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Night Wings: A Great Fall and Halloween Read for Kids
Praised as a “perfect book to gobble up in a single, sweaty sitting” by Booklist , this chilling middle grade novel from acclaimed author Joseph Bruchac is infused with suspense and heart-stopping action. Give it to fans of R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps series and readers anxious for well-crafted horror! Night Wings follows a Native American boy named Paul who is forced to journey up a treacherous mountain and must come face-to-face with something even more terrifying and deadly than his surroundings. Paul has always believed in the power of dreams. He knows that they are often warnings. Warnings that should be taken very seriously. Now his nightmare visions of a fearsome winged creature are becoming all too real. And though Paul has always depended on the wisdom of his Abenaki ancestors’ stories to guide him, no monster tale will prepare him for the horror he is about to encounter. All alone. At the top of one of the most dangerous mountains in the world.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2009
5 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Bruchac
290 books605 followersJoseph 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.com
The Native American Abenaki people have a legend about a huge flying creature called Pmola. It lives in the mountains, guards its treasure, and punishes trespassers harshly.
To thirteen-year-old Paul, this legend has always been little more than a scary story, until the dreams start haunting him. Then, he and his Grandpa Peter run afoul of a ruthless treasure hunter who has heard the legend of Pmola. Soon, Paul's nightmares are taking on an even deeper meaning than he could have ever imagined.
NIGHT WINGS is an exciting story that blends an ancient legend with modern criminals. It gives the reader heroes to cheer for and villains to hiss at, and something scary that literally goes bump in the night. What's not to like?
It also offers a fascinating peek at some Native American traditions and beliefs from an author who is himself of Abenaki heritage.
NIGHT WINGS is recommended for readers who like a scary story told in an engaging style. It is a fairly short novel, which makes it especially appropriate for younger readers. Older readers might be left wanting a longer tale, however. They are probably used to more character development and multiple plot lines, both of which are largely lacking in this book.
Nevertheless, NIGHT WINGS is an engaging story about a fascinating Native American legend that should have appeal for horror fans.
The Native American Abenaki people have a legend about a huge flying creature called Pmola. It lives in the mountains, guards its treasure, and punishes trespassers harshly.
To thirteen-year-old Paul, this legend has always been little more than a scary story, until the dreams start haunting him. Then, he and his Grandpa Peter run afoul of a ruthless treasure hunter who has heard the legend of Pmola. Soon, Paul's nightmares are taking on an even deeper meaning than he could have ever imagined.
NIGHT WINGS is an exciting story that blends an ancient legend with modern criminals. It gives the reader heroes to cheer for and villains to hiss at, and something scary that literally goes bump in the night. What's not to like?
It also offers a fascinating peek at some Native American traditions and beliefs from an author who is himself of Abenaki heritage.
NIGHT WINGS is recommended for readers who like a scary story told in an engaging style. It is a fairly short novel, which makes it especially appropriate for younger readers. Older readers might be left wanting a longer tale, however. They are probably used to more character development and multiple plot lines, both of which are largely lacking in this book.
Nevertheless, NIGHT WINGS is an engaging story about a fascinating Native American legend that should have appeal for horror fans.
March 18, 2012
My favorite of Bruchac's books... A slightly mythical adventure where the monsters are clearly human... The ending was a little anticlimactic, hence the four stars not Five stars...
November 24, 2020
This was very different than I expected it to be based on the synopsis. For some reason I thought this was more of an internal struggle type thing wherein the kid was having nightmares. But this is more of a survivalist type story. It was a well constructed story and I did like it. I really liked the illustrations throughout.
November 26, 2022
A pretty solid action adventure where the young man is Indigenous and the Cryptid is real. Would be great for spooky season! Has a lot of violence, but its fairly non graphic. Grandpa was the best & the real star of the book & I wouldn't have been mad if the book had actually been about him instead.
December 4, 2018
3.5 stars. Fun read with Native American folklore. However it is an older YA that has predictable tropes.
June 28, 2019
Definitely plan for some extended reading time so you can race to the exciting finish.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
March 20, 2020
Love Joseph Bruchac this is good stand alone book
Read
April 20, 2022it was a very awesome book! everyone should read it!
January 14, 2023
rtc lol
2/5 stars
2/5 stars
March 5, 2026
A quick read that introduced to me Indigenous mythological creatures that I was previously unfamiliar with. I've already recommended it to my monster loving pre-teen.
April 7, 2019
Survivalist action story where the main character learns about himself and the bad guys get what's coming. Really, really good! I felt like I was listening to a storyteller tell it, rather than reading it.
May 18, 2016
The book is written by a skilled Abenai storyteller, The book starts off with a legend about a winged creature, which goes by the name Pmola. Which has some type of connection with the main character. Main character mom is being diploid somewhere in the middle east with this father, and the main character has to stay with his grandfather. Then one night someone comes and breaks into their home and makes his grandfather hostage. “Night wings” has a lot of adventure, treasure, Mythical creatures, and a little of horror, coming of age, and bravely.
The book does not have that many characters in it, which makes the few characters easier to remember. Paul is the main character in this story, he’s a boy going through puberty, he is really tall, skinny, and boney. He doesn’t like his height, because in old school people kept telling him to play basketball. It not like he hated basketball, It’s just, because he did not feel like he would be a good player. But Paul seem to have a great relationship with this family members. He really likes the Native american side of this family, he really embrace it.
Grampa Peter a.k.a the grandfather is a very interesting character, The reason why I say this is, because I found the Peter as a mysterious person. Peter is a old man, living in the woods near the mountains. He takes in this grandson, because his son, and daughter in law are going off to war. Peter fought in the vietnam and got medals, he teaches his grandson to not make a big deal of his parents going to war. But what makes this man so interesting is that he never ever speaks a word he communicates with grandson with just face expressions.
Moving on to the villains of this story, The main villain of this story was a man that went by the name field, he’s a man that only care about fame and will do anything to get it. He’s a news man, or you can say he’s a reporter. He heard of the tail about a treasure in the top of a mountain. So he’s on the hunt for old people that know where the treasure is, that’s what lead him to Peter. Field does not act alone, he has his own crew that want the treasure as much as he did. He’ has two guys backing him up, one is named Tip and the other goes by Stazi, and he has a women that goes by Louise. But yeah they make a good combo for a villains.
Overall I did enjoy this book, but at some times I would get bored. Because it would be repetitive. [spoiler alert] Like for example Peter and Paul would escape, but then get captured again by Field crew. But if you can get past that, it's a great book to read, I would recommend this book to 5th graders, because it’s about their reading level, the words in the book are not hard, so it makes it easier for kids to read. I would rate this book as a 4 Star out of 5, I would rank it higher, but like I said I find it a little bit repetitive.
The book does not have that many characters in it, which makes the few characters easier to remember. Paul is the main character in this story, he’s a boy going through puberty, he is really tall, skinny, and boney. He doesn’t like his height, because in old school people kept telling him to play basketball. It not like he hated basketball, It’s just, because he did not feel like he would be a good player. But Paul seem to have a great relationship with this family members. He really likes the Native american side of this family, he really embrace it.
Grampa Peter a.k.a the grandfather is a very interesting character, The reason why I say this is, because I found the Peter as a mysterious person. Peter is a old man, living in the woods near the mountains. He takes in this grandson, because his son, and daughter in law are going off to war. Peter fought in the vietnam and got medals, he teaches his grandson to not make a big deal of his parents going to war. But what makes this man so interesting is that he never ever speaks a word he communicates with grandson with just face expressions.
Moving on to the villains of this story, The main villain of this story was a man that went by the name field, he’s a man that only care about fame and will do anything to get it. He’s a news man, or you can say he’s a reporter. He heard of the tail about a treasure in the top of a mountain. So he’s on the hunt for old people that know where the treasure is, that’s what lead him to Peter. Field does not act alone, he has his own crew that want the treasure as much as he did. He’ has two guys backing him up, one is named Tip and the other goes by Stazi, and he has a women that goes by Louise. But yeah they make a good combo for a villains.
Overall I did enjoy this book, but at some times I would get bored. Because it would be repetitive. [spoiler alert] Like for example Peter and Paul would escape, but then get captured again by Field crew. But if you can get past that, it's a great book to read, I would recommend this book to 5th graders, because it’s about their reading level, the words in the book are not hard, so it makes it easier for kids to read. I would rate this book as a 4 Star out of 5, I would rank it higher, but like I said I find it a little bit repetitive.
August 30, 2009
The book I read to start off this school year was Night Wings by Joseph Bruchac, and it was great to start the year off with. It is about this kid named Paul who goes to stay with Grandpa Peter because his parents are soldiers fighting in Iraq. When Grandpa Peter and Paul get kidnapped by an old friend to search for something that some people say is fake, things turn bad. Once they start the climb on Agiocochook, an ancient mountain to the Abenaki translating to Home of the Great Spirit, time changes. Grandpa Peter and Paul found this out because the skies were clear, and there weren't any other climbers. Once they made some progress up the mountain one of the old friend's crew members got attacked by something, and described it as a black creature with wings and huge claws. Grandpa Peter and Paul took this seriously, but not Field and his crew members. Grandpa Peter told Paul his plan to escape, and it quickly took action with Paul taking out Stazi and Tip. Then for Paul to get captured again, and find Grandpa Peter a little farther up the mountain. After that They escaped again with help of Pmola, the winged beast, and Paul found Pmola's treasure in the back of the cave he hid in. He and Grandpa met back up, and then made it back down the hill and back into their regular time zone. Field had a search team look after him, and reporters showed up at Grandpa peter's house looking for answers of Field's expedition for Pmola's treasure. They gave up after a while of Grandpa Peter intentionally not answering his questions.
This book really was awesome, but there was one concept in this book that really was unnecessary. This concept was having the time go to the past and back to the future when they went past a certain point on the mountain. I didn't like them including this because going back in time wasn't what the book was particularly about. This is why I call it unnecessary. other than that little dink it was an awesome book. This happened when Field took Paul and Grandpa Peter past that certain point which caused Pmola to set a ripple in time. It also happened when Grandpa Peter and Paul came back down the mountain, and Pmola set another ripple in time. Other than that little dink it was an awesome book, and great for my first book of the school year.
This book really was awesome, but there was one concept in this book that really was unnecessary. This concept was having the time go to the past and back to the future when they went past a certain point on the mountain. I didn't like them including this because going back in time wasn't what the book was particularly about. This is why I call it unnecessary. other than that little dink it was an awesome book. This happened when Field took Paul and Grandpa Peter past that certain point which caused Pmola to set a ripple in time. It also happened when Grandpa Peter and Paul came back down the mountain, and Pmola set another ripple in time. Other than that little dink it was an awesome book, and great for my first book of the school year.
April 9, 2021
Inspired by a teacher friend on Instagram, I decided to install a new practice in my classroom this year called "First Chapter Fridays" wherein every Friday you read the first chapter of a book to your students as a way to give book recommendations and inspire literacy through showing the kids that you are also a reader. This was the eleventh installment.
Normally I save the things I didn't like about a book until the end in order to sell readers first, but my problem with this one was the description of the book, which (when coupled with the first few chapters) make you think you're getting a different story than what you end up with.
The description of this one sells it more as a middle grades horror/fantasy (like a children's The Only Good Indians) about a boy stuck alone with a Spirit from his tribe's stories. While it has elements of horror-lite and fantasy, the foreground story is a kind of Hatchet-style outdoor adventure mixed with a kidnapping plot featuring a grandfather/grandson relationship. It's still a VERY solid story. I just think it's better if you know what you're getting yourself into.
Now here's a list of things I love about this book:
1) I learned some very important things. (Did you know that New Hampshire is one of the few States in America that has NO "recognized" Indigenous tribes and no Indigenous land?)
2) It made me rethink how I phrase things when talking to my students. (I learned that it could be harmful to use terms like "folklore" when talking about cultural stories from other groups.)
3) It's got some genuinely scary and tense moments.
4) The grandfather/grandson story is very heartwarming, and the author has a clear love for his people.
I really cannot recommend this book enough, and it would be a wonderful addition to a classroom shelf.
Rating: 4/5
Normally I save the things I didn't like about a book until the end in order to sell readers first, but my problem with this one was the description of the book, which (when coupled with the first few chapters) make you think you're getting a different story than what you end up with.
The description of this one sells it more as a middle grades horror/fantasy (like a children's The Only Good Indians) about a boy stuck alone with a Spirit from his tribe's stories. While it has elements of horror-lite and fantasy, the foreground story is a kind of Hatchet-style outdoor adventure mixed with a kidnapping plot featuring a grandfather/grandson relationship. It's still a VERY solid story. I just think it's better if you know what you're getting yourself into.
Now here's a list of things I love about this book:
1) I learned some very important things. (Did you know that New Hampshire is one of the few States in America that has NO "recognized" Indigenous tribes and no Indigenous land?)
2) It made me rethink how I phrase things when talking to my students. (I learned that it could be harmful to use terms like "folklore" when talking about cultural stories from other groups.)
3) It's got some genuinely scary and tense moments.
4) The grandfather/grandson story is very heartwarming, and the author has a clear love for his people.
I really cannot recommend this book enough, and it would be a wonderful addition to a classroom shelf.
Rating: 4/5
July 20, 2010
Summary: In Joseph Bruchac's Night Wings, Paul is the child of parents who are both in the army. Paul's mom is leaving to join his dad in the Middle East. Paul's family has always been involved in the military. His grandpa Peter, who says very little, will stay with him while both his parents are gone. Paul has been having dreams lately of an enormous winged creature which he believes are warnings from his Abenaki ancestors. These warnings turn out to be true when the host of a television show Forbidden Mysteries kidnaps them both in order to find the Abenaki treasure hidden deep in the New England wilderness. Along the way, Paul realizes his grandpa Peter isn't as old as he pretends to be and the Paul himself has some remarkable strengths as well.
Review: Joseph Bruchac develops the character of Paul in Night Wings as an insecure teen who doubts himself daily. Proud of his Native American ancestors and his families military history, the adventure he shares with his grandpa Peter when they are both kidnapped encourages him to be proud of himself as well. With a mixture of suspense and Native American folklore, the tale of grandfather and grandson outwitting a sneaky television reality show host proves to be an entertaining, coming of age story.
Review: Joseph Bruchac develops the character of Paul in Night Wings as an insecure teen who doubts himself daily. Proud of his Native American ancestors and his families military history, the adventure he shares with his grandpa Peter when they are both kidnapped encourages him to be proud of himself as well. With a mixture of suspense and Native American folklore, the tale of grandfather and grandson outwitting a sneaky television reality show host proves to be an entertaining, coming of age story.
December 8, 2011
Night Wings
by Joseph Bruchac
Paul lives on Mount Washington with his Grandfather, a place that sounds peaceful enough, but that Paul's people, the Native American Abenaki tribe, know holds a dark secret. The legendary creature Pmola is giant, ink-black, and razor clawed; Pmola deserves respect and he guards a great treasure. Paul and his grandfather would never purposefully provoke Pmola's anger. That is until Darby Fields, an egotistical TV star who produces shows about legendary creatures, blows into town, and Paul and his Grandfather are forced to face the creature head-on. If you like short chapters (I mean like 2-3 pages tops!) action, and lots of creepy mystery, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading it. In fact, I knocked the whole novel out in two nights, which is unusual for me. I'd finish a short chapter and then just have to go on to the next one. Why? Because every chapter ended in a cliffhanger, and I had to see if the evil Mothman-like creature would kill everyone in its path...and trust me, you'll feel the same way.
by Joseph Bruchac
Paul lives on Mount Washington with his Grandfather, a place that sounds peaceful enough, but that Paul's people, the Native American Abenaki tribe, know holds a dark secret. The legendary creature Pmola is giant, ink-black, and razor clawed; Pmola deserves respect and he guards a great treasure. Paul and his grandfather would never purposefully provoke Pmola's anger. That is until Darby Fields, an egotistical TV star who produces shows about legendary creatures, blows into town, and Paul and his Grandfather are forced to face the creature head-on. If you like short chapters (I mean like 2-3 pages tops!) action, and lots of creepy mystery, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading it. In fact, I knocked the whole novel out in two nights, which is unusual for me. I'd finish a short chapter and then just have to go on to the next one. Why? Because every chapter ended in a cliffhanger, and I had to see if the evil Mothman-like creature would kill everyone in its path...and trust me, you'll feel the same way.
November 23, 2016
Fun little novel about a young man and his grandfather. His grandfather is a man of few words but is still incredibly knowledgable. When some wicked people come seeking his knowledge, he and his grandson must work together to survive.
I appreciated that the "teenager" in this book was a good kid. He wasn't angsty. He listened to his grandfather, he remembered the advice his parents and grandfather had given him throughout his life, and he kept a good head on his shoulders. The events of this book were difficult enough without some good ol' fashioned teenage angst thrown in the midst. I also enjoyed that there were lots of good little lessons. Keep your cool when you're in a tough spot. Remember that when you're in a tough spot, it could be worse. If you're working against someone, try to think beyond the moment to the next step.
It was a nice quick read, as well, with a few moments that were kind of scary. I'd much rather my 5th graders read this than Percy Jackson.
I appreciated that the "teenager" in this book was a good kid. He wasn't angsty. He listened to his grandfather, he remembered the advice his parents and grandfather had given him throughout his life, and he kept a good head on his shoulders. The events of this book were difficult enough without some good ol' fashioned teenage angst thrown in the midst. I also enjoyed that there were lots of good little lessons. Keep your cool when you're in a tough spot. Remember that when you're in a tough spot, it could be worse. If you're working against someone, try to think beyond the moment to the next step.
It was a nice quick read, as well, with a few moments that were kind of scary. I'd much rather my 5th graders read this than Percy Jackson.
April 26, 2017
An Abenaki boy and his grandfather are taken captive by a dastardly TV host who wants them to lead him to the treasure of the legendary Pmola up in the mountains of New Hampshire. The whole legend/concept of Pmola was eerie, and one I'd not heard of before. The time travel element was surprising, however, and I wonder if the Abenaki really have a theory about that too. Bruchac usually doesn't make these things up--his Native American elements are based on real legends and beliefs. I will have to look up more about this Pmola. I like this fast-paced story, and would like to see more stories about Paul and his grandfather. Recommended.
August 11, 2011
Age: 10-13
Genre: Mystery
Diversity: Indian Folklore, Family Ties
Illustrations: Sally Wern Comport does the black and white pencil or ink drawings in the book. There are only a handful but they add a little interest to the action scenes.
Personal Response: This book was a good page turner. It was a quick read that kept me interested in the storyline. The first few pages had me hooked. The story of Paul who goes to live with his Grandpa Peter and the story of Pmola, the winged creature who guards his treasure. It's a great book and I highly recommend it.
Programming Connections: This book can be used for a teen book club about folklore.
Genre: Mystery
Diversity: Indian Folklore, Family Ties
Illustrations: Sally Wern Comport does the black and white pencil or ink drawings in the book. There are only a handful but they add a little interest to the action scenes.
Personal Response: This book was a good page turner. It was a quick read that kept me interested in the storyline. The first few pages had me hooked. The story of Paul who goes to live with his Grandpa Peter and the story of Pmola, the winged creature who guards his treasure. It's a great book and I highly recommend it.
Programming Connections: This book can be used for a teen book club about folklore.
November 4, 2011
Very much enjoyed this novel. It's a great book for reluctant readers thanks to the quickly catching plot. The author shares his Abenaki ancestry through storytelling and weaves an interesting story involving two Abenaki characters, teenage Paul and his Grampa Peter, who face creatures of nightmare proportions - both modern day heartless, greedy thugs and an ancient mythology Native American monster named Pmola.
September 3, 2016
A young American Indian teen goes to live with his grandfather while his parents are deployed in Iraq. It does not look like an exciting time, until he and his grandfather are kidnapped by treasure hunters. The treasure they seek is buried on a mountain the Indians believe is haunted by a creature of great power and terror. Paul has always thought Pmola was a legend, but is he? Another Bruchac masterpiece for boys.
August 24, 2009
If I had stuck with the professional reviews, I wouldn't have tried this one out. But I decided to ignore them and give it a shot. It was fun. I really liked Paul and his Grampa Peter and the dynamic between the two of them. I didn't find the book to be as creepy as Skeleton Man, but it still has tension (as well as some much enjoyed understated humor.)
September 18, 2009
Ages 9+ (violence)
In New England group of unscrupulous media personalities kidnaps a grandfather and grandson of Abenaki heritage, hoping they will be led to the treasure of the Pmona, a giant birdlike creature of native lore.
Not really horror, but a good short suspenseful story for most middle school & junior high readers.
In New England group of unscrupulous media personalities kidnaps a grandfather and grandson of Abenaki heritage, hoping they will be led to the treasure of the Pmona, a giant birdlike creature of native lore.
Not really horror, but a good short suspenseful story for most middle school & junior high readers.
November 22, 2010
This book incorporated some Native American mythological figures which I found interesting. The story follows a Native American boy who is staying with his grandfather while both parents are deployed in Iraq. The boy and his grandfather are kidnapped by an unscrupulous videographer and his crew who want the grandfather to lead them to a treasure they think is hidden in the nearby mountains.
March 12, 2011
Not sure what kids would think of this book. I definitely enjoyed it, especially the Native American aspect in regards to cryptids and folklore. Definitely unrealistic antagonists reign, but overall I thought the story was suspenseful and adeptly written. Kids who have an interest in Native American folklore and/or crytozoology would find enjoyment here.
March 28, 2013
Hello, Get here and read this Mystery and adventure that Will hunt you from inside and a little from outside. He is dreaming about a monster that almost kill one of his ancestors. In his tribe, sometimes the dreams come true. So if you want to read this gettingoutofyourseat story do it. If not means you're scared not?
August 10, 2009
Not one of my favorite Bruchac books. Still, it was atmospheric with some shivers- a nice mix of modern day adventure and Abenaki folklore and history. Good relationship between the boy and his grandfather. The ending was a little abrupt but generally satisfying.
July 17, 2010
NH history and geography mixed in with Abenaki lore. Suspenseful and entertaining. 13-year old protaganist with "Scooby-Doo-like" antagonists. I think students will love this book. I now want to read more Bruchac, I can't believe I've taken so long to read anything by this prolific author.
October 28, 2010
"After being taken captive by a band of treasure seekers, thirteen-year-old Paul and his Abenaki grandfather must face a legendary Native American monster at the top of Mount Washington."
I really enjoyed this book and I like this author!
I really enjoyed this book and I like this author!
March 11, 2016
Great story weaving in the Abenacki ancient stories with a modern twist. I loved that the story took place in New Hampshire. I could almost picture everything and every place mentioned. Ignore the warnings of nature at your peril. Awesome story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews