The Skeleton Flute - by Damara Allen

About the Book

As Sam learns his parents are separating, a stranger offers him a magic flute that will grant his greatest desire, but soon Sam discovers that while it worked on his parents, his two siblings have disappeared, as if they never existed.

Book Synopsis

The legend of the Pied Piper meets Sal and Gabi Break the Universe with a touch of Coraline in this "fascinating" (Publishers Weekly) middle grade adventure about a boy whose wish goes horribly wrong and his fight to reunite with his real family.

Sam Windsor's parents and younger siblings, Grayson and Addie, are his whole world, so when his parents announce they're separating, Sam is devastated. He'd do anything to make his parents change their minds and keep the family together. When a stranger offers a flute made of bone that supposedly grants the player's wish, Sam doesn't really believe it will work but figures he has nothing to lose.

Surprisingly, the wish on the skeleton flute comes true. The next day, his parents are happily in love, with no plans for his dad to leave. But there's a major problem: his parents' relationship isn't the only thing in his life that has changed, and some of the changes are definitely for the worse.

Caught in a world full of unintended consequences and familiar strangers, Sam has limited options for returning to his old life--worries, challenges, and all. Can he track down the mysterious man who gave him the flute and undo his wish?

Review Quotes

"The story offers emotional honesty while keeping the suspense believable. The cast of supporting characters is authentic with depth and purpose and the action is well-paced. Author Damara Allen has re-imagined a Pied Piper-like historical fantasy that examines the historical ties that bind people to their actions and consequences, coming to a believable and satisfying conclusion. A story that's a cut above, The Skeleton Flute will find many fans." --Booklist "8/1/2024"

"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." --Publishers Weekly "7/22/2024"

"Initially, Allen ­captures the heartbreak of parents separating at an age when children have neither the verbal nor emotional vocabulary to communicate how deeply they are affected. . . . For readers who enjoy descriptive fantasy with a touch of horror."--School Library Journal "7/1/24"

About the Author

Damara Allen was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. She loves everything spooky and creepy. When she's not writing, she's spending time with her husband and daughter.