Joseph Bruchac, the award-winning author of Skeleton Man , puts a contemporary spin on Native American lore to create a spine-tingling tale of monsters and darkness. 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. “Although it’s steeped in Mohawk lore and tradition, Bruchac’s story is contemporary both in its setting and its celebration of the enduring strength and courage of Native American women.” (Booklist) ?Perfect for Halloween Reading - Ideal for fans of the supernatural - Features light scares “A creepy, fast-moving tale that will appeal to fans of horror stories, with a message about self-discovery neatly tucked in as well.” - KLIATT “As he did with Skeleton Man, Joseph Bruchac once again blends haunting elements of traditional Native American folklore with a modern setting and characters.” - Publishers Weekly “Bruchac’s contemporary novel will immediately grab readers. This eerie story skillfully entwines Native American lore, suspense, and the realization that people and things are not always what they seem. A perfect choice for reluctant readers.” - School Library Journal “Bruchac’s contemporary novel will immediately grab readers. A perfect choice for reluctant readers.” - School Library Journal “Bruchac crafts a wonderful, quick read. The crackling fast-paced plot will keep even the most reluctant reader involved in the story until the last page.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “A creepy, fast-moving tale that will appeal to fans of horror stories.” - KLIATT 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. 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. You can visit him online at www.josephbruchac.com. Sally Wern Comport has been making pictures professionally since the age of sixteen. Her images have been seen in the editorial, advertising, and publishing markets worldwide, and her work includes the picture book Brave Margaret: An Irish Adventure, by Robert D. San Souci. She lives in Annapolis, Maryland, with her studio partner -- husband and their two daughters, Taylor and Olivia, and she recently completed her graduate education at Syracuse University to further her passion for the art of illustration. The Dark Pond By Joseph Bruchac HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Copyright © 2005 Joseph Bruchac All right reserved. ISBN: 0060529989 Chapter One Feeling things. That is one of the gifts I got from my mother, being able to feel things that other people don?t. Spooky, isn?t it? That is how most other kids see it. And me. Spooky Armie. Ever since I was really little (which was a looong while ago) I?ve been teased because I was weird. It wasn?t just because I looked different, with my thick black hair and my brown skin. It was also because I said things that other kids thought were strange. In second grade I transferred to a new school. On my first day there I?d made it through the morning by just keeping my head down so I wouldn?t be noticed much, but then came recess. I was outon the playground when I felt that something was wrong. It was like I could hear a bunch of little voices calling for help. A group of kids were gathered in a circle at the edge of the soccer field. When I got closer I saw that they were dropping pebbles onto an anthill. I got in between them and the anthill and held up my hands. "You gotta stop," I said. "Why?" the biggest kid asked me. He had red hair that stuck straight up. I think his name was Ray, but I?m not entirely sure. I was in three different schools that year, so all the kids who were bullies or made up clever new names for me kind of blend together in my memory. Anyhow, instead of saying nothing, which would have been the smartest move, I gave him an honest answer. "You gotta stop ?cause you're hurting them. The ants are all upset. They're really scared.""How do you know that?" the red-haired kid said. "I can feel it," I said. "Feel this, weirdo." Then he pushed me. It ended up with me on the ground, crouched over the top of the anthill, while the other kids poked me and tried to pull me off. Finally a teacher came and broke it up. For the rest of the two months I was at that school the other kids called me A