When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Terror [Hardcover]

James Bruchac (Author), Joseph Bruchac (Author), William Sauts Bock (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Twelve scary stories from the northeast woodland Native Americans.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-An interesting alternative for children who love horror stories. These 12 tales from the Northeast Woodland Native American nations are based on legends and mythical creatures from eight tribes. The authors use their own styles to tell about a wide variety of monsters while remaining as close as possible to the traditions of their ancestors. They have set the stories from "the very distant past to very recent times." Now as in the past, these legends offer entertainment and instruction. In many of them, bravery, clear thinking, and goodness allow the hero or heroine to overwhelm a monster and come to a happy ending. Several cautionary tales are also included, showing the end that can befall disobedient or willful youngsters who fail to mend their ways. Intriguing drawings help to bring the fearsome creatures to life. Each story is accompanied by a brief note of explanation and list of sources. A helpful pronunciation guide is appended. A good addition to any folktale collection, for both individual reading and storytelling sessions.
Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6, younger for reading aloud. Joseph Bruchac and son James have collected and retold 12 scary stories from northeast woodland Native Americans. Some are hero tales; others are cautionary stories, intended to make children behave and keep them from danger. Nine are traditional tales, but three are original stories that incorporate legendary monsters. Some might consider these contemporary pieces out of place, but the Bruchacs want people to realize that "these stories and the Native people who tell them have not vanished." Interesting cultural background and original sources are appended to each selection. An appendix provides definitions and pronunciations. The ink sketches fit the stories; their monsters may attract reluctant readers. A worthy addition to Native American folklore collections, this is also suitably frightening for fans of Schwartz's scary stories and San Souci's Short and Shivery collections. Linda Perkins

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802786383
• ISBN-13: 978-0802786388
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,405,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed Abenaki children's book author, poet, novelist and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. Coauthor with Michael Caduto of the bestselling Keepers of the Earth series, Bruchac's poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored more than 50 books for adults and children. For more information about Joseph, please visit his website www.josephbruchac.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When the Chenoo Howls, July 19, 2005

By 

T. O'Brien "the library lady" (Anaheim, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Horror (Library Binding)

This is a great book for older children who love Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories to Read in the Dark." At my elementary school library scary stories are very popular and tales from this book have been well received at storytime. A fourth grade teacher reported that he was somewhat surprised at the content of the tales (they are very descriptive and sometimes quite bloody), but that his class was spellbound when he read the stories aloud. A sixth-grader told me this is "a very, very good book." Not for the squeamish. A good addition to folklore collections, but not for very young children.

5.0 out of 5 stars Boys LOVE this., September 5, 2011

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Terror (Paperback)

Joseph Bruchac is the master storyteller -- he could take my grocery list and turn it into a spellbinder.

This collection of stories is full of chills and hair-raising adventures -- it will give your boys the creeps. It's wonderful. Every story is so richly written, the book is a pleasure to read. Fun to read these out loud to your kids; it gives them plenty of scary stories for around the campfire.

Excellent book.

Glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book.