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Skeleton Man
 
 
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Skeleton Man [Library Binding]

Joseph Bruchac (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

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Library Binding CDN $12.49   -- --
Library Binding, Sep 20 2001 --   -- --
Paperback CDN $7.99   -- --
Audio, Cassette --   -- --

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Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

According to the gutsy sixth grade narrator of Bruchac's (Heart of a Chief; Sacagawea) latest novel, the book draws from the traditions of Native American stories, especially one about a "skeleton man," for its spine-tingling effects. Not long after Molly's parents mysteriously disappear one night, her "great-uncle" shows up to claim her, with photographs of her family that convince the adults around her (but not Molly) that he is a relative. In fact, the photos look suspiciously like those that belonged to her father, who grew up on a Mohawk reservation. Each night, the bony guardian locks her into her room, allowing her to attend school during the day. Molly relies on the deciphering of her dreams, her "warrior-girl" courage and the support of her quirky but compassionate teacher to solve the mystery and rescue her parents. The eerie figure of the semi-human creature pretending to be Molly's uncle is particularly well drawn: "His fingers spread out so wide that they look like the talons of a giant bird.... His eyes are twin blue flames burning from within his skull." The mix of traditional and contemporary cultural references adds to the story's haunting appeal, and the quick pace and suspense, particularly in the last few chapters, will likely hold the interest of young readers. Ages 10-14.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Bruchac weaves an incredibly scary story of a girl whose warm, contented family is suddenly torn apart. Molly's knowledge of and immersion in her Mohawk heritage is something she takes for granted, as are the wisdom and strength that come from understanding the traditional tales and listening to one's dreams. She sets the stage as she tells one of her father's favorite stories about a man who is hungry and eats himself and then everyone around except for one clever young girl. Molly then discloses that her own parents have suddenly disappeared. An eerie, stick-thin old man arrives claiming to be her only kin using the pictures from her father's wallet. Adults on the scene vary from being clueless to well intentioned but ineffectual. Brought to skeleton man's house and locked in a room every evening, Molly keeps trying to find a way out, eventually finding that heeding her dreams, combined with some great detective work, does the trick. Better than many mystery writers, who make the clues obvious, Bruchac makes every word add to the tension right up to the final few pages. Details of video cameras and computers help to sustain belief in a highly improbable plot. The suspense draws readers in and keeps them engaged. In the classic horror tradition, Bruchac offers a timely tale that will make hearts beat and brows sweat, and it has the bonus of a resourceful heroine to put the world right again.
Carol A. Edwards, Sonoma County Library, Santa Rosa, CA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews

19 Reviews
5 star:
 (10)
4 star:
 (5)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:
 (1)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars A story that hits all the right buttons, July 1 2004
This review is from: Skeleton Man (Paperback)
This book does a number of things very well. The story is tremendously creepy and scary which is something intermediate grade readers always enjoy. Molly is a great character. She is strong and resourceful and ultimately saves herself. She also does something very sensible, intelligent and believable in the context of the story. She TELLS a trusted teacher about her situation and concerns with her "uncle." Even better, the teacher believes her and tries to help. So often as a reader I wonder why a character doesn't just TELL someone they need help. The background of the Native American folktale is terrific. The final scenes are absolutely gripping.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Creeps me out!!!, Mar 5 2004
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This review is from: Skeleton Man (Paperback)
If you buy this book, prepare to have nightmares! It is both scary and good! BUY IT (just don't read it late at night)!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Skeleton Man, Feb 27 2004
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This review is from: Skeleton Man (Paperback)
Skeleton Man is a very well written book about a young Mohawk girl named Molly whose parents mysteriously disappear. She is left alone to care for herself until a mysterious man claiming to be her uncle arrives to take care of her. Molly knows that the man is not really her uncle, although he convinces social workers with family photos of Molly's parents. These photos appear to be the same photos Molly's parents were carrying when they disappeared. Molly is taken to a spooky old house to live with the uncle who is careful not to reveal his face to Molly, and speaks only to tell her to eat. She is locked in her room each night, and is only allowed to leave to attend school. Molly's only escape from this frightening man is through her dreams where she is befriended by a rabbit who informs Molly her parents are buried but still alive. Is the skeleton man responsible for the disapperance of Molly's parents? Will Molly escape this frightening man, and find her parents? This is an awesome book filled with suspense and impossible to put down until you reach the very last page.
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