Hurricamp!

Laura “Noodle” Newman is nearly eleven, and she has been looking forward to going away to sleep away camp for some time. It should be a fun and exciting time for her, but she does not count on one thing—nearly crippling homesickness. As soon as her parents leave, she is hit by this malady that leaves her weeping most of the time.

Fortunately, she makes one good friend in her cabin, but the rest of the girls aren’t very nice or helpful in any way to her. Noodle makes a lot of bad decisions, some of which get people hurt. But through it all, Noodle does reach some level of growth, learning much about herself and what true friendship can be. Growing up isn’t easy.

Steph Katzovi has written a story many who have had a camp experience will understand and relate to. It’s hard sometimes to cheer for Noodle as she makes so many bad decisions and isn’t the best friend she could be. However, in many ways, she prevails and comes out better for her experience. The writing is good, the dialogue is appropriate for the age, and it is a quick read.