Patrick Carman: Recommended Author for Reluctant Young Readers

February 06, 2012

I am 37 days into a reading challenge that requires me to read books written for juvenile and young adult audiences. I first happened across Patrick Carman  as one of the contributing authors to the very popular 39 Clues series, so I decided that I’d try another of his books. I checked out Floors and absolutely loved it. One reviewer described it as "Willy Wonka meets Harry Potter." I’d have to agree. There are many fantastic elements in it, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Book 2 of that series hasn’t been released yet, so I went looking for something else Carman wrote. I stumbled upon Skeleton Creek (cue spooky music), which is a series of 4 books written for an upper elementary aged crowd.

This series is written in a journal format by the main character, Ryan, who is recuperating from a mysterious accident. While he recovers, he is told not to communicate with his best friend, Sarah. She was there the night Ryan was badly hurt, and his parents blame her for the accident. Skeleton Creek is a strange town, and Ryan feels like his every move is being watched. Sarah finds an unusual way to communicate with Ryan, and it’s not long before they are both in danger. The first book in this 4-part series was amazing and unique, and I think it may be just the thing that brings reluctant young readers back to books! In fact, it’s so different,that you’ll have to click here to finish the rest of my blog.

Debbie A.
Blue Ridge Branch