Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac
Harper Collins, September 2001
ISBN: 0060290757 - Hardbound
Children Ages 9-12 / Fiction / Horror

Reviewed by Beverly, MyShelf.com
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Molly's dad is always telling her stories about the legends of their Indian ancestors. One that she particularly remembers is the story about "Skeleton Man." It is the frightening story of a man that is too lazy to hunt, and he ends up killing all of his relatives.

One morning, Molly wakes up to discover that she has not seen her parents since they left the house the night before. Oh, well...she is sure they will be home soon.

After several days pass without their return, Molly is placed with a very thin man who claims to be her uncle. But the man is a stranger to Molly, and she is just sure that he isn't related to her. He has photos of her parents to prove that he is her uncle, but they look suspiciously like the photos that Molly's dad always carries.

The "uncle" locks Molly's door every night, and she is worried that the food he is giving her is poisoned or drugged. Her teacher tries to help, but to adults, it seems like Molly's imagination is working overtime.

In Molly's dreams, the Skeleton Man is after her and a rabbit appears to tell her that her parents are buried, but still alive, and that he will help her...just like the dreams that came to the warriors in the old stories.

Joseph Bruchac has used his powerful imagination to incorporate wonderful Indian legends into a terrifying story. Molly's enterprise, determination and strength are pitted against the Skeleton Man for a surprising ending. This is a very well written book that should generate a high interest level in kids, and keep them reading to the hair-raising end.