The Skeleton Flute

When his parents announce that they’re separating, tween Sam flees on his bike to Stapleton Town Park, where a stranger named Bones offers him a flute that will purportedly grant the user’s greatest desire. Initially skeptical, Sam eventually wishes that his parents would stay together, and though his wish comes true, it has unforeseen consequences: his siblings disappear, and his best friend Derek no longer recognizes him. Anxious, Sam confronts Bones, who tells him that there’s nothing he can do after a wish is granted. Soon after, Sam begins having nightmares about an alternate version of himself, but he struggles to understand what they mean (“The memory follows me—remains of a dark, haunted place, and a pale, frightened face that belonged to me”). While researching Bones and the flute, Sam meets tween Lena and librarian Helen, both of whom have fallen victim to the instrument’s magic. With their help, he tracks down the origins of the stranger and his reasons for targeting Stapleton citizens. Debut author Allen presents a mélange of alternate universe tropes to deliver a fascinating page-turner populated by empathetic characters. Approachable dialogue and fast-paced fun ground conversations surrounding morality, revenge, and forgiveness. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 8–12. (Aug.)