What is "Stones" by William Bell about?

William Bell's young adult novel "Stones" is about the death of a black Haitian woman by stoning. Her death takes place in Ontario in the 19th century, and it inspires the book's exploration of issues such as race, spirituality and science.

"Stones" was published in 2001 and is narrated by a contemporary teenager named Garnet Havelock. Garnet thinks in terms of scientific reason, but develops feelings for a classmate who is spiritual and a bit of a romantic. With her help, he navigates the nightmares he has of a Haitian woman who is stoned to death. The plot also draws a connection between the stoning of the Haitian woman and the attack on Garnet's mother by religious fundamentalists.