Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
When I first read the synopsis of Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman, I remember asking myself, “What?! Can this really be done?” You see, Skeleton Creek is different. It’s not just a book. It’s what I would call an experience. Officially, I guess they call it “cross platform storytelling.”
Skeleton Creek is perfect for those who enjoy getting a little spooked, as well as the reluctant reader. Skeleton Creek is a ghost story. Think Blair Witch Project scary, but for kids. I “watched” this book while in bed late at night by myself and I totally jumped in all the right places.
So what is it all about? The author Patrick Carman says it best:
Skeleton Creek can best be described as a ghost story that’s a book and a movie at the same time. Read 20-30 pages, then watch a 5-7 minute segment online at a secret website. Passwords are provided as the reader progresses through the story. For the reluctant reader, the payoff for twenty minutes of reading is watching a part of the story unfold before their eyes.
One part of the story is the hand written journal of Ryan. We find him just after he’s suffered a horrible accident after ghost sleuthing with his best friend Sarah and he’s in bed with a broken leg. Ryan and Sarah’s parents have prohibited them from seeing each other or communicating. But they have a mystery to solve. So they secretly communicate – Ryan via email and Sarah via online videos – as they get closer to finding out what caused Ryan’s accident and what it is that the small town may be hiding.
I was apprehensive about this second format, would I really want to stop reading to watch a video? But instead I found myself stoked after watching the first one. I would instantly flip ahead to see how many more pages I had to read before I could watch the next clip. The way the book and storyline are set up, the videos are integral to the story. It just wouldn’t work without them.
The Skeleton Creek book trailer gives you an excellent idea of exactly how it works:
First, there were a couple of things that bothered me. I didn’t care for the part where Ryan is sneaking around in his dad’s bedroom and he’s writing things down in his journal as he goes. He writes “He’ll come up here any second, I know he will. Then what will I do? I should run. I should get out of here. I’ve closed the drawer but I can’t move. What am I going to do? He’s coming. “ In the meantime, I’m yelling “Why are you writing that down?! Why are you journaling all of this? Stop writing and MOVE!” Also, the actor who plays Daryl Bonner was pretty deadpan. Needed to work on their directing and acting skills a little. He was the only character I didn’t care for.
You’ll want to make sure that you read this book next to a computer. It’s not a beach read for sure. I found the videos slow to load. As soon as I finished one video I would instantly load up the next one so it would be ready to watch when I got to it, otherwise I’d have to wait. I don’t know if that would be a problem for others or not.
I do wonder how long a book like this could be valid. If somebody picks up Skeleton Creek 5 years, 10 years or 15 years from now will the videos still be online? Will the technology be different? Will the videos still be on the server? What’s to say that it will soon be outdated? Is the format setting itself up for a time where it can no longer be read? Who’s to say. Only time will tell.
What I loved about Skeleton Creek is it’s such a great way to fuse two mediums successfully together. Also, Patrick Carman does a phenomenal job with his promotion. Not only does he have an awesome YouTube channel but a dedicated website for an expansive alternate reality game that brings readers even further into the story. Skeleton Creek will be released on February 10th but he already has kids coming up with their own conspiracy theories about the story. What a great way to hype the book. I already am looking forward to it’s sequel because Skeleton Creek ends with a HUGE cliffhanger, so beware.
Patrick Carman has these things to say about Skeleton Creek:
- Every year kids are drawn into communication and entertainment technology at a younger and younger age, and the noise is getting louder and louder. Two short years ago I saw almost no cell phones in the hands of middle school students, now they’re beyond common in the middle schools and grade schools.
- Books are having a harder time holding the attention of a wired youth culture. iPods, cell phones, movies, the internet, video games, and television are distracting even our best young readers.
- While there will always be plenty of room for tradition books for young adults, publishing has to think outside the box in order to brinkg back many of our young readers, especially middle grade books.
For myself, I wasn’t sure how I would like the format going into it, but the experience was so unlike anything I’ve done before that I came away appreciating it’s draw to reluctant readers. Of course, it helps to have a really fun, albeit scary story.
So what do you think about Carman’s statements? Agree? Disagree? Is this good or bad for reluctant readers? Or even for those who already love reading? Would you be willing to try this new type of storytelling?
Visit Patrick Carman’s website and the extensive alternate reality Skeleton Creek game.
Hey you! Yes. You! I've noticed that you've stopped by to visit a few times! But I don't know who you are. Why don't you take a moment and introduce yourself. Don't be scared. I try not to bite. I know you're a lurker but I'd love to hear your thoughts about what's been bringing you here. And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to never miss a post by subscribing to my feed or receiving updates by email. Thanks for visiting!
Tags: A-D Author, book trailers, Fiction, male author, published 2009, Publisher: Scholastic, Q-T Title, review copy, series, videos
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Well, you’ve got to give the guy credit for using two mediums so creatively! This is something my daughter would totally be into. It does bother me a little that they have a kid who is snooping through his parents belongings…I don’t think Emma needs any cute ideas like that! I may have to look into this!
on January 21st, 2009 at 3:55 amI’m intrigued enough to want to get this book for my middle school library. The only problem I see is that not all of the kids have access to high speed internet. It might be a good idea for them to have packaged a CD with the book and jacked the price up a little to offset this expense. Of course the students can always watch it at school except that we can’t view Youtube!! yet another valid reason why we should be able to have access to Youtube!!!
on January 21st, 2009 at 4:29 amWhat an interesting concept–but you’re right, you wonder how relevant or even readable it will be once the media changes in several years. I used to read scary books when I was younger–a lot of Christopher Pike and RL Stine, but when I couldn’t get to sleep at night after reading, I realized I had to stop.
I’ve never gone back to scary!
on January 21st, 2009 at 5:59 amI got queried for a review of this book and refused it — and now I’m glad that I did. I think I would hate this format! Too much of my life is filled with “screen time” already, and I definitely don’t want to add to that when I should be reading.
on January 21st, 2009 at 6:31 amIt’s a very interesting concept, and I think we’ll see more of this mixed media approach to children’s literature in the future. The 39 Clues series that is out for kids right now is similar, as the books contain clues and puzzles that you the log onto a website to solve. It’s a great way to motivate reluctant readers and get them hooked on books, but I’d hate to see us choose things like this over traditional books.
on January 21st, 2009 at 6:58 amHuh, how odd! It’ll be interesting to see how popular this becomes (both this book and the format).
on January 21st, 2009 at 7:34 amInteresting concept. I’d like to try it, but I’d need a different genre, since I don’t like scary stuff.
on January 21st, 2009 at 8:08 amSandy – I don’t think the snooping is any worse than any other kid in any other book. It’s part of solving the mystery. I just didn’t like how he wrote through the whole thing.
Staci – It’s actually not YouTube. He’s using YouTube for the game associated with its prerelease. To watch the videos you go to http://www.sarahfincher.com and enter a password. You are right about kids not having access to not only high speed internet but also a computer.
Trish – I remember reading some Pike when I was little. Luckily, I don’t remember the stories now!
Christine – I thought I would hate it too! That’s the thing. I didn’t. I bet you wouldn’t either. What’s great is that a lot of kids would be willing to read who normally don’t because they do get to watch a bit of video. And it’s not long. Only 5-7 minutes each. I read/watched the whole thing in just one sitting.
Rebecca – This author is writing the fifth book in the 39 clues series. They are really popular, I would be curious to pick them up now. I don’t think the author intends for this format to replace traditional books at all. As he said,”w”hile there will always be plenty of room for tradition books for young adults, publishing has to think outside the box in order to bring back many of our young readers, especially middle grade books.” Kudos to scholastic for thinking outside of that book.
Janssen – I’m curious to see how it does once it’s released. So far I’ve only seen reviews by adults. I do wonder how kids would respond.
Kathy – Scary worked good for this format. I wonder what other formats would as well. I suppose travelogues would, as well as historical fiction. It needs to have a visual element I think to work good.
on January 21st, 2009 at 8:14 amI’m not big on “ghost” stories, but the creativity behind the book is enough to spark an interest in me. I’ll be watching for it. Thanks!
on January 21st, 2009 at 8:44 amThis sounds really interesting! Thanks for the review.
on January 21st, 2009 at 9:58 amInteresting experiment. I’m trying a new-media experiment myself, issuing my novel Boone Barnaby as a podcast, a free download from iTunes. We’ll see if it grabs reluctant middle grade readers and exposes them to something more literary than vampires and superheroes.
on January 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pmI actually read and reviewed it on my site and really enjoyed it. For kids who are more into technology than books, it makes it interesting and motivates them to read. My husband is not much of a reader, but he devoured Skeleton Creek in a few hours and loved it.
I’m giving away a signed ARC on my site by the way
on January 21st, 2009 at 12:44 pmThis sounds like an absolutely phenomenal book! I mean, not only in the story itself, but also in the creative story telling manner. I’ve always been interested in mixed-media storytelling (one year a VERY adventurous boyfriend of mine attempted to tell me his life story using nothing but bound prints of famous paintings) so this sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the great review!
on January 21st, 2009 at 2:28 pmThis is intriguing to me. I thought The Invention of Hugo Cabret was pretty innovative, but this just takes the whole movie idea up a notch. I really don’t like scary stories either. Is it scary scary or just suspenseful scary? I might try to read it just to see what it was like.
I agree with the person who said they should probably sell a DVD with the video on it with the book, or at least have the option of buying a DVD on the website for those who don’t really want/can’t use a computer/internet.
on January 21st, 2009 at 10:07 pmI just left a comment, but I don’t think it went through. I am having computer woes of late.
Anyway, I too was reminded of The 39 Clues. I think it is very clever to use the internet and multimedia as a way to draw readers in. I would be willing to try it out.
on January 22nd, 2009 at 12:04 amI have this one but I haven’t picked it up yet…I’m curious about it now…more so than I was before reading your review.
Becky
on January 22nd, 2009 at 4:33 pmJoy – I’m not big into ghost stories either but the format worked really well for one.
S. Krishna – Thanks.
Joe – How interesting. I got your email, I’ll be responding soon.
Mo – This is the type of book that my husband would like as well. I already borrowed my copy out but when I get it back I’m sure I’ll be pushing him to read it.
Chelsea – How strange to view your life through paintings. Hmm . . .
Gamila – I’d say it’s suspenseful scary but I did jump twice. But I was in a room all by myself with no distractions. A DVD would be a good idea. Not all kids have access to a computer or internet.
Becky – I’d be curious to see what your response is. Your opinion always means a lot to me.
on January 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 pmI’ll definitely be looking into this book for my kids. I wouldn’t describe either one as a reluctant reader at the moment, but I think they’d really like the interplay between screen and page. Thanks!
on January 24th, 2009 at 12:54 amSounds fascinating, but I really, really can’t do scary, so I’ll just have to wait until a non-scary book come out in multimedia.
on January 24th, 2009 at 12:34 pmAli – Well, I’m not a reluctant reader either, but I liked it. The appeal is definitely there for all.
Beth F. – *laughs* It’s really suspenseful with a few jumpy moments. It would have helped if I wasn’t watching it by myself.
on January 25th, 2009 at 11:34 amI LOVE this idea! How I wish all books could be like this! Hmm… well maybe not. Then we wouldn’t need movie adaptations.
on January 25th, 2009 at 10:12 pmI’m glad you liked it. You brought up a lot of good questions that I never thought about, like will it be outdated. You never think about the internet not being there in say 10 or 15 years. I never thought of that! Great review!
on January 27th, 2009 at 9:53 amAH HA! I knew I recognized the authors name. He wrote the “Land of Elyon” series. I wonder how long it will take my library to get this book. They have NONE of the new Caldecott honors. ~sigh~
What am I complaining for I have a whole stack of books screaming “Read me!”
on January 31st, 2009 at 9:22 pmI’ve just started reading it today and I LOVE IT usually I read 300 paged books like the dexter series or pendragon but this book is definitly better. It feels like it’s real…like I took a real persons journal …like I stumbled apon someone else business and the videos finaliesed it it took me 2 hours to convince myself to watch the second video. I skipped it at first but I got curious but when I skipped it it told me enough that I wouldn’t get lost but the videos take it a thousand times furtherg…… All of this and I’m only 30-40 pages in
on February 1st, 2009 at 8:41 pmim going to buy the bokk it looks awesome
on February 7th, 2009 at 10:51 amis this a good book?
on February 8th, 2009 at 12:55 pmi hope my mom will buy it for me
on February 8th, 2009 at 12:56 pmanybody thier
on February 8th, 2009 at 1:13 pmIs there a book two?
on February 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pmgo to sarahfincher.com click the window
on February 13th, 2009 at 5:05 pmMarmar – There will be a book two. But this one just barely came out. So it will be a while.
FYI
I so want to watch this webcast. But I’ll be busy. Maybe you can:
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:
on February 13th, 2009 at 5:13 pmhttp://www.mogulus.com/skeletoncreektv
i think this is the best OH YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on February 28th, 2009 at 4:58 pmI LOVE SKELETON CREEK!!! ITS AWESOME!!! EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!
on March 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pmhay i love the book i just cant see the vidieos
on March 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pmI AM READING THIS BOOK AND IT ROCKS! I HOPE THE SECOND BOOK COMES OUT QUICK CAUSE I CAN’T WAIT! I AM ALSO A LITTLE FREAKED OUT ABOUT WATCHING THE VIDEOS BECAUSE I AM SCARED SOMETHING WILL POP OUT:)
PLEASE LET THE SECOND BOOK COME SOON!
on March 10th, 2009 at 4:15 pmPLEASE TAKE THE SECOND BOOK OUT, FAST!! ITS SO INTERSTING.
on May 4th, 2009 at 7:17 pmI KNEW I had heard of this author. It’s just clicked when I pick up the Land of Elyon, Stargazer book my daughter bought me at her book fair. I’ve read the whole series…Cool! I love it when I know I’m not crazy…well only a little crazy.
on May 5th, 2009 at 10:18 pmi take back what i said earlier the idea is awsome but its actually just a start of an internet game around the world i lost respect for the book after i found out people were looking for a certain book within the whole world…
on May 10th, 2009 at 11:37 amoh my god this book is so awsome i just need book number 2 and i will watch and read it it is so good
on June 15th, 2009 at 2:22 pmwhen was skeleton creek published by ryan and sarah
on June 20th, 2009 at 8:00 pmhas the book skelaton creek come out
on July 26th, 2009 at 12:16 pmI think this book will be interesting for me to read because it has ghost storys.I cant wait until I bye this book.
on October 5th, 2009 at 1:31 pmthis book will be INTERESTING TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!
on October 5th, 2009 at 1:32 pmis there a third book to skelenton creek
on November 24th, 2009 at 3:09 pmi have already read the first two books ,and they are great!
on December 5th, 2009 at 2:41 pmis there a third book in skeleton creek
on December 19th, 2009 at 2:44 pmWHEN I PICKED IT UP I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN.I LOVE
on September 23rd, 2010 at 2:51 pmIT IM GONNA GO TO THE LIBARY AND GET THE SECOND ONE. IF I WOULD HAVE A MILLION $$$ I WOULD BUY IT FOR EVERYONE IN THE WORLD.
I read this book and the second one, but I was to scared to watch the videos, therefore it was a little confusing,especially the second one! But all the same, good book
on November 1st, 2010 at 7:09 pmI love the books, but the videos freak me out. I tried not to watch them right before I went to bed. I was wondering how many books there are in the series. I have the first 3, and just finished the third one and it sounds like there might be more, but I am not sure.
on November 7th, 2010 at 11:41 am