Reviews

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy

amberbamberness's review against another edition

4.0

Very cute story to read with my daughter

mx_manda's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Very cute middle grade “horror” novel. Interesting take on vampire lore—the

counting issue reminded me of fae and how to distract them

. 

pjewel's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

notartgarfunkel's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.5

rcwaring29's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

nea's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

misty_muskrat's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective tense

4.25

evilplants's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was really fun! I think it balanced having horror elements and being appropriate for middle grade audiences really well. I, an adult, felt tense at some moments (this may be mostly because i have a phobia of blood and needles though lol). I can see it being a good intro-to-horror book for some kids. 
Also i love to see stories about young fat girls going on adventures! The book is good fat rep and has some really sweet moments with Maggie gaining confidence in herself.
I’d definitely recommend this book to some of the kids in my life, as well as any adults who want to explore middle grade more

defiantdeb's review against another edition

5.0

Super fun middle grade story that for sure would be a great summer read (I felt like a kid again laying in bed on a hot day devouring a book from start to end) but also a fun Halloween read (would be cute to read for a kid’s Halloween book club)! There’s big dreams, theater kids, summer camp shenanigans, campfire ghosts stories, some less than stellar intentioned adults but also some adults just trying their best (aren’t we all?), SO much friendship, and learning about loving ourselves.

I won a copy of this in a giveaway for a physical arc and I’m so grateful. But my review is still unbiased. I was a fat kid who grew to be a fat teen and who continues to be a fat adult. Fat used to be a slur but now it’s just an adjective. And I hope that fat kids (and even not fat kids) read this story and learn that. God I wish I’d had Julie’s books as a kid. There’s power in seeing yourself and that’s a big part of what Maggie learns (among a host of other lessons…including what adults really do and don’t have under control). I don’t ever know what to expect going into a book about fat people. We’re not always represented kindly or well, but Julie is a powerful and wonderful voice who does us justice.

gingerbread_void's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this and I think you will too! This book was just so much fun. All of the main character were so relatable especially as I grew up as a fat kid myself. This book takes on some of the serious issues with fat camp but in a fun and adventurous way. This is definitely a book I can't wait to get a physical copy of and recommend to all my friends.