Skeleton Creek #1

I read about this book in an educators magazine recently. Classroom teachers were sharing the most popular books in their classrooms - the ones that don't stay on the shelves! I work with middle school reluctant readers and am always on the lookout for titles that might hold their attention! I ordered Skeleton Creek and quickly read it. What a fantastic idea of bridging text and video. You read a few chapters and then type in the website and watch the eery video with one of the characters giving you more information about the mystery at hand! Very motivating and engaging! Its a series so that's a huge plus!

I can't sum this book up with just one adjective—it was, by far, the most thrilling, creepy, spooky and haunting yet FANTASTICALLY written/directed book I have EVER read. I love the parts where you have to go to the website ([...]) and actually type in the passwords to watch Sarah's video journals. It just adds so much more to the overall chilling effect of the book and makes it so much more interesting.....This is a must read for anyone who likes mystery/creepy stories; though, even if you don't, this book will make you like it! I can't wait to buy the second book in the series...the first leaves you with such a cliffhanger....

This easy-to-read mystery is an engaging adventure. Ryan's journal contains sketches and notes that bring the secret to life. The scary aspect of the book is the online videos shared by his friend Sarah. The videos are PG. There are scary moments built through suspense but nothing inappropriate for young readers. This is a great way to introduce a haunted mystery book to younger readers who may be reluctant to read chapter books, but are captivated by graphic novels.

I bought this and read it aloud to my 5th grade class. They loved it although the videos were a little intense for a few of my timid students. Although I offered them to leave the room during the videos, no one would. They just closed their eyes and asked the other kids what was happening. I found a couple of editing errors, but they were easy to read through. My only complaint is that it ends in a huge cliffhanger, almost like the book shouldn’t be over. Most good cliffhangers provide some resolution and also make the reader ask new questions. This book actually doesn’t answer a lot of reader questions. It’s frustrating because there isn’t enough resolution. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re considering buying more books in the series. I didn’t, but my students seem to be interested in getting the books and reading the next one on their own. I love the video link connections. It’s a clever idea that appeals to today’s tech savvy, screen-loving kids. I hope more authors figure out how to do this.

My grandson hated reading. I got book #1, when the author was at my grandson's school in San Diego ca. I got him to read to me on the way to school every morning. He got hooked and I bought him every book in the series. My grandson now loves to read, thanks to Patrick Carmen. He writes books for boys. Most books for grade school kids are written for girls. These books give the next clue to the mystery via computer, or a video. GREAT author.

Read the series in middle school & again at 22yrs old. Read book 1 again in one day and it’s still entertaining the whole time with its suspense & having to watch a video here and there as I read along. It’s the best mystery book series out there!

This book was an okay read. At first I was confused about each of the characters. I had to reread it quite a few time just to understand what was really going on but I would still recommend the book to friends that are into mystery/horror fiction books.

My 12 year old daughter got this book for Easter and couldn’t put it down. She read it in one day and then had to order the rest of the series to see what happens! She filled me in on the story and I watched the videos with her too. Very cool and creepy! Even my 15 year old wants to read it after watching the first two videos with us. Cool concept. We have no idea what’s going on and can’t wait to see what happens next!

My students loved this. They spent a lot of time making inferences and predictions, and the creepiness for great for pre Halloween.

Awesome book for fifth graders.

Good read with a real sense of tension .

merci

I used *Skeleton Creek* for my middle school students, and it was a huge hit! The book's suspenseful plot and innovative use of multimedia, like online videos, really engaged the class and brought the story to life. The combination of mystery and interactive elements kept students excited and eager to participate. The writing is captivating, and the story’s twists and turns held their attention throughout. It’s a fantastic educational tool that combines great storytelling with a modern twist. Five stars for a book that made learning fun and memorable!