The Return of Skeleton Man

Skeleton Man #2

by Joseph Bruchac, Sally Comport

The monster has returned . . . Molly thought she'd put her traumatic past behind her when she escaped from Skeleton Man last year. She thought her family would finally be able to live happily ever after. She thought wrong. Skeleton Man is back for revenge--but this time Molly is ready.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Suspense, Young Adult, Childrens, Adventure

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Joseph Bruchac lives with his wife, Carol, in the Adirondack mountain foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. Much of his writing draws on that land and his Abenaki ancestry. Although his American Indian heritage is only one part of an ethnic background that includes Slovak and English blood, those Native roots are the ones by which he has been most nourished. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.

He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.

As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.

Reviews

[By Book and Bone (Sally) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one but I think it's not as well written. At least, I don't think this fits the age group it's aimed at due to it mostly being an inner monologue with a tiny amount of action at the very end.
I enjoyed it because we got to know Molly's parents better and the setting was more interesting (big old hotel on a hill versus suburbia). It kinda felt like a book from a different series if I'm honest.
Still, I enjoyed all the Native American and Latin cultural depictions and explanations. I liked Molly more as a character and the Skeleton Man felt like more of a serial killer from a child's perspective.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oooh I have found something tasty"

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a year later and Molly and her parents are still recovering from the events with Skeleton Man. Although things have gotten better and Skeleton Man is thought to be dead, Molly still has a feeling it is not quite over yet.
Molly and her parents go on vacation at a hotel in the mountains of New York State. Molly is having a good time, but she just has strange feelings and there are even signs of Skeleton Man's possible return. Molly tries to ignore it and just have a good time. But, a sudden blizzad leaves Molly and her parents trapped at the hotel, while celebrating Dia de los Muertos inside. But, when the lights go out and Molly tries to find her parents, she ends up waking up in a cave and knows she's been taken by Skeleton Man.

I loved the first book and this one I enjoyed as well. It's a good follow up to the first book and Molly does explain what happened in the first book quite a bit in the beginning of this one. I liked how the book had both Native American and Latin folklore.
Molly is still a great character. She is strong, and smart. I think people who read the first book would enjoy this, but might not like it as much as the first one. I really like this book, it was different from the first and maybe not as suspenseful, but still a great read. I'm hoping for a 3rd book.

[AStar Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I was really excited about this story because of how much I enjoyed the first book, but it didn't really work for me. The beginning and the ending were enjoyable, however there were parts in the middle that went off on random tangents in many different directions. I enjoyed some of the ideas he had for side stories, however I don't feel they actually added to the main storyline. Also, Molly felt about 3-4 years older in this book even though it takes place one year later. It was definitely still an ok book, it's just that that first book was so good.

[Tattooed Horror Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this sequel just as much as the first books, if not a bit more. So nice to have a physical copy so as to be able to truly enjoy the gorgeous illustrations by Sally Wren Comport. This would be a perfect October/November read as the author blends together both Mohawk traditions and stories with Mexican Mayan traditions. Such a fun read, great for middle grades and adults alike!

[McKenna Deem · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

An entertaining addition to the series, but one that’s writing still falls a little short for my taste. I know it’s a kid’s series, but I still feel like the overall writing style is not for me.

I do think this would be a great introduction to horror for little ones, as well as an introduction to some indigenous lore.

[Nyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that the book was okay. It's just that the beginning is a little boring and the climax is very unexpected and happens quickly and suddenly. There was no build up of events which I didn't like, but how it played out was okay.

[Neil Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the original, but still enjoyable. I wish skeleton man had more lines than “aaarayyhh”.

[Charlotte]

Last year Molly's worst nightmare had come true. Skeleton Man was no longer just a scary story about a fleshing-eating monster from her Mohawk ancestors--he was real, and he came hunting for her. But she defeated him....and now she's, maybe, free from his horror. And so it's with a hopeful heart that she accompanies her parents to a conference at a mountain retreat in New York. Maybe at last they can relax...Nope! Instead, a growing sense of dread turns into full on horror when it becomes clear that Skeleton Man is there too....hunting Molly....


Two rather cool things save her. One is her ability to operate heavy machinery, a pleasing thing to see in an adolescent girl character! The other is an unexpected ally--a Mayan woman with her own powerful connection to the strengths of the spirit world.


It's not quite as utterly terrifying as the first book, in which we meet Skeleton Man for the first time, and it takes perhaps a bit too long for the forebodings to turn into terror. In that first one, Molly's parents have been kidnapped, and she's on her own; here her parents are with her, trying to be helpful and supportive, which blunts the menace somewhat. And the return of Skeleton Man seems to me a bit unnecessary, blunting Molly's victory from book one. But still it's a gripping read, especially if you like scary hotels sets in the middle of nowhere...


An additional reason to add this one to your shelves is that, like its predecessor, it's a pretty unique middle grade fantasy/horror book in that it features a contemporary family who is Native--it is who they are, in a matter-of fact way.

[Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book because it has action and suspense and that is the kind of thing that i like in a book. i give this book a five star rating because there is so much suspense that i just love it. i would suggest this book to anyone who likes action and suspense because this book has a lot of it. i wouldnt suggest this book to anyone who gets sick or just flat out doesnt like gore because there are some parts that are kind of gross. my favorite character in this book is probably the skeleton man because i think that he is pretty cool but on the other hand he is wierd

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe if I read this around the time I read the first, I’d feel differently, but this book was a bunch of nothing. 80% of the book was just setup for meeting the antagonist and having a face off. And in that 80%, genuinely nothing of substance happens. It’s literally just “Molly feels something is off. Oh wait it’s nothing… or is it?”

The first book still holds up well, but this one does nothing for the story except ruin the mystery of the first.

[Sheebs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first one. This one.. not so much. It tries to build suspense but it just didn't click for me. Also, the middle is all useless knowledge dumping about random things that don't relate to the actual story. I wish the Skeleton Man had been more present like he was in the first. I definitely recommend the first, but not this one.

[Merissa Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as the first one in the series. It felt like more of the same. There was a high-action scene that last many pages in the climax, but for the most part, the book was slower-paced. I felt like I felt when I watch a crazy made-for-TV sequel. I would have like her to come across more monsters from native mythology. 

[Mrs. Hoisington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruchac is never boring, but this isn't as good as the original.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far it is as best as the first book

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthy successor to Skeleton Man, this book perfectly balances the terror of the original story (playing off the chilling and somewhat unresolved ending) while also giving the series a conclusion which is satisfactory, but also somewhat open-ended (perfect for any horror series!) This book reads faster than the first one, and I feel like it leans a little more into the narrator's Native American heritage, which was really cool.

My only complaint about this one was that I felt like the adults reactions were not really authentic. Like, Bruchac already decided that Molly would be essentially tackling this whole endeavor on her own, and so the parents read as somewhat redundant. Which is good in that it forces Molly to take action, but also bad, as it makes it feel like they aren't taking proper care of her.

But, all in all, I thought this was a pretty juicy story, lots of intrigue, and a great final battle between Molly and Skeleton Man. I'm a little frustrated that we don't know for sure that Skeleton Man is dead, but I guess that leaves an opening for another sequel, so I guess I'll take it. It was nice to finally get some closure from the nightmarish book that scared the crap out of me as a kid!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up several months after the events of Skeleton Man, The Return of Skeleton Man finds middle-schooler Molly and her loving parents attempting to deal with the trauma of being abducted and nearly murdered by an unknown man -- a man who bears a terrifying resemblance to Skeleton Man, a figure from Mohawk legend who murdered and cannibalized his whole family. Molly and her parents have traveled to a remote hotel in upstate New York, and although the vacation is meant to be a fun respite, a growing sense of unease leads them (and the reader) to believe that Skeleton Man has followed them to this would-be refuge to finish the job. Using her wits, bravery, and knowledge gained from traditional stories handed down by her father, and with the help of a mysterious new friend, can Molly once again defeat Skeleton Man?

Unlike its prequel, The Return of Skeleton Man lacks the keep-you-up-at-night sense of dread that resulted from Molly facing a relatively unknown antagonist with minimal aid from the adults in her life. This time, Molly knows exactly who she is up against and does not shy away from seeking help from the adults in her life. This book’s message that parents and other adult can be trusted and turned to for support is a refreshing change from the cynical portrayal of adults so often offered in children’s stories.

Throughout the novel, atmospheric and suspenseful descriptive passages are augmented by foreboding illustrations of Molly with a man-like shadow in the background suggesting that the Skeleton Man is standing just beyond our protagonist’s field of vision. The quick pacing and action-filled climax of this novel produces an engaging story for middle grade readers. However, due to depictions of abduction and discussions of attempted murder, younger children might want to wait a few years before picking up a copy of The Return of Skeleton Man. Children who are delighted by the thrills and chills of the Goosebumps series or Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will find a new source of spooky entertainment in The Return of Skeleton Man.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again for a middle grade read this was a pretty good story.
It was well wrote for the age level, informative, interesting and enjoyable.
I believe this author is a pretty good middle grade author.
The story was well organized, flowed well and interesting enough
to hold my attention and or the plot was enough not to much of this or that.
We have Molly that saved her parents in the first book from Skeleton Man a man
that posed as her uncle, well her in the sequel she feels she can sense him watching
her. Is Skeleton Man coming for her once again?
Will Molly get away once again?
I also believe this book helps middle grade children to cope, handle
and or push through their fears.

[Marcela Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was over in the first book but I was so glad to be proven wrong! Molly stays being one of my favorite main characters, and the fact that Skeleton Man comes back for her despite her being with her family it's a really on sight relationship. I devoured this book in one night, staying up late to finish it. I recommend it to people who are fans of the author and have read the first book.

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this sequel that Mr. Bruchac wrote. I really liked the first. the Return of Skeleton Man was not as good. I still enjoyed the characters. The ending had some excitement to it. But I found some of the references to popular movies a little bit too much. The story did not need so much detail of them for the story. Still a decent read to finish up the storyline, though.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one didn't have the satisfying, atmospheric build up that the first one had :( i did like the setting (mohonk mountain house!), but there were a lot of factors at play for me that got in the way of the horror. i also really appreciated the self-aware commentary on sequels and the discussion of ptsd with molly's family after experiencing the attack in the first book. molly also has such a sweet relationship with her parents that was super refreshing to read about!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I much preferred the first volume. Bruchac's descriptions and cultural portrayals continue to be excellent, but it felt like, even for a short book, it took too long to get back to the Skeleton Man, and once we got there, it was over pretty quickly.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75/5

This one was kind of a letdown compared to the first one. This one seemed the focus more on the scenery and not the scary parts of the story. When the Skeleton man finally makes his return he's only actually in the book for the last 4ish chapters.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was better but this was still an enjoyable read.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nowhere near as creepy as the first book but still a fun and entertaining read.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

not nearly as good as the first one

[Marius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary
!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reving · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2020...

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for O.W.L.s 2020 Readathon: read a book that's less than 150 pages.

2.5 stars

[Ronnie Ashline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first one, but still a great thriller for kids.