Discover the enchanting world of 'Mila and the Bone Man,' a beautifully crafted novel by Lauren Roche, perfect for young readers and fans of coming-of-age stories. This compelling paperback book, published by Quentin Wilson Publishing, captures the essence of family, friendship, and the power of healing through adversity. At 272 pages and measuring 153 x 234 mm, this novel invites you into Mila's heartwarming journey through the northern bush, where she learns about love, loss, and resilience. As a gifted child descended from generations of healers, Mila navigates the joys and sorrows of her life amid the whispers of her Croatian ancestors. The tragic loss of her little sister, Anahera, sets off a chain of events that takes Mila on a transformative journey from her forest home to the bustling city, where she discovers the importance of friendships, especially with her quirky neighbor, Tommy—an enthusiastic lover of bones and fossils. This heartfelt story weaves together themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the strength of community, demonstrating how powerful connections can lead to healing. Join Mila as she finds her way back home, uniting bush sanctuary with the pulse of modern medicine. 'Mila and the Bone Man' is not just a tale about personal growth; it's a poignant exploration of the secrets we keep to protect those we hold dear. Perfect for ages 10 and up, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and beautifully imagined literary experience.

Mila and the Bone Man
Author: Lauren Roche Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 18-08-2022
Family, friends, secrets … It wasn’t always like this. Mila is a child of the northern bush and she has a gift. Descended from generations of healers, Mila is surrounded by a happy extended family, and delights in the sights, sounds and scents of her beloved forest, where she listens, learns, and runs free. Tommy-next-door is a quirky kid with a passion for bones, fossils and the bush. He doesn’t see the world as others do, but nothing escapes the Bone Man. Tommy is also Mila’s best friend, but she doesn’t know that yet. Then Mila’s life is changed forever when her little sister, Anahera, dies in a tragic accident that Mila blames herself for. The death tears the family apart but it’s the events after Anahera’s death where the real tragedy takes place – events with far-reaching consequences – and Mila flees to the city, far from everything and everyone she loves. When life and death are very close, their worlds hold hands. Forest and family call Mila back home where Tommy helps her piece together the broken bits of her life. Bush sanctuary, bush justice. Mila can finally wear the cloak of many cultures and fulfil the destiny whispered by her Croatian ancestors, confirmed by the rongo? M?ori practitioner next door, and enhanced by the ways of modern medicine. Blood matters, but so do friends. Powerful yet tender and beautifully imagined, Mila and the Bone Man unites enduring love with the power of healing. A novel about guilt, forgiveness and finding your way home. And the secrets we keep to protect those we love the most.