Book Scavenger

Publisher's Summary

For 12-year-old Emily, the best thing about moving to San Francisco is that it's the home city of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, book publisher and creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger (a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles). Upon her arrival, however, Emily learns that Griswold has been attacked and is now in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend, James, discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold himself and might contain the only copy of his mysterious new game. Racing against time, Emily and James rush from clue to clue, desperate to figure out the secret at the heart of Griswold's new game - before those who attacked Griswold come after them, too.

©2015 Jennifer Chamblis Bertman (P)2015 Recorded Books

Bibliophile? - Check this out!

If you love books, this is the supreme adventure for you. With characters that leap off the page and a mysterious game that is shrouded in secrecy, readers are off kilter until the surprising conclusion. It deserves to be read by readers of all ages, not just the young audience it is targeting. Thanks for such an entertaining game!

43 of 45 people found this review helpful

Clever story about the love of books and puzzles

This was a fun read that made me wish the fictional "Book Scavenger" website was real! Bertman has done some extensive research in order to make this book believable and fun. The characters are likable, and the narration on this audio version was excellent.

40 of 44 people found this review helpful

A young adult novel about young adults who aren't having sex or doing drugs!!! Finally!!!

Finally! A young adult novel that is just clean SMART fun!!! No virginity woes, no promiscuous sexual encounters, no alcohol binges! Just fun smart adventures for kids doing awesome literary things! Two thumbs up!

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

A Stirring Adventure

What could be better for the book-hungry youngster than this reader-centric, exciting, and learning adventure?

I really like delving into Middle School and YA books occasionally, and "Book Scavenger" is a great example. It has the advantage of offering family drama, a fascinating city and its history, and an action-filled adventure - all in one book.

Jessica Almasy gradually won me over as the narrator. At first I nearly flinched from the frenzy - then she grew on me and became a favorite part of this experience.

The premise of this puzzle was irresistible for me. Years ago, I discovered the joys of "Bookcrossing". Leaving a book for a total stranger to find and then actually sometimes learning where it ended up and how and where it was passed on again! It's sad that "Book Scavenger" doesn't actually exist, but I hope the book will encourage a number of its fans to head on over to "Bookcrossing".

Enjoyed this very much!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Whimsical mystery for middle schoolers

With the rise in real world incorporation of games (Pokemon Go, in particular), this book brings a delight in finding clues in our surroundings to solve puzzles. Emily and James are a delight to follow as they solve the puzzles given to them. Highly recommended for middle school students and puzzle fans.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

scavenger adventure fun

I listen to this book on a trip back from visiting my grandsons. I fell in love with the characters and the true to life presentation of children and how they look at life as an adventure. As an advantage book lover this was an incredible fun book. Love the use of Edgar Alan Poe to give such rich depth and Literature to the story. The back ground of the rivalry between Poe
and the great-great-grandfather was also a great bonus to the book. Could not stop listening to it till finished. Then immediately scaled and told both my daughter and recommended my grandson read it. Hope it encourages others to read and have an adventure.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cute but it was more like a youth book than a young adult

Cute story and well narrated but not as sophisticated as Harry Potter or hunger games.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good story, but couldn't finish

Great premise to the story, and as a booklover, I like stories about books. I especially like stories about young girls who love books. The narrator’s unfortunately nasally and whiny portrayal of the main character made it impossible for me to finish listening. In contrast, Shelly Frasier's reading of Anne of Green Gables is a fantastic example of portraying youth without the whiny tone. I also found the narrator’s portrayals of other characters just too much, and the “overperformance” just about killed the book for me. It’s an engaging story, but I'll have to buy the Kindle book to find out what happened.
Another reviewer commented that this book seemed inaccurately categorized as young adult. I agree, and would suggest it be categorized as middle grade.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love it

I Love It!!!!!!! You Should Read this book, it is a good book. I love it, and it can be read by elemermenty kids.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Really fun, well-written, and good narrator

An exciting, intriguing and fun read with nice themes about friendship and family as well. Love the scavenger hunt, the ciphers, the details of the city, and the love of books.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful