I read this book after my 11-year-old daughter and a friend of hers loved it. It was just frightening enough to keep the reader glued to the page but not so frightening that I'd never be able to take my daughter camping again afterward (as it starts out deep in the wilderness). The author weaves the story of a contemporary middle school boy's predicament into the exciting, action-packed, historical legend of the Bigfoot. Really fun read. ( )

Nate Dunning had been suspended from school for fighting and, since he lost, his parents thought it would be a good idea for his father to teach him survival skills. Once he is taught his skills his father will send him out for a 24-hour on-your-own camping trip to use those skills. Nate is not so sure those skills will help him especially since he feels he is being watched as he makes an escape to the nearest outpost of civilization, the country store owned by Big Bob. There Nate learns about Bigfoot and that Big Bob is their friend. When Nate leaves Big Bob asks him to deliver the daily food to Bigfoot. Can Bigfoot be in Arkansas? If so, how have they not been seen and captured? Are they watching Nate? Will they attack him or let him pass in peace?

Bringing Home Bigfoot is the second story in E. G. Foley's 50 States of Fear series. It is done from Nate's point of view. I felt that I was in Nate's shoes as he tries to be what his parents want but he is a nerd, not an athlete. As he does his camping trip, I feel for him. When troubles come to him, he copes as best he can but he is no outdoorsman. He needs help--BIG TIME. Where will he find it in the wilderness?

When he gets back home he still has the school bullies to deal with. The camping trip did not turn him into The Hulk. He is still a bullied nerd. I liked his determination to stand up to Jordan and Toby, the bullies. He may not win but he does fight to save his skin. I loved that Nate learned that he could do things he did not believe he could. He learned to take his fear and use it to learn and try new things. He learns the value of friendship and then when to let go.

The secondary characters are an eclectic mix. Big Bob is a hoot. I can picture who Nate is describing. His brothers are true-to-life in their teasing and ignoring of him. His parents--well, let's just say I am glad they are not my parents. His mother is over-the-top. Watching him with his best friend Sam is fun. They are similar in many ways but there are a few minor (OK, at least in one way, major) differences.

As in The Haunted Plantation the scary level is at creepy with a resolution of the story by the end. Your children should have no problems thinking Bigfoot is running around your neighborhood waiting to attack you. Bringing Home Bigfoot is fun.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )