Scholastic Press

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
 

Molly Teng is not happy to be moving from Bell Harbor, Maine to Buckeye Creek, Texas with her mother Dot. Her mother moves them frequently, and this latest move was even worse because Bell Harbor was the only place that Molly didn't constantly have ghosts apprearing to her. Her mother downplays this strange ability, and even moves the two into a very old house, which has a lot more objects from which Molly gets disturbing vibes. Even worse, Molly feels the presence of a ghost. We also see the events of the book through the ghost's eyes; Jade has been trapped in the house for about 120 years, but doesn't know much about who she was or why she is trapped. Molly is also uncomfortable in Texas because there are not many people who look like her. She does meet a neighbor girl, Eleanor, who is part Black and part Latine, and does feel very comforted when she visits a Chinese restaurant that her mother has as a publicity client. She eventually makes contact with Jade, and learns a bit about her existence. Jade is always hungry, and feels that this is somehow punishment for something she had done in her life. It's a little better when Mollly leaves food for her, since Jade can only eat food that is left behind or offered to her. Molly witnesses a disturbing moment when Jade's monstrous side comes out, and learns from the women at the restaurant that Jade must be a hungry ghost, one whom no one remembers or honor. Molly tries to help Jade find out more about her history, and even is shown Jade's bones that are in a box in the attic. When Dot's sister Bobbie finally comes to visit (Dot has moved to Texas to reconnect with her sister), Molly realizes that Bobbie can also see Jade, and her aunt helps her to figure out how Jade's spirit can be put to rest. Will Molly and her aunt be able to figure out the past, and will their future be one they can share?

Strengths: This was a well constructed mystery that wove systemic racism, cultural identity, and family dynamics into a complex story with a rich historical background AND some creepy ghosts. Also, the food descriptions in this were so vivid that I really wanted to get some dim sum! Dot and her mother have a difficult relationship, in part because her mother knows that Molly can see ghosts but doesn't want to address this fact; this will resonate with so many tween readers who don't feel seen and understood by their parents! This would be great for strong upper elementary readers who can't really hand super scary ghost stories. 
Weaknesses: This is rather long, and would probably be more successful with readers who like historical fiction rather than horror fans. It's not really scary at all, and was more interesting once I stopped waiting for scary things to happen and started to enjoy the historical aspects. The cover reminds me of 1980s covers, so this will be hard to place with readers in my library. 
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who enjoyed Urban's Almost There And Almost Not, Royce's The Creepening of Dogwood House, or Oh's Spirit Hunters.