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funny
hopeful
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Transphobia
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So cute and adorable and relatable! Tate and Eli have a lovely friendship, where they both are able to support each other and help each other past their struggles. I loved how they built each other's confidence in different areas, and how Tate was eventually able to come out of their shell. It's just an overall lovely summer camp story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Transphobia
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:
Yes
In their debut graphic novel, Palmer’s creates an accessible outlet for young readers to examine themes of gender identity and mental health all within the pages of a music summer camp.
Camp Prodigy focuses on two non-binary kids as they compete to get first chair in their viola section. One, who was on their way to becoming pro before anxiety resulted in them not being able to perform. The other, a relative newbie to the viola who was inspired to learn the viola from the former. Over the course of camp, the two strike up a friendship and learn how to step out into their own as well as learning to live with anxiety.
Not only are there great thematic elements in Palmer’s Camp Prodigy, but I think Palmer does a really good job with conveying the story through their illustrations. I think readers get more out of the book as you can connect the illustrations and how they ultimately convey the message that Palmer has for Camp Prodigy. Additionally, I felt that our two main characters, Tate and Eli, were very well-developed, and there was a nice balance between them and the other cast of campers in the book.
That being said, if you’re looking for a graphic novel that goes into being non-binary and/or living with a mental illness, this is definitely a book I would recommend checking out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Transphobia
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia