Skeleton Man

Analyze at least three ways in which Molly changes by the end of the story. What important lessons does she learn, and how does her experience with the Skeleton Man change her outlook on the world?

Giving specific examples from the text, how does Bruchac portray mental health professionals in this novel? What purpose does this representation serve?

How does Bruchac use Molly’s perspective to celebrate Mohawk culture through the insertion of historical allusions?

Molly’s thoughts often stray to her missing parents. Analyze her relationship with them. How do they help her to follow her intuition and honor her cultural heritage?

Why is Molly uncomfortable with her own appearance? What does her mother’s response imply?

Locate and read the Iroquoian creation story. According to this story, how do good and evil come into the world? How does this knowledge inform the explanation that Molly’s father gives for the existence and behavior of Skeleton Man?

Analyze at least three to four instances in which the author uses key sensory details to foreshadow the more ominous elements of the novel.

The Hopi people also tell stories of a Skeleton Man. Research this alternate version of the legend, and explain how the Hopi description is similar or different from Bruchac’s version. What role does the Hopi Skeleton Man play in mythology?