Skeleton Man - by Joseph Bruchac (Paperback)

About the Book

Molly's knowledge of and immersion in her Mohawk heritage is something she takes for granted, as is the wisdom that comes from understanding the traditional tales. Bruchac weaves an incredibly scary story of a girl whose warm, contented family is suddenly torn apart.

Book Synopsis

A chilling middle grade novel featuring a brave young girl, missing parents, and a terrifying stranger, based on a Native American legend. R.L. Stine, New York Times bestselling author of the Goosebumps series, raved, "This book gave ME nightmares!"

Molly's father, who grew up on the Mohawk Reserve of Akwesasne, always had the best scary stories. One of her favorites was the legend of Skeleton Man, a gruesome tale about a man with such insatiable hunger he ate his own flesh before devouring those around him.

But ever since her parents mysteriously vanished, those spooky tales have started to feel all too real.

Don't miss The Legend of Skeleton Man: a spine-tingling collection of Skeleton Man and its sequel, The Return of Skeleton Man!

From the Back Cover

Ever since the morning Molly woke up to find that her parents hadvanished, her life has become filled with terrible questions. Where have her parents gone? Who is this spooky old man who's taken her to live with him, claiming to be her great-uncle? Why does he never eat, and why does he lock her in her room at night? What are her dreams of the Skeleton Man trying to tell her? There's one thing Molly does know. She needs to find some answers before it's too late.

Review Quotes

"The legend is chilling--and the terror builds on every page. This book gave ME nightmares!" -- R. L. Stine, New York Times bestselling author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street series

★ "An incredibly scary story that will make hearts beat and brows sweat." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Bruchac vigorously cranks up the suspense, and pits a ghastly creature against a resourceful young heroine who draws both on courage and cultural tradition. A natural for under-the-blanket reading." -- Kirkus

"Bruchac gives full play to his talent for the creepy, and the introduction of bits of American Indian lore and story are smoothly and capably integrated. Reluctant as well as eager readers will relish this fast-paced supernatural chase." -- Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

"Although it's steeped in Mohawk lore and tradition, Bruchac's story is contemporary both in its setting and its celebration of the enduring strength and courage of Native American women." -- ALA Booklist

"The mix of traditional and contemporary cultural references adds to the story's haunting appeal, and the quick pace and suspence will likely hold the interest of young readers." -- Publishers Weekly