What does a teacher have to do to get students to take a break from technology and open up a book this summer? I am going to treat my students to the next big series after Harry Potter, Twilight, and Percy Jackson--the FreeKs series! In the first book, FreeK Camp, author Steve Burt gives us memorable characters, great storytelling, and a thrilling climax your kids will love. This teen thriller is perfect for our summer reading groups.
- Bob Barboza, founder and host of Kids Talk Radio
FreeK Camp is a magical summer adventure starring a magical cast of characters that any kid would love to have as friends. Fats-moving and unpredictable, this book will keep its readers up way beyond their bedtimes.
- Timothy Hallinan, Author of the Poke Rafferty Bangkok Thrillers
Steve hit it out of the park with FreeK Camp. It's a terrific mystery with elements of sci-fi that made me happy. And while it's really aimed at teens, it kept me engaged all the way through (like the Harry Potter stories are fun for adults as well as the kids they are intended for). At the end I was literally holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen next!
- Laren Bright, Award-winning TV animation writer
FreeK Camp reminds us about the importance of unique gifts in our society--an important message for all adolescents struggling to fit in. Teachers will discover in Burt's artistry a 'mentor text' for use in character analysis for young readers and character development for young writers.
- Joyce Hitt Gordon, nationally known Literacy Specialist, Long Beach, CA
Steve Burt takes us beyond the "normal" to the paranormal, pitting his FreeKs—psycchic teens—and their powers against a deadly psychopath. An incrediible page-turner with an ending that will leave you breathless.
- Cindy Corriveau, paranormal investigator and co-host of TV's Ghost Chat New England
Your best book yet. Other kids my age will really enjoy this one. It's scary and suspenseful, but it still has some funny parts. I didn't want to put it down.
- Steven Sawan, age 12, Dover-Sherborn Middle School (in MA), who read the manuscript before publication
It must be magic. Somehow Steve Burt manages to hook both teen readers and adult readers with the same story--and he delivers for both. -Jim Dongweck, author, Moonbeam Children's Book Award-winner
FreeK Camp takes readers on a wonderfully scary trip into the wilds and wonder of a Maine summer camp—but not a typical one. Captivaating, fascinating, heroic and weird characters weave their way through this tale to the delight of readers. Another great read by a terrific storyteller.
- Richard Wainwright, children's book author and winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award
With the astonishing success of FreeK Camp (12 major awards, #1 Top-rated Children's Detective/Espionage on Amazon.com), Steve Burt has been in demand as a school visitor all over NY and New England, including the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, where instead of him "signing" his books, someone else "signed" them as he spoke).
What a lucky coincidence Steve and teens and tweens love to talk about the same topics--reading, writing, and the psychic and paranormal teen detectives in his FreeKs series. These student fans have carried FreeK Camp to school and have brought it to the attenion of their friends, teachers, bookclubs, and media specialists (lirary editions available through Follett Library Resources, plus there's a free printable 20-page Parent/Teacher Guide on the BurtCreations site's Welcome Page.)
While some of the kids found the book on Amazon.com as a print book or a Kindle, many learned about it after reading and enjoying Steve's earlier award-winning series of short story collections, the Stories to Chill the Heart books. They include Odd Lot (Benjamin Franklin Award mystery/suspense), Even Odder (Bram Stoker Award Nominee that was a runnerup to Harry Potter in 2003), Oddest Yet (Bram Stoker Award for young readers), and Wicked Odd (Ippie Award finalist).
Fans will be happy to learn that the sequel to FreeK Camp, tentatively titled Free Show, is in the works, being writtten over the summer of 2011. Call 860 405-5183 to schedule a school visit or email Dr. Burt at PasStev@aol.com.
