Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay

Abstract

Reviewed by: Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay Fiona Hartley-Kroeger Gourlay, Candy Bone Talk. Fickling/Scholastic, 2019 [272p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-338-34963-4 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-338-34965-8 $11.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 5-8 Gourlay, Candy Bone Talk. Fickling/Scholastic, 2019 [272p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-338-34963-4 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-338-34965-8 $11.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 5-8 Samkad's upcoming manhood initiation should be a joyous occasion, but it's causing [End Page 122] friction with his best friend, a tomboy named Luki; then omens delay the ceremony and the threat of attack from an enemy tribe disrupts the quotidian rhythms of his mountain village. The return of his long-absent agemate further upends Sam's world: Kinyo brings with him news of a strange people called Americans, who are waging war in the lowlands. Kinyo's American friend, Mister William, seems harmless and friendly enough, but not so the three American soldiers who enlist the villagers to perform a gruesome burial, and whose candy and strange "kodak" device fail to conceal a casual, sneering cruelty. Gourlay (Tall Story, BCCB 2/11) layers carefully researched aspects of indigenous Filipino culture (including practices such as headhunting and animal sacrifice) at the turn of the century with elements of a classic boy's coming-of-age tale in this British import. Sam's loving father, troublesome tomboy friend, faithful dog, rural setting, and introspective meditation on manhood and masculinity shine against a backdrop of American imperialism and colonialism. The Philippine-American War (also known in the U.S. as the Philippine Insurrection) is a historical moment little explored in American fiction for children, and Sam's story is sure to provoke conversation about colonial oppression and silencing of indigenous voices. The informative author's note and acknowledgments section provides historical and cultural context and an overview of the author's extensive research. Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois