Book cover of Smiler's Bones

Book description

A striking, fascinatingly told novel based on the harrowing true story of Minik, an Eskimo boy seized in the name of exploration and brought to New York at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1897, famed explorer Robert Peary took six Eskimos from their homes in Greenland to be…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Smiler's Bones as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I feel heartbroken about this story of the Inuit guides who were a part of Robert Perry’s expedition to the North Pole. I feel gratitude that the expedition’s shadow side has been revealed in this intimate narrative.

It makes me wonder how many untold polar history stories are yet to be uncovered.

If you love Smiler's Bones...

Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…

Want books like Smiler's Bones?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 65 books like Smiler's Bones.

Browse books like Smiler's Bones

Book cover of Explorers' Sketchbooks: The Art of Discovery & Adventure
Book cover of First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson
Book cover of African Menagerie: A Celebration of Nature

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Smiler's Bones, you might also like...

Book cover of On the Horizon

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry,

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were…

Book cover of A School for Unusual Girls

A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin,

A spy school for girls amidst Jane Austen’s high society.

Daughters of the Beau Monde who don’t fit London society’s strict mold are banished to Stranje House, where the headmistress trains these unusually gifted girls to enter the dangerous world of spies in the Napoleonic wars. #1 NYT bestselling author…

5 book lists we think you will like!