To the Bone

Gr 9 Up–By combining historical and archaeological facts with a compelling love story, Bruzas has created a powerful, engaging tale that illuminates social, economic, and moral lines in colonial America. When Ellis arrives at James Fort as an indentured servant, it is 1609, and she is desperately hoping to find her father. Instead, she finds love with the beautiful Jane Eddowes while trying to survive her brutal employer Henry Collins. As relations between the colonists and the Native Americans deteriorate during the fall of 1609, food grows increasingly scarce. When winter truly sets in, Ellis becomes trapped within the fort as the hunger and subsequent death count swells. It becomes truly horrifying once the bodies start disappearing. Bruzas skillfully uses the weather to set the mood, while building believable and empathetic primary and secondary characters through connected relationships and events. The main character presents as white and LGBTQIA+. Bruzas includes a detailed author’s note as well as select bibliography for further information in the back matter.