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Cover of The Boneshaker

The Boneshaker

Kate Milford (2010)

SubgenreMiddle Grade Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesNagspeake Universe #
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.74
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

DeceptionManipulation

Positive tags

AdventureComing of AgeMysterySelf-DiscoveryFriendship

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineBookish / Nerdy Heroine

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Tropes

Coming of AgeFish out of WaterHidden IdentityMysterious StrangerReluctant HeroSmall Town

Themes

Coming of AgeGood vs EvilTrust and DeceptionTechnology and MagicSmall Town CommunityStanding up for What's Right

Synopsis

When Jake Limberleg brings his traveling medicine show to a small Missouri town in 1913, thirteen-year-old Natalie senses that something is wrong and, after investigating, learns that her love of automata and other machines make her the only one who can set things right.

Is The Boneshaker appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A wholesome middle grade adventure with mild peril and a clever heroine who uses her mechanical knowledge to save her town from a sinister traveling showman. No concerning content.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include deception and manipulation.

Who'll love this

Readers who love clever protagonists, mysterious strangers, automata, and small-town mysteries set in historical America will be captivated.

Tags

Historical FantasySteampunk ElementsAmericanaMystery