Anyway, it was great fun which is why Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman immediately appealed to me. I am only a couple of chapters into the story of Emily and her friend James who become caught up in a mystery of puzzles and clues and books.
What's not to like?
Emily's family has just moved to San Francisco -- her parents have set out on a mission to live in all 50 states. She has never lived in one place long enough to develop any deep friendships and has sought solace in books. Book Scavenger, an online site, connects people and books. Books are hidden and clues are posted on the site. Emily has been participating for years - hiding books, finding books, and earning points. Oh, and reading along the way.
It turns out that the very day the family arrives in San Francisco, the creator of Book Scavenger, Garrison Griswold, is on his way to an event to announce an exciting new game when he is attacked and ends up in the hospital in a coma.
Emily, who is 12 and was hoping to meet Mr. Griswold, is heartbroken, afraid there will be no more Book Scavenger hunts. But things begin to look up when she makes the acquaintance of James who lives in her building and who also loves ciphers and secret codes. Emily introduces James to the online adventure and the chase is on.
Not only is this a tale about books and friendship, the reader also gets a guided tour of San Francisco and learns a bit of literary history. Emily's father is a fan of the Beat Generation authors and there is a visit to City Lights bookstore. Edgar Allan Poe's The Gold-Bug plays a prominent part in the story as well.
As it turns out, there is actually a Book Scavenger website and books are hidden and found and recorded on the site just like in the book. There is a listing for one hidden here in Louisville, but it is dated from last August so I am not sure that it will still be around. I have solved the clue and will check out the location and report back if I find it.
The game is afoot.
