Review: Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Publisher: Scholastic


Pub. Date: March 1, 2009

Format:Hardcover

Source: Library

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Ghost Story






A breakthrough new series from bestselling author Patrick Carman, featuring text and technology in an innovative new way.

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek . . . and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out. . .and then email the clips for Ryan to see.

In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book. (Goodreads)

I had to read this book for my Youth Literature in the Digital Age class and it was to show us how some authors are mixing websites and various other digital things with novels. I actually loved this book. I was surprised. The book is in journal form written by Ryan who has been forced to cut off communication with his best friends Sarah after he breaks his leg sneaking onto an old machine called The Dredge.They're able to secretly communicate with each other through e-mail, but have to remember to wipe the history so their parents don't catch on. Throughout the book Sarah sends Ryan links to her website with different passwords to show either videos of herself sending messages to him, or videos that she took while at the dredge. After watching the videos posted by Sarah we read Ryan's reaction which is typically a reaction similar to our own. Without giving too much away I have to say I was very impressed. Having the video accompany the words in the book was almost like adding an extra sense. Two thumbs up

4 stars.

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