When Skeletons Rise

About this book

Arlo has struggled to adapt to life in Cornwall after moving from London with Mum following his dad’s mysterious disappearance. Now he’s finally making friends and is even beginning to engage more at school, as class teacher Mr Murray makes everything so interesting.  

 The class is captivated by the story of the Caledonia, a ship which was wrecked off the Cornish coast in 1842, only a few miles from their village. The crew’s bodies were recovered and buried in Morwenstow churchyard, their graves marked by the ship’s figurehead, and the children are thrilled when Mr Murray arranges a trip to the site. 

 However, everything unravels when Arlo learns that Mum has lied about his father and he worries how his new friends will react if they discover the truth. Angry and hurt, he skips school and returns to Morwenstow, but when he badly injures his leg during a storm, he is forced to spend the night on the cliff edge, hoping to be rescued. 

 An exciting and thought-provoking read about friendship, trust and being yourself. It may even inspire children to explore their own local history.