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 his teen paranomal thriller FreeK Camp about to launch, Steve is booking college, school, library, camp, scout troop, and civic group appearances for 2010 and 2011.
He's also taking October church/school/group dates as the "The Sinister Minister" (the title of a Connecticut Magazine feature on him) for his read-aloud Halloween program from the award-winning Stories to Chill the Heart series.
And for November/December (his 12th year as "New England's Christmas Story Pastor,"), he's lining up dates at senior centers, churches, libraries and civic groups for his popular read-aloud Christmas stories program.
