3:15

All kids love scary stories. Most kids seem to have an iPad or iPhone these days. What happens when these to concepts go on a date and have a little too much wine? That’s right, a new app is born – 3:15. The “three” stands for 1) listen, 2) read, and 3) watch, because that’s what users do. They download a new story (updated every other week) read the beginning and middle and just when they’re about to reach the creepy end – they watch a video that reveals the spine-chilling conclusion. The “15” marks about how long each story takes to read and watch. Toted as more eerie and scary than gruesome and gory, 3:15 gets preteens and teens reading on their mobile devices. For those users without the out the luxury of the expensive gadgets, actual books are available to purchase (or check out from their libraries) and once they reach the end, they can log on to the website and watch the video endings there, making the same connection between reading and digital technology. The stories are written by award-winning YA and children’s book author Patrick Carman whose narrator, Paul Chandler, guides readers through to the chilling end. The videos themselves are surprisingly well done and high-quality, though the app’s website does not credit anyone for their production. Recommended for teens with (or without) mobile devices and YA librarians looking for a way to connect reading with electronic media in a fun - and sinister - way. ( )