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In Search of Sasquatch
What is Sasquatch? Thousands of people believe in it. Hundreds say they have seen it. But the
mystery of Sasquatch has not been solved . . . Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a cryptid—a creature of cryptozoology. Cryptozoology is the study of creatures not recognized by traditional science, and it is the quest to understand things that cannot be proven via ordinary channels. Kelly Milner Halls interviews cryptozoologists, linguistics experts, anthropologists, biologists, and regular people like us who have seen, heard, or maybe stumbled across evidence leading them to believe that Sasquatch is real. Serious Sasquatch seekers are as skeptical as unbelievers. They are not out to collect great stories. They are out to put together facts. The difference is, they are willing to keep an open mind. Do you believe in Sasquatch?
mystery of Sasquatch has not been solved . . . Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, is a cryptid—a creature of cryptozoology. Cryptozoology is the study of creatures not recognized by traditional science, and it is the quest to understand things that cannot be proven via ordinary channels. Kelly Milner Halls interviews cryptozoologists, linguistics experts, anthropologists, biologists, and regular people like us who have seen, heard, or maybe stumbled across evidence leading them to believe that Sasquatch is real. Serious Sasquatch seekers are as skeptical as unbelievers. They are not out to collect great stories. They are out to put together facts. The difference is, they are willing to keep an open mind. Do you believe in Sasquatch?
64 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2011
1 person is currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Milner Halls
63 books51 followersKelly Milner Halls specializes in high interest, well researched nonfiction for young readers. Her books include TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and ALIEN INVESTIGATION. But she is also an avid YA fan and loves realistic fiction including GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology she edited for Chronicle (January 2012). Her first short story is in that anthology. She hopes it won't be her last. When she's not writing or doing school visits, she works for her friend and mentor Chris Crutcher in Spokane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 23, 2011
Of course I'll give my own book five stars...whether you agree or not, that is the question. I loved writing this book because I was so intrigued by the concept that Sasquatch, aka Bigfoot might be real. I sought out credible witnesses and scientists to support the theory. And while I didn't prove it was real, I did prove serious people are willing to ask the right questions to find out. Remarkable research experience I hope translates to the text. Let me know what you think.
January 23, 2012
When I was a kid, one of my favorite books was BIGFOOT: MAN, MONSTER, OR MYTH? by Carrie Carmichael (Raintree, 1977). I’ve always been an animal lover, and I loved the possibility that there was one (or more?) out there clever enough to remain a mystery to us. I lived in rural northern Wisconsin and spent a lot of time in the woods, but, sadly, never saw any Sasquatch signs.
When my son told me he thought it’d be cool to be a cryptozoologist (nice!), I knew I had to get him this book. It didn’t disappoint. He’s read it several times cover to cover, and I’m loving the facts and critical thinking skills he’s demonstrating as a result.
My first thought when I opened the book was how beautiful it is. The full-bleed forest spread with the quotes overlaying the trees pulls you right into the world of the sasquatch from the very first page turn (and the final one, as well). The beauty continues with beautiful photography, elegant illustrations, and well-done layout and design throughout.
Halls combines various myths and legends with expert opinions and eyewitness accounts to weave a cleverly crafted and compelling case for the existence of sasquatch. She doesn’t come right out and tell us that it does or doesn’t exist, though. In the end, it’s up to the reader to decide if they’ve been convinced or not.
This is a great book to hand to any kid with an interest in cryptids or other mysteries, and animal lovers and budding young scientists will also enjoy it.
FUN FACT: “According to experts at the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), credible witnesses have reported seeing Sasquatch in every state in the United States of America except Hawaii, as well as most Canadian provinces.”
There is a dedication, table of contents, additional resources, photo and illustration credits, bibliography and source notes, glossary, and index.
SIDE NOTE: When asked her opinion of the book, my daughter answered, “I LOVED how she crammed so many facts into this book, yet still kept it completely interesting!” My answer: “Ahem. ‘YET STILL?’ Have I told you what I do? I am a nonfiction author, and FACTS ARE INTERESTING!” I have failed as a parent.
When my son told me he thought it’d be cool to be a cryptozoologist (nice!), I knew I had to get him this book. It didn’t disappoint. He’s read it several times cover to cover, and I’m loving the facts and critical thinking skills he’s demonstrating as a result.
My first thought when I opened the book was how beautiful it is. The full-bleed forest spread with the quotes overlaying the trees pulls you right into the world of the sasquatch from the very first page turn (and the final one, as well). The beauty continues with beautiful photography, elegant illustrations, and well-done layout and design throughout.
Halls combines various myths and legends with expert opinions and eyewitness accounts to weave a cleverly crafted and compelling case for the existence of sasquatch. She doesn’t come right out and tell us that it does or doesn’t exist, though. In the end, it’s up to the reader to decide if they’ve been convinced or not.
This is a great book to hand to any kid with an interest in cryptids or other mysteries, and animal lovers and budding young scientists will also enjoy it.
FUN FACT: “According to experts at the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), credible witnesses have reported seeing Sasquatch in every state in the United States of America except Hawaii, as well as most Canadian provinces.”
There is a dedication, table of contents, additional resources, photo and illustration credits, bibliography and source notes, glossary, and index.
SIDE NOTE: When asked her opinion of the book, my daughter answered, “I LOVED how she crammed so many facts into this book, yet still kept it completely interesting!” My answer: “Ahem. ‘YET STILL?’ Have I told you what I do? I am a nonfiction author, and FACTS ARE INTERESTING!” I have failed as a parent.
January 7, 2012
I have paged through this beautifully illustrated and facinating NF children's title at least once a day since it arrived. I read tidbits here and there as that's the way I read NF, which I think is how many kids do as well. Eventually I've read all of most NF books that intrigue me in this manner and Kelly's books fall are ones in this category. She knows how to approach subjects that kids want to read about and "shakes the fascination tree" in each of us to find out more. This book on Sasquatch is not only fun to visually explore, but it is enjoyable to read. The amount of research the author put into this book is astounding and is evident in every word added to the page. Kelly has done it again - created a book that won't stay on the library shelves and will fill her mail and email box with letters from kids wanting to know more about how she wrote this book. I can just imagine the fun items she'll bring on school visits when sharing In the Search of Sasquatch!
October 24, 2011
Interesting and engaging non-fiction. This book examines evidence (scientific and anecdotal) ove rthe years and compiles it into this one slick volume. A glossary and a healthy "Learn More About It" section. Made me want to add plaster of paris to my grocery list. :) Kids are going to eat it up!!
February 6, 2019
Kelly Milner Halls's book, "In Search of Sasquatch" is a great exploration into the legend of Sasquatch. This book describes the history, including Native American stories and legends that occurred centuries ago. Something that I found especially interesting was the breakdown of the Native American tribes and names each one used for what the author sets out to show as a description of the same mysterious creature. This book also gives more current scientific research and methodology that is performed when it comes to searching for Sasquatch. The pictures, interviews, and evidence included in this book is interesting and thoughtfully arranged to maintain a child's fascination and interest. Something else that this book did a wonderful job of was providing additional resources that a child could utilize if they found this particular topic interesting. Overall, though this topic isn't a typical one for children, this was well organized and designed with a child in mind.
April 15, 2019
I started out as a non-believer. Then , converted to the Bigfoot phenomenon. After all , there is the Coelecanth story. However , I'm not convinced by the Patterson film. I read the book and it does seem like a hoax.
Even if there's no such creature as a Sasquatch , it's still just plain fun and entertaining to read about. There's something feral about the tale that draws people in. Some wild , undiscovered part of the natural world. Which never gets old.
Even old sailors have been vindicated about the existence of rogue waves.
Looking forward to my next Bigfoot book.......
Even if there's no such creature as a Sasquatch , it's still just plain fun and entertaining to read about. There's something feral about the tale that draws people in. Some wild , undiscovered part of the natural world. Which never gets old.
Even old sailors have been vindicated about the existence of rogue waves.
Looking forward to my next Bigfoot book.......
October 4, 2021
My family think that I a weird because the idea of yetis and sasquatch make sense to me. I remind them of the words Shakespeare penned. "There are more things in heaven and in earth than are dreamt of in my philosophy." In my mind, I think of yetis and believe. Why not?
August 19, 2017
Could Sasquatch be real? Halls explores the history and theories behind the belief in a species of giant primates which haunt a variety of terrains all over the world. She describes many recent sightings and provides a window into the world of Sasquatch tracking.
This topic will seize the attention of many children (and adults) and the information is presented clearly, openly, and attractively. Photos and illustrations pepper the pages, demonstrating the elements Halls discusses.
Halls gets much of her information by interviewing actual cryptozoologists and other primary experts in the field. Although generally this is a plus, there is one unfortunate inclusion: On pages 13-14, Halls includes a partial transcription of a 9-1-1 call regarding a potential Sasquatch sighting. In the introduction, she instructs readers to ask parents before listening to a YouTube video of the call because there is strong language featured on the tape. In the abridged transcription, however, she includes three instances of potentially offensive language, even though the implication in the introduction was that those portions would be left out of the account because of the book’s young target demographic. This inclusion will offend some audiences. However, the rest of the book is illuminating and engaging and demands its place on library shelves, particularly in libraries which appreciate its Pacific Northwest focus. \\pro review
Occasionally I draw upon my conservative upbringing to pinpoint potentially problematic content. This is one of those cases. For those curious, the curse words I mention in the review above are Maybe some people (including Milner Halls) don't realize that some families will find two of these the worst curse words?
I was super bummed at this weird thing, and it was probably the linchpin in it falling off my radar for booktalking. When I booktalk, I see wide range of aged kids in up to thirteen elementary schools. There are many good books in the world, and it doesn't take much for me to choose something else to take on these visits.
Anyway, love sasquatch love. Always. I often look for bigfeet/sasquatch/yeti when I'm driving in the more rural parts of our state, or imagine glimpsing them on walks through the woods.
This is a great survey of the topic.
Read with:
The Yeti Files
The Abominables
This topic will seize the attention of many children (and adults) and the information is presented clearly, openly, and attractively. Photos and illustrations pepper the pages, demonstrating the elements Halls discusses.
Halls gets much of her information by interviewing actual cryptozoologists and other primary experts in the field. Although generally this is a plus, there is one unfortunate inclusion: On pages 13-14, Halls includes a partial transcription of a 9-1-1 call regarding a potential Sasquatch sighting. In the introduction, she instructs readers to ask parents before listening to a YouTube video of the call because there is strong language featured on the tape. In the abridged transcription, however, she includes three instances of potentially offensive language, even though the implication in the introduction was that those portions would be left out of the account because of the book’s young target demographic. This inclusion will offend some audiences. However, the rest of the book is illuminating and engaging and demands its place on library shelves, particularly in libraries which appreciate its Pacific Northwest focus. \\pro review
Occasionally I draw upon my conservative upbringing to pinpoint potentially problematic content. This is one of those cases. For those curious, the curse words I mention in the review above are Maybe some people (including Milner Halls) don't realize that some families will find two of these the worst curse words?
I was super bummed at this weird thing, and it was probably the linchpin in it falling off my radar for booktalking. When I booktalk, I see wide range of aged kids in up to thirteen elementary schools. There are many good books in the world, and it doesn't take much for me to choose something else to take on these visits.
Anyway, love sasquatch love. Always. I often look for bigfeet/sasquatch/yeti when I'm driving in the more rural parts of our state, or imagine glimpsing them on walks through the woods.
This is a great survey of the topic.
Read with:
The Yeti Files
The Abominables
September 6, 2014
A non-fiction book which examines the history and science behind sightings of Sasquatch, also known in the Americas as Big Foot. The author uses a conversational tone to inform kids about Sasquatch and current theories about this cryptid. She deftly includes definitions (for example, biped on page one) within the text which will help a young reader keep going. Another attractive aspect of the book are the large number of photographs, drawings, and illustrations which closely mirror the text. I think this book would be very appealing to fourth and fifth graders. Of course the subject matter should appeal to kids who generally love mysteries and monsters in equal portions.
The organization is logical and well thought out. The book begins with an introduction and an examination of what Sasquatch is. Halls uses or refers to a variety of sources in the book including interviews, videos, a 911 transcript, historical materials and the like. I felt that the purpose of the book was as much to teach kids about scientific method, ie collecting and weighing evidence, as it was about Sasquatch. While the author appears to believe in the existence of the creature, she is careful to caution readers about making assumptions and advises them to decide for themselves.
Although the author is not a scientist, she asked an anthropologist to check the text before publication and also interviewed experts in the field.
The back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, list of interviews, photo credits, and an index and a glossary.
The only part of the book which I didn’t like and thought was unnecessary was the part about the Sasquatch hunters who write and perform songs about the creature. Hall seemed pretty careful to focus on science as much as possible so I think the inclusion detracts from the authority she is trying to bring to the book. That said, I can see how it might appeal to kids to learn that there are grown ups who write songs about Sasquatch, and they might be tempted to write their own.
One final thing-after reading this book I thought the Wookies in Star Wars must have been modeled after Sasquatch.
The organization is logical and well thought out. The book begins with an introduction and an examination of what Sasquatch is. Halls uses or refers to a variety of sources in the book including interviews, videos, a 911 transcript, historical materials and the like. I felt that the purpose of the book was as much to teach kids about scientific method, ie collecting and weighing evidence, as it was about Sasquatch. While the author appears to believe in the existence of the creature, she is careful to caution readers about making assumptions and advises them to decide for themselves.
Although the author is not a scientist, she asked an anthropologist to check the text before publication and also interviewed experts in the field.
The back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, list of interviews, photo credits, and an index and a glossary.
The only part of the book which I didn’t like and thought was unnecessary was the part about the Sasquatch hunters who write and perform songs about the creature. Hall seemed pretty careful to focus on science as much as possible so I think the inclusion detracts from the authority she is trying to bring to the book. That said, I can see how it might appeal to kids to learn that there are grown ups who write songs about Sasquatch, and they might be tempted to write their own.
One final thing-after reading this book I thought the Wookies in Star Wars must have been modeled after Sasquatch.
January 19, 2012
Kelly Milner Halls knows how to write engaging nonfiction that will appeal to middle grade readers. In this book, she focuses on Sasquatch, relying on quotes from experts in this particular field and evidence including film, sound, photos, and footprints. [She touched lightly on Sasquatch in her earlier book on cryptids.] By the time readers finish the book, they may have changed their mind about whether Sasquatch actually exists. Whether she convinces readers of the existence of Big Foot, they will surely be drawn in by her wonderful writing style and the curiosity that seems to have propelled her own research into this particular topic. Perhaps most poignant of all, the author reminds readers that Sasquatch has more to fear from humans than we do from Sasquatch. The book's appeal is heightened by the great photographs that show places where the hard-to-find creature has been sighted. Because some of these photographs cover one or two pages, readers feel as though they are outdoors where a Sasquatch sighting might be imminent. The inclusion of a map showing that there have been reported Sasquatch sightings in every state except Hawaii and a taped recording from 1996 of a Washington man calling 911 to report a very large creature add to the pleasures of reading this book. What I particularly like about this book is that the author leaves readers questioning and trying to make up their own minds after they read about Sasquatch hoaxes and the scientists who are sure Sasquatch exists. As I read, I had to wonder how much ridicule they must endure because they say Sasquatch exists. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, additional resources for the curious, and source notes. Kelly Milner Hall, where were your books when I was growing up? You ROCK!
November 16, 2011
I’ve never really thought that Bigfoot, or Sasquatch as it’s sometimes called, is anything more than a myth fueled by a series of clever (or not-so-clever) hoaxes. And so I was more than a little skeptical when I began reading Kelly Milner Halls’ latest book, In Search of Sasquatch (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011). I knew Halls to be a terrifically talented and prolific writer of nonfiction books for young people (Saving the Baghdad Zoo, Mysteries of the Mummy Kids, and Tales of the Cryptids are some of her better-known books)—but Sasquatch? Really?
Leave it to Halls to make you think just a little differently about your worldview. After reading In Search of Sasquatch, I can’t say that I’m packing to go on a Sasquatch search expedition, but I’m willing to entertain the notion that it may very well exist.
The many people Halls has interviewed for the book include an anthropologist, a linguistic expert, a biologist, and several people who claim to have sighted Sasquatch. While acknowledging that Sasquatch hoaxes abound, she bolsters her argument for the possible existence the mysterious creature by example: for centuries, paleontologists believed that the coelacanth was a long-extinct prehistoric fish—until a living coelacanth was discovered in 1938. Similarly, the giant squid was a thing of Greek legend—until it was discovered in 2004.
Her text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, additional resources, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography and source notes. Kids who are drawn to the weird and wonderful will love this book. So will adults.
Leave it to Halls to make you think just a little differently about your worldview. After reading In Search of Sasquatch, I can’t say that I’m packing to go on a Sasquatch search expedition, but I’m willing to entertain the notion that it may very well exist.
The many people Halls has interviewed for the book include an anthropologist, a linguistic expert, a biologist, and several people who claim to have sighted Sasquatch. While acknowledging that Sasquatch hoaxes abound, she bolsters her argument for the possible existence the mysterious creature by example: for centuries, paleontologists believed that the coelacanth was a long-extinct prehistoric fish—until a living coelacanth was discovered in 1938. Similarly, the giant squid was a thing of Greek legend—until it was discovered in 2004.
Her text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, additional resources, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography and source notes. Kids who are drawn to the weird and wonderful will love this book. So will adults.
April 1, 2015
I've pretty much been a skeptic since I first heard about Sasquatch. But I have to admit this book really made me think about all the different pieces of evidence that suggest that maybe the creature does exist. I personally really don't know but I appreciate how the author presents the evidence and convictions of those who have spent so much time investigating the possibility. The author also shares some of the hoaxes that have been presented. She leaves it to the reader to decide what to believe which I think shows a read respect for a young reader. The topic is certainly an intriguing one very nicely presented with photographs of investigators, pieces of evidence, and drawings by the illustrator showing some of the ideas associated with Sasquatch. A book that made me think about what I do and do not find convincing.
December 11, 2013
One of Kelly's strengths as a non-fiction writer is her ability to lay out the evidence and let readers come to their own consclusions. She does this masterfully in this book. Sasquatch is one of the most well-known and hotly-debated cryptids in cryptozoology. Kelly really does her research here, talking to scientists on both sides of the issue, laying out possible explanations about disputed evidence, and even giving readers a chapter about why people don't believe in Sasquatch. This is a book that will interest, entertain, and encourage critical thinking of the best kind.
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November 10, 2011
This is definitely a book for true believers, which is not a bad thing exactly (I have a soft spot for Bigfoot legends myself) but it will leave children with the idea that most scientists believe evidence supports the existence of Sasquatch---and that is not true. The book is really nicely laid out with great photography and illustrations but it would be improved by being a little more impartial.
October 16, 2014
This book was good. I enjoyed its viewpoints. Kelly Milner Halls does very well to write an attempted nonfiction book about a mythological creature that's never been confirmed to walk. To me, it kind of read like I was reading the pamphlet for a cult but that's alright, it made the claims in the book that had no proof seem a bit less surreal. 4/5 stars.
May 1, 2012
I think the author did a good job of presenting both sides of the Sasquatch mystery. This is a well organized, clear presentation. It has a nice bibligraphy, glossary and index and an ample "Learn more about it" section.
October 24, 2012
The only thing I thought while reading this book is that I don't really need to know whether or not Sasquatch exists. People are dedicating their lives to discovering Bigfoot and I don't care. Is that bad?
October 24, 2012
I searched for any book about or including the word 'Sasquatch'. I was very fascinated with the idea of Sasquatch after watching Animal Planet TV Series 'Finding Bigfoot'. Although I found this book in the Juvenile section, it was very helpful and informative.
March 17, 2013
The pages are big and filled with so much interesting information. A must have for any elementary school. The kids were fascinated by her interviews, sketchings and photos. Plus she visited our school!
October 29, 2013
Having never thought much about Bigfoot, this book was quite interesting. I especially enjoyed the information of how a bigfoot type creature exists in lore in almost every Native American tribe, as well as all around the world. Fast and easy to read, this book is a good one to read for fun.
June 8, 2014
Grades 4-6. High interest book for students who love unexplained mysteries. This book examines the evidence that has been collected by Sasquatch scientists. Pointing to beasts like the giant squid and cealocanth-- the author argues it is only a matter of time before the truth is discovered.
December 19, 2014
(Informational/Picture Book) I love the mixed media in this book! It is a collage of newspaper clippings, photographs, sketches etc. that the author has collected about Sasquatch. It is very intriguing and I really enjoyed it!
October 26, 2011
A comprehensive look at the history of the Sasquatch legend and the search to prove its existence.
October 27, 2011
Pretty interesting.....
January 4, 2012
An interesting look at scientific evidence supporting the existence of Sasquatch. It would be great for a lesson on text features, or one on research & drawing conclusions.
April 3, 2012
Nice expansion on the Bigfoot section of Milner Halls' "Tales of the Cryptids." Really great discussion--I may be a believer now!
July 14, 2015
My 9 year old is a bigfoot enthusiast! This book has a lot of good info in it.
January 9, 2016
A detailed look at the possibility of the Sasquatch living in North America.
November 25, 2011
Still not a believer but it was an interesting read.
July 27, 2012
Content was good, pretty high reading level. People of all ages would enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews