I read this book when it first came out. The doll and the book cover actually caught my attention and the back description made me want to read it. The tone of the book is very dark, the girl is full of 15 year old angst, lost in a home life that is stagnant and I personally think depressing. Heloise is being raised by her godmother who forbids any toys in the house and when Heloise finds a doll buried beneath the floorboards of the museum next door she keeps it against her godmother's wishes. The doll is tied up in the family past and Heloise (to me) seemed like she was tired of being pushed away and not having her questions answered. You'll have to read the book for yourself. I'd be interested in your thoughts and whether you liked the book.I can tell you that the teen that purchased my copy seemed intrigued with the cover, the doll (even though she said dolls "creeped" her out) and the mystery within the story. I've had a few other teens ask about the book too. This genre seems to appeal to a certain group of readers - those that like creepy, vampire dark type of books - if you like that type of story you'll love this book!This book has earned the Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year and the CBCA 2010 notable Books List - Young Readers. This was a haunting story and very creative. It was so different from the kinds of books I normally read, part psychological thriller, part fairy tale, part fable, and it also reminded me at times of a Dickenson tale such as Oliver Twist. I also really enjoyed the bombshell at the end though it was hinted at very heavily and most people will probably figure it out pretty quickly. I highly recommend it!
Intriguing. Not at all what I was expecting, but a book I couldn't put down.
—coral456anne
I read this a long time ago, but I remember LOVING it.
—serenamarissa
So scary, but was so hard to put down at bedtime.
—louis279
Gripping and hauntingly beautiful.
—jason
Nice twist at the end:)
—Caro06ny
