The Dark Pond - Hardcover

Bruchac, Joseph

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060529954 ISBN 13: 9780060529956

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2004

Synopsis

The author of Skeleton Man returns with another chilling tale.

What kind of sinister creature lurks in the dark pond in the forest? Armie can feel it calling to him...and he suspects the answer may lie in the legends of his Shawnee ancestors.

Joseph Bruchac, the award–winning author of Skeleton Man, puts a contemporary spin on Native American lore to create a terrifying tale of monsters and darkness.

About this title

About the Author:

Joseph Bruchac is the author of Skeleton Man, The Return of Skeleton Man, Bearwalker, The Dark Pond, and Whisper in the Dark, as well as numerous other critically acclaimed novels, poems, and stories, many drawing on his Abenaki heritage. Mr. Bruchac and his wife, Carol, live in upstate New York, in the same house where he was raised by his grandparents.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6 Up–With its almost unbearably creepy prologue, Bruchac's contemporary novel combining Native American lore and horror will immediately grab readers. Armin Katchatorian, part Shawnee, part Armenian, narrates this tale set at the North Mountains School. He is such a loner that his best communications are with animals, who are naturally drawn to this young man who "feels" things. Armie becomes aware that an ominous pond off established hiking trails is trying to draw him near to it via nightmarish visions and an actual physical pull. After being rescued from entering it by a fox, he notices that although many animal tracks lead into the pond, none return. With an economy of words, Bruchac conveys an atmosphere of increasing tension and fear of this unknown evil. Armie discovers that both the Iroquois and Abenakis spoke often about underwater monsters, and meets Mitch Sabattis, who is working at the school. Recognizing a fellow shaman, the young man warns Armie to stay away from the pond. The novel loses a little steam when the conflict between Mitch's scientific approach meets Armie's more visceral one, but ultimately the two discover just what type of horror lives in the pond. Effectively illustrated by Comport, this eerie story skillfully entwines Native American lore, suspense, and the realization that people and things are not always what they seem to be on the surface, all through the perspective of a resourceful yet insecure young man who learns to value his talents. A perfect choice for reluctant readers.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0060529954
• ISBN 13: 9780060529956
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160
• Illustrator: Comport Sally Wern