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hiddenparagon's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review
I loved this book! As a former summer camp Arts and Crafts Program Specialist at a couple different camps, this book brought back so much nostalgia. It's amazing how many aspects of summer camp are universal, regardless of where the camp is or how it is organized. Vansickle did a phenomenal job of capturing the spirit and magic of camp in this verse. The illustrations are great too.
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Bullying
kickitupanotch7's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Eating disorder and Bullying
kimwritesstuff's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such a sweet story told through verse and little illustrations. I wish when I was going through teenage unrequited love I had read something like this. The story follows Nora who escapes to summer camp with her broken heart. There she is a camp counselor with five other counselors for 13-year-old girls. Throughout the summer, she works through her heartache and works with the younger girls as they have their own hurdles.
I thought this book was incredibly sweet, and I was honestly prepared for some nefarious twist. Like half the story, I was worried that Nora's heartache was with an inappropriate older man. I loved the reveal that it wasn't and that it was a much more common story (no spoilers 😊!). I thought the relationships between Nora and the rest of the counselors were beautiful and organic.
I did think there could have been better development of the relationships between Nora and her campers. There was a little detachment for me in this part of the story. Especially because her campers really rally around her at one point, but it didn't really feel like an earned moment for me. I'm also in my 30s, so I might not remember what it's like to be a teen girl lol.
Overall, this is a sweet story about overcoming your first heartbreak and female friendship.
I thought this book was incredibly sweet, and I was honestly prepared for some nefarious twist. Like half the story, I was worried that Nora's heartache was with an inappropriate older man. I loved the reveal that it wasn't and that it was a much more common story (no spoilers 😊!). I thought the relationships between Nora and the rest of the counselors were beautiful and organic.
I did think there could have been better development of the relationships between Nora and her campers. There was a little detachment for me in this part of the story. Especially because her campers really rally around her at one point, but it didn't really feel like an earned moment for me. I'm also in my 30s, so I might not remember what it's like to be a teen girl lol.
Overall, this is a sweet story about overcoming your first heartbreak and female friendship.
Moderate: Bullying and Eating disorder
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