The Skull of Truth

The Skull of Truth written by Bruce Coville is a book everyone can enjoy reading! This book is, "A fast-moving, rollicking, yet serious tale... Will Keep youngsters thinking," - School Library Journal.
The story begins with a young Charlie Eggleston, scouting the old Tucker Swamp that lies next to his household. While returning home Charlie runs in to the neighborhood bully. Charlie isn't fond of this kid, especially because his dad is in charge of draining the swamp that he has grown fond of over the years. This bully decided to chase Charlie through the murky water. After fleeing the scene, Charlie runs into a little shop he hasn't seen in the area before. The glass window reads Elives' Magic Supplies S. H. Elives, Prop.
Charlie decided to check out what would be in the shop. He's astounded by the things he's found, really great stuff! He quickly met the owner, Elives. Charlie realized this man is quite strange. When he turns his back, Charlie chose to look about the shop again. He quickly found a skull labeled 'The Skull of Truth'. This is where the story actually begins...
Charlie had the sudden urge to take the skull. He grabs it and runs straight home. After being scolded by his mother for the tardiness to dinner, Charlie heads up to his room. Everything hit him. He stole a skull. He just hid it in the attic and lied to his mom once again.
During the middle of the night, he heard a slight tapping on the window. Charlie went to check it out. There were mice talking... directly toward him. They claimed to have a note for Charlie from Mr. Elives. After a couple minutes of arguing, Charlie decided to take the note. The mice quickly left, and Charlie red the note carefully. The major points were to handle the skull with care, and always have it in his sights. One problem. The skull was hidden in the attic of the garage. In the middle of the night Charlie had to creep out and acquire the skull once more.
The first thing Charlie notices about the skull, he can talk. Crazy right?! Charlie thinks so too. That's not the least of his worries though. The Skull of Truth caused it's beholder to ONLY tell the truth. This causes a huge dilemma for Charlie, the most dishonest kid in his grade.
School the next day was no walk in the park. Charlie's best friend had just gotten back to school after having cancer treatment. He decided to tell Gilbert how he really thought about his bald head. That did not go over well. Later that day at school, Charlie also told the girl he liked how he honestly felt about her. Now he's the laughing stock of the entire school.
The skull takes Charlie through many adventures, that he doesn't know how to deal with! Overall, I really like this book! A very easy read for anyone that can. The characters are easily betrayed, and each one has their own unique personality! I especially like each theme that is inferred. The Skull of Truth has many things we can each learn from! Solid B-.