Fishbone's Song

Fishbone's Song knocked me for a loop. The book seemed to read itself to me. The voice, the language, the amazing storytelling - wrapped in a gritty, yet lyrical package lulled me into forgetting that this was a well-crafted book by a master author. It was so organic, it seemed to have been dreamed or lived or both - more than an intentional work of artistry. Its wisdom and story/song guide for living put me in mind of A Single Shard, Big Fish, and Way of the Peaceful Warrior. The best of literature is transformative and Fishbone's Song has the alchemist's magic that has left this reader's heart a bit wiser and braver and more present. --Judith Rovenger, Children s Literature Consultant Fishbone's Song is magnificent. In some ways, it reminds me a bit of Dogsong and The Winter Room. It is not that the story is familiar, but Paulsen combines the incredible artistry of language of The Winter Room with the music of language of Dogsong. But it is more, of course. It is the master author branching out, much like a spider, weaving the web, new designs, thoughtful planning. Then, readers are ensnared, wrapped in layers of that silky thread, held motionless by the story. Simply, this is a masterpiece from a master storyteller. I had to read it slowly, in pieces, when everything was quiet. In some ways, the, I am much like that boy of Fishbone's, learning to see things, to understand things, feel things for myself. --Dr. Teri Lesesne, Sam Houston State University