<b>Fans of Neil Gaiman’s <i>The</i> <i>Graveyard Book</i> will embrace this darkly funny and literary debut novel about a dead boy named Crow who has a chance at friendship—and a chance at getting his life back.</b><br><br>Crow Darlingson may be dead, but he still loves air hockey, bowling, and drawing. Like other kids, his mother makes sure he finishes his homework, and he<i>always</i> looks forward to Halloween.<br><br>But Crow Darlingson <i>isn’t</i> like other kids. He stinks. He’s got maggots. His body parts fall off at inopportune moments. And he hasn’t been able to sleep in years. Not since waking up from death.<br><br>Despite the maggots, Crow is lonely. When Melody Plympton moves in next door, Crow finally has a chance at friendship<i>and</i> a shot at getting his life back from the mysterious wish-granting creature living in the park. But first there are tests to pass. And it means risking the only friend he’s had in years.<br><br>Debut author Laurel Gale’s story about friendship fulfilled may be the most moving—and most macabre—yet.<br><br><br><u><b>Praise for <i>DEAD BOY</i></b></u><br><br>&quot;A stinky, creepy tale for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.&quot; –<i>Kirkus Reviews<br><br></i>&quot;Gale takes readers on a dark and surprisingly funny journey.... A great recommendation to middle grade fans of dark humor.&quot; –<i>School Library Journal</i><br><br><br><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>