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bookmaster4's review against another edition
5.0
After reading (and loving) Laura Martin's Edge of Extinction duology I decided to pick this book up. I have read it twice and I'm planning on reading it hundreds more times. (ok maybe that's an overstatement but I really loved this book) I especially loved how strong the characters were. each had their own distinct voice and their actions really lined up with their characterization. Another rave-worthy aspect is the plot. I loved how she kept the main premise
Spoiler
saving MurphySpoiler
but allowed us to experience the full shenanigans of hide and seek, the hike, and Hank's life list. I have seen other comments about sexism and objectifying women and I have to disagree. Yes the main crew is all boys, given they share a cabin I would expect nothing less, and they are separated from the girls (also understandable). Someone said the girls are just a game/challenge for the boys but I did not see it that way and would never have even thought about it if I hadn't read the comments. Hank is a flirt and french kissing a girl is on his life list but I don't see that as objectifying women. I see it as a realistic portrayal of a) Hank, b) something that would likely be on a young boy's bucket list. All in all a great book and (imo) not at all sexist.insanepeoplerus's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe I had a crush on the main character. Good book.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
3.0
This feels a little antiquated to me, like it should've been released in the early 2000s. The characters were solid and ultimately it's a fun book about mischievous kids at a summer camp. But I couldn't tell if Hank was a terrible friend or a great friend, Murphy's dire situation didn't fit with the playful tone of the rest of the book, and we skipped over some super duper vital scenes and confrontations in favor of . . . . Nothing in particular? I couldn't tell what the main plot was, and Emerson's own inner conflict was skipped over to some degree, which was weird because he was the main character. Also, this book was definitely trying to make some kind of moral point . . . But it was not clear what that central message was.
caylin_k's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I was previewing it for my students. I would say that this would be a great read for middle school kids. I wish that it was part of a series though. I would love to continue to read about the boys from camp and their adventures!
newtons's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
amandamarieger's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
amandabock's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
A perfect read for Middle School Boys set in a camp for people with different abilities. In this case, Emerson literally floats, tethered to earth by heavy shoes and a vest (and tied into his bed at night). He quickly makes friends with his bunkmates, each of whom isn't quite normal (one can set things on fire, one time-travels, and one could be called the sometimes invisible boy). They have the same experiences many campers have, with bonfires and hiking, pranks and KP duty, and trying to meet the girl campers. And yet... those abilities...
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.