Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac

Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph. 2001. Skeleton Man. New York: Harper Collins.

ISBN: 0-06-029075-7

Summary
Molly knew something was wrong when she woke up Sunday morning and the house was too quiet. Where could her parents be? Four days after her parents' disappearance, a strange, scary uncle she has never met arrives to take care of her. In her uncle's home, with her dreams leading her, she knows something is wrong and it is up to her to find her parents.

Critical Analysis
Acclaimed writer and storyteller, Joseph Bruchac writes a fictional tale about a young, Native American heroine. Molly, the main character, and uncle, the antagonist are so well-developed by Bruchac, a reader can feel the emotions Molly experiences and the creepiness she gets from her uncle's presence.

The first Native American cultural marker is found in the opening of the story. Bruchac commences the story with Molly relaying a Native American story her father used to tell--the story of Skeleton Man. Molly believes she may be living the real tale of Skeleton Man when her parents have gone missing and uncle arrives.

Around the midpoint of the story, Molly begins having dreams. Her parents have explained to her to "trust your dreams...That's our old way, our Mohawk way. The way of our ancestors" (48). As the story progresses, Molly's dreams become more clear, and she begins to trust her instincts, trusting her Mohawk way. When Bruchac introduces Molly's parents' teachings, the Native American influence becomes obvious.

There are a few Native American appearance markers in the story. For example, on page 30-31, Molly describes herself as having "ink-black hair." There are also a few pictures of Molly in the story. The black and white pictures show Molly as having dark hair. In a few of the pictures, she has braids. Also, the most apparent, illustrative example of a Native American marker is found on page 27. Molly explains she is having an aware dream, where she can get help from a guide in the dream. She is dressed in deerskin and wearing moccasins in the dream.

Another Native American marker is noticed when Molly gets the courage to inspect her uncle's house closely. So as not to be heard, she has to walk the way her Mohawk ancestors would have walked through the forest (66).

The last Native American marker in the story is recognized when Molly explains father called her Warrior Girl because her warrior genes make her sleep so lightly. Molly's father told her her "Indian name might be Keeps Herself Awake (70). Also, when Molly finds her parents, Dad says, "You're our Warrior Girl" (111).

Bruchac is superb at writing a story for children and young adults, using a Native American tale as the backbone of the story. Skeleton Man is a spooky, suspenseful, and riveting tale, anyone will enjoy.

Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly reports, "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" (2001).

School Library Journal comments, "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" (2001).

Connections
Joseph Bruchac has a large collection of stories for children and young adults. He writes poetry, traditional stories, fiction/nonfiction, and picture books. Some of his books are:

The Great Ballgame
The First Strawberry
How Chipmunk Got His Stripes
Eagle Song
Dog People
Pocahontas
The Wind Eagle
The Faithful Hunter
The Circle of Thanks
Above the Line
No Borders
Translator's Son

For a complete listing of Bruchac's books: http://www.josephbruchac.com/published_books.html