Lost in Bone Cave
Danielle Simone
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN: 979-8218733315
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (01/2026)
Syd’s dad is a scientist. He shares a lot of his work with Syd because it fascinates her. So for the last four weeks, they’ve been working on their roping and cave crawling because they’re going to study the bat colonies in Bone Cave. Syd can’t wait. She loves it when she gets to go on one of his work adventures, like the one in Danielle Simone’s latest book, The Adventures of Syd: Lost in Bone Cave.
But not every part of the trip suits her just right. When her father informs her they’ll be leaving in the morning before the sun is up, she can’t imagine why. It seems to her that it would be better to sleep in a bit. But as it turns out, it’s a long drive to Lost Cave, and getting that early start was important. Then Syd finds out that her dog, Goose, a blue heeler with boundless energy, won’t be going in the cave with them. But again, it all makes sense when Dad explains that they’ll have to stay on a very specific path, make sure not to touch most parts of the cave, and even go to the bathroom in a bag! The cave environment is so fragile that everything they take in must be taken out—everything. So, no Goose. He’s a good dog, but he wouldn’t be up for going to the bathroom in a bag. Dad seems to always know what’s best, even if Syd isn’t too crazy about his answer at first.
Their spelunking trip is going well for most of the day. But Syd panics when she has to cave crawl through a very low, tight section that’s full of silt. She gets a little panicked and decides she doesn’t want to do that again anytime soon. The good news: she won’t have to. The cave crawl led them into an adjoining cave, and they’ll be going out the entrance of this second cave to check on the bat population there.
But then, something goes horribly wrong, and Syd’s father gets hurt. He realizes he won’t be able to walk out of the cave, and Syd is going to have to navigate on her own. She sure wishes she had Goose with her now! How is she going to do this? She’s really scared.
Lost in Bone Cave is rich with impressive concepts, excellent family bonding, and life lessons that don’t seem like lessons. Plus, the science! I loved that as Syd’s father talks to her, he often explains the scientific reasons for things. He explains what’s happening to the bat population and why it’s important for him to audit their condition. He teaches her how to read a cave map and talks about different cave formations and how they happen. All of these things help Syd understand more about the world around them.
Syd and her father are both very likable and relatable. Syd’s just a smart kid with an insatiable desire to know more about the things around her. Her dad is patient and understanding as he brings her along on his trip. They talk about science, math, engineering, art, and technology. There are also wonderful illustrations by David Pfendler at key points in the story, and a legend for a cave map. Very cool stuff.
Lost in Bone Cave is the third book in The Adventures of Syd series. Danielle Simone is adept at creating an engaging storyline for early to middle-grade readers, ages 6 to 12. These stories combine an action-adventure story with details about the natural world that create curiosity in these readers. Children and their parents will enjoy exploring with Syd, her dad, and her dog, Goose.
At a Glance: A middle-grade adventure that blends cave exploration with hands-on science learning. When a research trip deep underground turns dangerous, a resourceful young girl must rely on the skills her scientist father taught her to find help. Educational, family-friendly, and filled with natural-world discoveries.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: middle-grade adventure, cave exploration, STEM-themed fiction, books about bats and wildlife, father-daughter stories, survival challenges, outdoor adventures, educational fiction, curious young scientists, illustrated chapter books