Book Review- Trackers by Patrick Carman

Trackers is the new book by Patrick Carman that combines web videos with the book for a multi-media experience that kids will love.  Carman's Skeleton Creek series was the first at blending the two mediums and proved to be very entertaining. This is another great addition to the genre.
Trackers is basically a techno-thriller for kids, told through transcripts of an interrogation of Adam, the creator of this group of teenage trackers, mixed with links to websites and videos. Looking to help others, and to have fun doing it, the group don't realize how much danger they are in for  when they get involved in something they shouldn't.
The book did seem to end very abruptly right in the middle of the action. Hoping the next book in the series isn't released to long after this one.
Trackers will be released on May 11, 2010 in hardcover. 
4/5
Source: ARC from author/publisher
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Mailbox Monday-04/05/10

Things seem to be getting back to normal. I had another book in the mail this week! Woohoo. This time I received Trackers by Patrick Carman from the author/publisher for review. I have actually already read it but don't expect my review until the end of the month. The hardcover will be available on May 1st.

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page



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Book Review- Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

 Ghost In The Machine by Patrick Carman

GHOST IN THE MACHINE starts up right where SKELETON CREEK left off - in the secret room of the dredge with the ghost of Joe Bush staring down at Sarah and Ryan. It has all the same creepy videos, wonderful references to great literature and an original mystery and thriller. SKELETON CREEK was a really great introduction to the characters and story, and GHOST IN THE MACHINE was the perfect sequel, bringing the mystery to a shocking close.

Patrick Carman has given kids a wonderful series of books to enjoy. I really hope there will be more in this style of storytelling in his future. The mix of online videos to see in between chapters and the use of characters in literature as the passwords kept me reading to see the next one. SKELETON CREEK was definitely a hard book to follow, but this one is just as great.

Ghost in the Machine releases on October 1st. Be sure to go out and get a copy!

4/5

RIP IV Challenge






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Ghost in the Machine - 1st video

Have you read Skeleton Creek? If you have, you are probably anxiously awaiting the next book, Ghost in the Machine. I know I am. Well, here is some info and places to visit while you wait. 

Be sure to check out the first video!

Skeleton Creek II (Ghost in the Machine) doesn't release until October, but we've posted the first video so you can find out what happened to Ryan and Sarah in the haunted dredge right now! 

Watch the video here:http://enterpcstudio.com/blog/2009/07/21/gitm-premiere/

"I want bloggers, readers, booksellers, and librarians to have unprecidented access to the project as it's being made, so I've pulled back the curtain on the creative process. "-Patrick Carman

Main site - www.enterpcstudio.com

The Back Lot - http://enterpcstudio.com/back-lot/

Follow writers, directors, and actors through Twitter, vlogs from the set, production photos, and live chats. 

The back lot gives young readers an unparalleled look behind the scenes as we create, shoot, and edit the next project. 

Daily studio blog - http://enterpcstudio.com/staff-blog/

This is where readers can find out quickly what's happening from day to day.

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Skeleton Creek Webcast and a giveaway

Have you read Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman yet?

Would you like to?

It is a fun, creepy, interactive, mixed media book that I am sure you would enjoy. If you haven't heard about it, there are video clips that you watch online while reading. The actress who plays one of the characters will be featured on the third webcast/chat on Monday. 

Check it out! Info below.

I have a copy (paperback, ARC) to share with one lucky person. If you are interested just leave me a comment. I will select a winner on Sunday. You have until midnight (CST) on Saturday, March 7th to enter. This will be open internationally.

**Contest is closed. Thank you all for entering.

Click Here to Find out More about Skeleton Creek

Live Webcast with Amber Larson – Monday March 9th at 4:30 PM (PST) 

Amber Larson plays Sarah Fincher in Skeleton Creek – watch the live webcast and ask questions via chat here:

http://www.mogulus.com/skeletoncreektv 

Skeleton Creek on iTunes!

Sarah Fincher's videos are now available on iTunes to download for your iPod or computer, just search for "Skeleton Creek" in the iTunes store or click here to subscribe.

Skeleton Creek has gone mobile!

You can now access sarahfincher.com from any iPhone,iPod Touch, or Windows Mobile device. Just go tosarahfincher.com on your device's browser and enjoy!

Patrick Carman- Webcast Tonight!

Live Webcast Event Today, Friday the 13th
Watch the live webcast!
Author Q and A / Presentation
6:30PM (PST) at Third Place Books in Seattle, WA.

Watch the live webcast and ask questions via chat here:
http://www.mogulus.com/skeletoncreektv


This is a very cool book. Haven't heard about it? You can find out more about the book here and/or see my review.
Then check out the webcast TONIGHT!

Book Review- Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

This is the perfect book for the YouTube watching, reluctant reader. What a great concept, mixing the two medias. Before the book has even been released there are websites and YouTube videos available to garner interest in the book. Sites with easter eggs and conspiracy theories can be found just by googling "Skeleton Creek". It is quite amazing.

So, is the book worth all the hype?

Well, that depends on what you are expecting. If you are expecting a fast-paced, entertaining and interactive read to get your kids interested in reading. This is it.

The book is written as a journal by 15 year old Ryan who loves to write and read ghost stories. His best friend, Sarah, loves her video camera and a good mystery to investigate. Since the two have been seperated from each other because of an accident during an investigation late at night on an abandoned Dredge, they are forced to communicate with each other in secret through email and video clips while they continue to investigate.

I really think kids are going to love this mixed media ghost story and they will definitely get hooked with the cliff hanger. It is rather fun going to sarahfincher.com and entering the passwords as they come up in the book. Also, parents, lots of really great literature is mentioned throughout. It just might get some kids interested in checking them out next time they are in the library.

There were a few minor issues I had and they are rather nitpicky so I am not even going to mention them. They mostly have to do with the videos.

Anyway, the book comes out February 10th.

4/5

Skeleton Creek (Preview)

Looks interesting, right?

I will be reviewing later this month.
Check out this site for more videos.