In Summertime It's Tuffy

by Judie Angell

From the moment the bus leaves for Camp Ma-Sha-Na in the Poconos, Tuffy takes part in the general hubbub and shenanigans, but she wants nothing to do with Bunk Ten's voodoo activities directed against the head counselor

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 15, 1979

About the author

Best known for her books under the name Judie Angell, Judie Angell Gaberman (Also wrote under pseudonyms Fran Arrick and Maggie Twohill) writes novels which blend serious emotions with humorous circumstances to explore both common and unique issues that young people face--in their families, with their peers, and with authority figures. Most of Angell's protagonists are experiencing transitions, and they tend to be clever and creative in meeting the challenges involved in moving toward adulthood.

Reviews

[Taxandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving this book when I was about 11 or 12, but at 40 I honestly can't remember the details. I did write to the author (first time writing to any author) and she wrote back. I still have her letter.:)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a professional development activity on literacy for work, we had to reflect on a book from our childhood that we loved. Hands down I knew it was this book. This was definitely my favorite book when I was in about fourth grade; I had it checked out from the school library almost constantly. After the professional development at work, I went searching for the book. It’s out of print but I found a copy on eBay for $4. It’s a yellowed, beat up copy but boy it brought me right back to those years.

This is the story of a preteen girl living on Long Island that heads to a two month summer camp in the Poconos. She bonds with a bunch of girls in her bunk, goes by a fun nickname (“Tuffy”—which she lives up to), and has some adventures with her bunkmates. I always wanted to go to camp, which is probably why I loved the book so much. Tuffy is a great friend and a tenacious advocate for others.

I realized after I received the book in the mail that the author also wrote one of my other favorite childhood books-“Dear Lola, or How to Build Your Own Family.” I actually have the tattered copy of that one.

This book was a good reminder of just how special books can be.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who goes to sleepaway camp every summer and tries to reinvent herself, one method being by referring to herself as "Tuffy." I loved this book as a child, and read it over and over.

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this summer camp story, the heroine tries to assume a completely new personality around people who don't know her - we know how that always ends!

I remember the author's other books much better (some were outstanding).

[Laurie]

I read Darsa's own Dell Laurel-Leaf edition! Summer camp book, main character Tuffy is 11 almost 12.

[Evil]

Most memorable part - the girls in Tuffy’s cabin are going to appear in the camp’s talent show, and they’re discussing what songs to sing. One song that comes up is “Jimmy Crack Corn -“ which bunkmate Natalie totally hates. (They agree to sing the song, because it’s something that all the other campers can sing along with, but Natalie always makes a face when she has to sing it.)

The part where the girls make a voodoo doll (of the camp’s director) is pretty funny, too. Especially when it works...maybe?

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mah. Okay. Sort of boring. But this was like, my mom's favorite book as a child.

[Amy Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I read every summer- they became such good friends.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book when I was in 5th or 6th grade. I wish I would have kept a copy...