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radikaliseradgroda's review
5.0
Loved it! Great puns, great representation, and it made me want to write songs again. Lots of fun.
bickie's review
4.0
Fun camp story touching on changing friendships, divorce announcement, and discovering sexual orientation. I loved the deep dive into music and band-forming, which will be great for music kids and non-music types alike. Nice shout-out for Bikini Kill and their song "Rebel Girl." Also hilarious description of the Grateful Dead's music as "the musical equivalent of stale bran muffins."
I wish it did not use the word "crazy" to describe "amazing" or "shocking" things. I also wish it did not have a version of "long time no see" and a description of a person "slaving" in the kitchen (song lyric made up by a middle schooler - not interrogated). Otherwise, really good!
I wish it did not use the word "crazy" to describe "amazing" or "shocking" things. I also wish it did not have a version of "long time no see" and a description of a person "slaving" in the kitchen (song lyric made up by a middle schooler - not interrogated). Otherwise, really good!
Spoiler
There is a non-consensual kiss that occurs in the dark and which the initiator pretends didn't happen for several days. It is discussed between the characters (12-year-olds) as inappropriately lacking consent. As such, I didn't find it problematic once they talked about it. People make mistakes.currentlycheckedout's review against another edition
5.0
Man! I wish I had books like this when I was a kid.
shirleytupperfreeman's review
Melly’s parents announce their impending separation a couple days before Melly and best friend Olivia leave for 2 weeks at music camp. Melly is an introvert who needs time and space to think and process. Olivia is an extrovert who has always been around to pave the way. Camp tests their friendship and allows them to begin discovering who they are personally and musically. Lisa Jenn Bigelow describes first crushes so beautifully – the yearning, the anxiety, the confusion when the crush is reciprocated and when it is not. Camp Rockaway sounds like a blast – especially because it is full of puns. Their campsite is called Treble Cliff, the board where they sign out to different spots is called the Fretboard, etc. This middle-reader is full of music and heart. To be published in June 2018.
lyndseyyyy's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
newwromantic's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
_kir's review
3.0
I should know better than to keep reading YA books as a 32 year old. Also reading about music doesn't totally work for me. Fine but didn't stay with me.
just_a_harmless_potato's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
bookladykd's review against another edition
5.0
A sweet first love / summer camp / finding yourself story for middle grade readers. I liked this one a lot.