Skeleton Man

Reach for this book when your child is starting to explore darker, suspenseful stories and is ready to discuss the importance of intuition and ancestral wisdom. While it functions as a pulse-pounding thriller, it is deeply rooted in Mohawk tradition, offering a unique bridge between contemporary mystery and indigenous folklore. It is a powerful choice for children who feel like their concerns are being dismissed by adults or those who need to see a protagonist succeed through quiet observation and cultural pride. The story follows Molly, a young Mohawk girl whose parents suddenly vanish. She is placed with a mysterious, emaciated man claiming to be her great-uncle, but his behavior is increasingly predatory and inhuman. Molly must rely on her heritage, her dreams, and her sharp wits to uncover the truth. The book explores themes of resilience and bravery in the face of gaslighting, making it an empowering read for middle-grade students who are developing their own sense of agency and skepticism toward suspicious authority figures.