Skeleton Man

It’s hard to imagine that any sort of young reader book could be terrifying. R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps for example, does give you a couple of its namesake bumps, but overall the bit of fantasy involved makes Stine’s books mostly entertaining rather than frightening. Joseph Bruchac’s "Skeleton Man," however, is just downright terrifying, and I love that!

What makes Bruchac’s work so scary is that it’s based on an event that could actually happen. Molly’s parents mysteriously disappear, and a long lost, rather creepy relative becomes her caretaker. Molly is convinced that this “uncle” is no relation to her whatsoever, and that he is actually the Skeleton Man of Native American myth.

Whether or not this man is of mythical origin, it is clear that this is one sick fella. He locks Molly in her room every night and records her every move in and out of the house, and if that doesn’t spell pedophilia I don’t know what does!

As Molly unravels the mystery of who this guy really is and tries to discover the location of her parents, the realization that this creep is trying to make Molly meet an untimely end becomes ever more present. What makes Bruchac’s writing so scarily brilliant is that the entire story is written from the perspective of an elementary school-aged girl, but is still able to incite fear in readers of any age. The story is also only 114 pages long, further proving that Bruchac really knows how to pack a scary punch to his writing regardless of length. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I can only imagine what must go through the minds of 10 year-olds who read this!

Reader reviewed by k.c.

 Skeletonman has the awsome ability to pull you into the book and make you feel as if the the evil skeleton man  is after you. I seriously recommend everyone, both male and female to read this book, you'll laugh, cry, and probably be ready for the sequal Skeleton man returns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reader reviewed by Megan

This book was a horrifying read, but not horrifying like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but horrifying that's perfect for kids in fifth and sixth grade and stuff. i mean, you won't get nightmares or anything. this book had a great plot, which is one of the reasons that I liked it. I liked her "Uncle" the best (or should i say i liked SKELETON MAN THE BEST MUAHAHAHA LOL). he was sly and sneaky and made me curious. that character did things that made me think harder while i was reading. the author should write a sequel!!!

Reader reviewed by Taylor

The Skelton Man was required reading in my class last year so I read it, but I got so engrossed it took me 2 hours to finish the wonderful book. Of course my teacher got mad at me the next day but it was well worth it, you see, I got to read a semi-spooky book. The best part was it had a wonderful story line, an amazing plot and a creppy old guy (what doesn't have a creepy old guy?). Its a wonderful book, and even if you're not required to read it you should! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do because it's very good!