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Summer at Meadow Wood: A Middle Grade Novel of Friendship and Growth
Vic Brown did not want to go to camp this summer.
Even though it’s nice being back with her friends at Meadow Wood, Vic still can’t forget about the secret reason her mom wanted her and her brother out of the house—or how much her family is going to change. When her home life is blowing up, it can be hard to focus on campfires and canoeing.
But there is something about summer and surprises that go together like blueberry pancakes and maple syrup. And soon, Vic starts to feel like—just maybe—a summer at Meadow Wood was exactly what she needed.
Even though it’s nice being back with her friends at Meadow Wood, Vic still can’t forget about the secret reason her mom wanted her and her brother out of the house—or how much her family is going to change. When her home life is blowing up, it can be hard to focus on campfires and canoeing.
But there is something about summer and surprises that go together like blueberry pancakes and maple syrup. And soon, Vic starts to feel like—just maybe—a summer at Meadow Wood was exactly what she needed.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
41 people are currently reading
2815 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 7, 2022
I decided to read Summer at Meadow Wood because I enjoyed the author’s previous book, A Kind of Paradise. I was not sure I would be as interested in this book because the setting is a summer camp, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The main character, Vic, is 13 years old and going to sleep-away summer camp after discovering some upsetting facts about her parents. Vic learns a lot during the summer, both from other campers and from the adults on staff at Meadow Wood.
This book does a wonderful job of depicting that transition going from childhood and becoming more mature. Vic is still a kid, but she grows in a way that is typical and realistic for a 13-year-old. I liked the message that people will always make mistakes throughout life, even adults, and there are ways to move forward through challenging times.
The descriptions of the summer camp were fun and cozy. It was a terrific book to read in the hot summer weather.
The main character, Vic, is 13 years old and going to sleep-away summer camp after discovering some upsetting facts about her parents. Vic learns a lot during the summer, both from other campers and from the adults on staff at Meadow Wood.
This book does a wonderful job of depicting that transition going from childhood and becoming more mature. Vic is still a kid, but she grows in a way that is typical and realistic for a 13-year-old. I liked the message that people will always make mistakes throughout life, even adults, and there are ways to move forward through challenging times.
The descriptions of the summer camp were fun and cozy. It was a terrific book to read in the hot summer weather.
June 26, 2023
Well done story by Amy Rebecca Tan. Vic and her little brother are sent off to summer camp, not for the first time. Previously Vic loved camp, but this year is different. Her mum is sending her off as it seems she has a lover other than her father. So a big summer of growing up. Some wonderful characters in this lovely tale.
I spent four summers at camp from when I was 10, like here, no electronics. Back when I went to camp, no electricity, no newspapers and no way for me to listen on my transistor radio every night to my beloved Yankees. And homesick to the max. I really enjoyed Vic and her story, it really rang true.
A couple of cool quotes:
'"Stop", Brenda cut me off. "I've got a whole closet full of what-ifs Vic. You know what I can do with them?"
'I shook my head.
'"Absolutely nothing." Her words dropped like a hammer.'
'"Jordana's pretending. I can't pretend, see?"
'And she looked me square in the eye then, her complete lack of enthusiasm smeared over her face.'
Good stuff, four solid stars.
I spent four summers at camp from when I was 10, like here, no electronics. Back when I went to camp, no electricity, no newspapers and no way for me to listen on my transistor radio every night to my beloved Yankees. And homesick to the max. I really enjoyed Vic and her story, it really rang true.
A couple of cool quotes:
'"Stop", Brenda cut me off. "I've got a whole closet full of what-ifs Vic. You know what I can do with them?"
'I shook my head.
'"Absolutely nothing." Her words dropped like a hammer.'
'"Jordana's pretending. I can't pretend, see?"
'And she looked me square in the eye then, her complete lack of enthusiasm smeared over her face.'
Good stuff, four solid stars.
December 14, 2023
I stopped reading this a little over halfway through for a variety of personal reasons. Mainly because I didn't like that the camp counselor was LGBT+ and I don't want that shoved in my face. (To clarify, I don't have anything against anyone in the LGBT+ community and I love them, just as Jesus loves them, but I don't need it being pushed onto me more than it already is 🙃), and how many times the characters took God's name in vain was starting to bug me. This really disappointed me because I was loving the story - summer camp, friendship, family drama, and the sweet relationship between Vic's camp sister; what's not to love? - but the content was what made me stop reading.
January 17, 2021
3.5 STARS
Thirteen-year-old Vic doesn’t want to be a summer camp, not after finding an email suggesting her parents are having problems. But, she is glad to be back among her camp friends though things are different this year.
SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD tackles family, friendship, first love, change and responsibility as Vic chronicles her days at camp. Over six weeks at camp she learns with disappointment can come opportunity and growth. Her counselor introduces Vic to Eleanor Roosevelt and her legacy.
I enjoyed Vic and her journey in SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD, although Amy Rebecca Tan opens many doors and never returns to them including Vic’s best friend at home and Vic’s relationship with her father. Most of the minor characters like Vic’s bunkmates were undeveloped.
SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD is a good story that many girls will enjoy, though it doesn’t have broad appeal to what most boys enjoy reading.
Thirteen-year-old Vic doesn’t want to be a summer camp, not after finding an email suggesting her parents are having problems. But, she is glad to be back among her camp friends though things are different this year.
SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD tackles family, friendship, first love, change and responsibility as Vic chronicles her days at camp. Over six weeks at camp she learns with disappointment can come opportunity and growth. Her counselor introduces Vic to Eleanor Roosevelt and her legacy.
I enjoyed Vic and her journey in SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD, although Amy Rebecca Tan opens many doors and never returns to them including Vic’s best friend at home and Vic’s relationship with her father. Most of the minor characters like Vic’s bunkmates were undeveloped.
SUMMER AT MEADOW WOOD is a good story that many girls will enjoy, though it doesn’t have broad appeal to what most boys enjoy reading.
May 30, 2021
I received a review copy, but, of course, opinions are all my own!
I found myself sneaking in pages at every chance and then sad when this book was over. Tan has such a gift for making you want to know her characters and be in that world. While there is certainly realism and grit in this middle grade delight, the nostalgic and transportive feel of everything she weaves together makes you feel really satisfied and content.
A few key words for you to see if you might be interested:
-summer camp
-Eleanor Roosevelt
- friends becoming family
- farmers market
- unlikely relationships
- gardening
- apple cider donuts...
Basically, read it! One of my favorites I've read this year and one I know I'm going to reread and treasure over the years.
I found myself sneaking in pages at every chance and then sad when this book was over. Tan has such a gift for making you want to know her characters and be in that world. While there is certainly realism and grit in this middle grade delight, the nostalgic and transportive feel of everything she weaves together makes you feel really satisfied and content.
A few key words for you to see if you might be interested:
-summer camp
-Eleanor Roosevelt
- friends becoming family
- farmers market
- unlikely relationships
- gardening
- apple cider donuts...
Basically, read it! One of my favorites I've read this year and one I know I'm going to reread and treasure over the years.
January 1, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! I’ve always been a sucker for books about summer camp; some of my favorites were “Laura’s Luck”, “Bummer Summer”, and of course, “The Parent Trap”. Even though “Summer at Meadow Wood” has a modern setting, many things about it were reminiscent of those older books; the friendships created, the anxiety of trying new things, the homesickness, first crushes, etc. The fact that the camp directors kept the place strictly “non-technology” was very appealing, right down to the description of the old black rotary phone that campers had to ask permission to use!
I would highly recommend this, especially for middle-grade readers!
I would highly recommend this, especially for middle-grade readers!
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June 9, 2020DNF @ 30% into the audiobook!
I'm really bummed that Summer At Meadow Wood wasn't for me. The premise of a young girl at summer camp and meeting new people, experiencing some personal hardships of her own and friendships/teamwork did promise to be a fun MG read. However, I personally couldn't stand the main character Vic who was whiny for the majority of her time in the camp. After a few days of leaving it aside to collect my thoughts, I decided to put it down since I struggled to find a strong connection towards the characters and story. Younger readers may enjoy this!
I'm really bummed that Summer At Meadow Wood wasn't for me. The premise of a young girl at summer camp and meeting new people, experiencing some personal hardships of her own and friendships/teamwork did promise to be a fun MG read. However, I personally couldn't stand the main character Vic who was whiny for the majority of her time in the camp. After a few days of leaving it aside to collect my thoughts, I decided to put it down since I struggled to find a strong connection towards the characters and story. Younger readers may enjoy this!
January 17, 2020
The perfect camp book I've been looking for for years! (even better than Have a Little Faith in Me in some ways. Yeah, I guess those two will have to share the title.)
One of the things I liked most about this book is that it didn't follow the structure a YA camp novel might, with a certain moment somewhere around 60% involving everything that could possibly go wrong, leaving everyone hating the MC, who decides to leave. This book was much more balanced, there were both good and bad events within the same chapter. I need more books like this. It's much more realistic than the "lowest possible point" moment in a lot of YA. I was glad that there was no major girl-drama between the Yarrow cabin girls or any big fights. (I spent most of the book praying that Vic and Angel or Carly wouldn't have a fight...and they didn't! That's a first, and it's fortunate.)
The main character is 13 but I definitely think this book will appeal to the YA crowd as well. For me, very few books are rereadable. I haven't read one in so long, but this is definitely one.
(Also, finally a character named Carly who isn't a mean girl. We need more Carlys in books.)
I just wish there was an epilogue so I could see if Vic kept in touch with Angel and Vera...and also another charity donated to by one girl's parents instead of PETA because PETA isn't actually very ethical...but I guess the characters might not know that)
I received a free DRC of this book from Edelweiss.
One of the things I liked most about this book is that it didn't follow the structure a YA camp novel might, with a certain moment somewhere around 60% involving everything that could possibly go wrong, leaving everyone hating the MC, who decides to leave. This book was much more balanced, there were both good and bad events within the same chapter. I need more books like this. It's much more realistic than the "lowest possible point" moment in a lot of YA. I was glad that there was no major girl-drama between the Yarrow cabin girls or any big fights. (I spent most of the book praying that Vic and Angel or Carly wouldn't have a fight...and they didn't! That's a first, and it's fortunate.)
The main character is 13 but I definitely think this book will appeal to the YA crowd as well. For me, very few books are rereadable. I haven't read one in so long, but this is definitely one.
(Also, finally a character named Carly who isn't a mean girl. We need more Carlys in books.)
I just wish there was an epilogue so I could see if Vic kept in touch with Angel and Vera...and also another charity donated to by one girl's parents instead of PETA because PETA isn't actually very ethical...but I guess the characters might not know that)
I received a free DRC of this book from Edelweiss.
July 23, 2020
**3.5 Stars**
Cute summer camp book, with an underlying message of stepping out of your comfort zone, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Loved all the nods to Eleanor Roosevelt and her wise words. Definitely made me long and miss summer camp myself! I found the audiobook narrator slightly annoying, a little too valley girl and not the right choice for a young teen - too mature. I probably would have rated this higher if I’d read the physical book. It’s all about the narrator for me sometimes.
audiobook via Libby - June 2020
Recommendation from @erindotsmith on IG - May 2020
Cute summer camp book, with an underlying message of stepping out of your comfort zone, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Loved all the nods to Eleanor Roosevelt and her wise words. Definitely made me long and miss summer camp myself! I found the audiobook narrator slightly annoying, a little too valley girl and not the right choice for a young teen - too mature. I probably would have rated this higher if I’d read the physical book. It’s all about the narrator for me sometimes.
audiobook via Libby - June 2020
Recommendation from @erindotsmith on IG - May 2020
June 23, 2020
Although she's loved camp in the past, Vic didn't want to go this summer. Her mother, though, couldn't get rid of Vic and her little brother fast enough, and Vic doesn't want to think about why. So she does her best to focus on camp. There's always a lot going on. This year her "Camp Sister" is 7 year old Vera, a precocious scientist in training, and Vic is determined to be the kind of camp sister she wishes she'd had. Her cabin mates are all long-time campers, though more and more stop coming as they get past 12 so their cabin is half empty. They have only one counselor, Chieko, who's wry and cynical and obsessed with Eleanor Roosevelt--and grieving a failed relationship with her girlfriend. As Vic settles into the camp routine, she finds herself (most surprisingly) drawn to an activity she got signed up for because all the "good" activities were taken--helping the camp director's husband with his extensive vegetable garden. She first goes to Saturday market with him to earn money for canteen (which is another story), but there she meets a boy with green eyes who makes the summer seem not so bad. But the problem with her parents isn't going away, even if Vic has.
I'm such a huge fan of camp, and this one, with its lack of technology, is a lot like mine (though we didn't have cabins). I loved how it showed that camp is its own wonderful world, and that while yes, it is an escape in many ways, you are still the same person and you still have the same problems--but camp can give you the opportunity and the time to adapt and figure things out and grow, etc. I loved Vic's relationship with her little "sister" and with her actual little brother Freddie, at the boys' camp across the lake. I loved how Vic found her own place at camp both physically and in terms of activities and what's important to her, and loved her relationship with her thorny counselor. Overall, this was a real win for me, and I think kids reading it will definitely want to go (back) to camp. As will adults who read it. As the camp director says, "The camper in you never dies."
I'm such a huge fan of camp, and this one, with its lack of technology, is a lot like mine (though we didn't have cabins). I loved how it showed that camp is its own wonderful world, and that while yes, it is an escape in many ways, you are still the same person and you still have the same problems--but camp can give you the opportunity and the time to adapt and figure things out and grow, etc. I loved Vic's relationship with her little "sister" and with her actual little brother Freddie, at the boys' camp across the lake. I loved how Vic found her own place at camp both physically and in terms of activities and what's important to her, and loved her relationship with her thorny counselor. Overall, this was a real win for me, and I think kids reading it will definitely want to go (back) to camp. As will adults who read it. As the camp director says, "The camper in you never dies."
July 29, 2020
Summer at Meadow Wood is an excellent follow-up to Tan’s debut novel, set in the same universe. This upper middle-grade book is an ode to the joy and ruckus of summer camps. It also highlights a sweet sibling bond; the gift of mentorship; the value of books, reading and hard work for kids; and the unmatched satisfaction that growing food can bring. Despite the fun topics, it tackles hard subjects like the disintegration of a marriage and how that can affect the children in it, peer pressure, and mortality. If you like immersive books set in summer camps on the background of important themes like friendship and parental separation, you’ll enjoy Summer at Meadow Wood. I listened to the audiobook and would recommend.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
May 18, 2020
I was never a camp kid myself, but Amy Rebecca Tan's new middle grade novel had me immersed in the world of Meadow Wood in ways that will appeal to young readers of all stripes. Tan deftly constructs a satisfying story arc with just the right amount of swoops, surprises and turns. Thirteen year-old protagonist Vic experiences drama of all kinds—between family, friends, and even on the camp's unaffiliated farm—but learns to embrace the unexpected lessons and friendships that emerge as a result. With its quirky jokes, charming characters and evocative summer setting, this novel is a delight.
June 8, 2020
I loved Amy Rebecca Tan's first book, A Kind of Paradise. So I was excited when I saw that she had a new release coming May 2020. Summer At Meadow Wood is a coming of age story set at a summer camp. It is funny, touching, and wise. Tan has a way of describing scenes in a very detailed but totally pleasant way. I felt like I was there. She also has a diverse and endearing set of characters with a broad variety of interests. Several of the characters are bookworms, which I loved!
May 28, 2020
A sweet, relatable story that isn’t afraid to leave things a little uncertain instead of tying everything up into a neat little bow
July 6, 2021
I love an author that trusts kids enough not to give them all the answers.
February 17, 2022
How did this lovely middle school/summer camp book land a place on my to-listen-to pile? Apparently Amy (Rebecca) Tan, the author, slipped in because I so enjoyed “The Joy Luck Club”.
Although not the author I had assumed, I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons learned and change of heart, first really-like and surprising friendships made during the summer that Vic didn’t want to return to summer camp; especially after reading a bit of email from her mother’s computer “soon we can be together” NOT written to her father. Maybe I erroneously selected this book because I had a summer camp experience much like Vic’s.
I enjoyed being there to see Vic be the best “camp sister” to a 7yo genius child, befriend her quirky camp counselor, find a love for gardening AND Eleanor Roosevelt. Vic so broadened her life that Summer at Meadow Wood, and brought a bit of enjoyment to mine.
Although not the author I had assumed, I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons learned and change of heart, first really-like and surprising friendships made during the summer that Vic didn’t want to return to summer camp; especially after reading a bit of email from her mother’s computer “soon we can be together” NOT written to her father. Maybe I erroneously selected this book because I had a summer camp experience much like Vic’s.
I enjoyed being there to see Vic be the best “camp sister” to a 7yo genius child, befriend her quirky camp counselor, find a love for gardening AND Eleanor Roosevelt. Vic so broadened her life that Summer at Meadow Wood, and brought a bit of enjoyment to mine.
June 6, 2020
Loved it! A story of going to summer camp, reluctantly, and finding unexpected pleasures all while handling the ups and downs of life and camp. Great middle grade read.
June 1, 2020
Summer at Meadow Wood brings back all the wonderful summer camp memories. I was immediately taken back to horseback riding, swimming in the lake, cabin traditions, and, most importantly, getting treats at canteen! The cast of characters in this book are wonderful – a girl who doesn’t really want to be at camp, someone trying to be something they’re not to fit in, a counselor dealing with heartbreak, and the owners who you can’t help but adore.
Vic struggles with feeling that she is missing things back home (such as her best friend Jamie, the main character in A Kind of Paradise) and is angry with her mom for an issue we’re originally in the dark about. As we discover more about this, we walk with Jamie through her hurts, confusion, and anger. Vic is gently guided by one of the camp director’s Earl, who runs “Farm” elective and councilor Chieko, who teaches her the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt. We also get a sweet first romance that is perfect for this middle grade story.
As an avid gardener, my favorite parts were Vic coming around to gardening and selling at the local farmer’s market! I hope you will give this book a read. It may be written for middle grade ages, but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy this.
Vic struggles with feeling that she is missing things back home (such as her best friend Jamie, the main character in A Kind of Paradise) and is angry with her mom for an issue we’re originally in the dark about. As we discover more about this, we walk with Jamie through her hurts, confusion, and anger. Vic is gently guided by one of the camp director’s Earl, who runs “Farm” elective and councilor Chieko, who teaches her the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt. We also get a sweet first romance that is perfect for this middle grade story.
As an avid gardener, my favorite parts were Vic coming around to gardening and selling at the local farmer’s market! I hope you will give this book a read. It may be written for middle grade ages, but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy this.
March 19, 2020
“If there was one thing I had learned from my mom and dad, it was that you were never too old to make mistakes. I knew I still had plenty of mistakes ahead of me, big and little. I knew I’d get stuck and I knew I would need help.
But I had resources now.
I was crazy rich with resources.
I could read Eleanor.
Or I could do research like Vera.
Or I could call Chieko.
Or I could find some ground and dig deep like Earl, turning the soil until it sparkled like a mine of gems, shining its possibilities up at me.
And then I’d go from there.” (says Vic at the close of 8 weeks of summer camp)
Great book full of summer camp adventures and lessons to apply to most anyone’s life. Tan writes a winner for grades 5 and up that has plenty of fun, realistic summer camp girls, and wisdom that isn’t preachy or overdone. Highly recommended for most middle grade and junior high libraries. No profanity, violence or sexual content, but in the spirit of full disclosure, Vic’s camp counselor is still hurting from a break up with her girlfriend.
But I had resources now.
I was crazy rich with resources.
I could read Eleanor.
Or I could do research like Vera.
Or I could call Chieko.
Or I could find some ground and dig deep like Earl, turning the soil until it sparkled like a mine of gems, shining its possibilities up at me.
And then I’d go from there.” (says Vic at the close of 8 weeks of summer camp)
Great book full of summer camp adventures and lessons to apply to most anyone’s life. Tan writes a winner for grades 5 and up that has plenty of fun, realistic summer camp girls, and wisdom that isn’t preachy or overdone. Highly recommended for most middle grade and junior high libraries. No profanity, violence or sexual content, but in the spirit of full disclosure, Vic’s camp counselor is still hurting from a break up with her girlfriend.
May 29, 2020
I wasn’t nearly as charmed by this one as I was by Tan’s first book. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a similar camp experience from my own childhood?
Also, it’s not often my experience with middle grade that I find the adult characters more likable than the main (young adult) hero/heroine, but that was the case for me. I liked Brenda and Earl a lot, but found Vic just ok.
Also, it’s not often my experience with middle grade that I find the adult characters more likable than the main (young adult) hero/heroine, but that was the case for me. I liked Brenda and Earl a lot, but found Vic just ok.
December 20, 2022
A quiet, simple story that nonetheless drew me in. The pacing is slow, and the problems are never earth-shattering. But sometimes you just want to go back to summer camp, where your friends all know last year's inside jokes and your cool counselor acts grumpy but actually really cares about you. The characters all felt authentic, the camp situations perfectly captured.
Bonus: a sweet budding romance between middle school characters that isn't treated as shameful or scary or like it might "ruin" anyone. The protagonist has a crush and isn't ashamed or terrified about it. Nearby adults are supportive, paying attention and making sure everyone is safe without fearmongering. So, so nice to read.
Biggest complaint: the relationship between Vic and her much younger camp sister Vera danced on the line of believability for me, and not just because Vera is so precocious. I absolutely believe that some kids have large vocabularies. (And I like that Vera has to get some practice with personal connections; she's neither a tiny adult nor an emotionless genius stereotype who is "above having friends" or whatever. She has feelings and doesn't always know how to react.) But Vera still instantly latches onto Vic, constantly telling her how great she is, instantly forgiving her when Vic is irritable or unkind over pretty minor slights. Vic is forgivable; she's thirteen, not an adult counselor, and she really tries to be kind. But sometimes she seems to take Vera a little too personally and Vera is still unflaggingly like "I want to hug and touch you and depend on you emotionally all of the time!" It wasn't bad, or totally unrealistic--I just wish we could sometimes see younger children in books for older audiences without them having to be paragons of cuteness all the time, and without having to always age up their dialogue.
All in all, a sweet story that mostly does a good job not feeling unbelievable. Vic's quiet self-improvement makes sense and doesn't ask her to reject the inherent complexity of life, or abandon her justified anger and frustration at her parents' mistakes. A solid read.
Bonus: a sweet budding romance between middle school characters that isn't treated as shameful or scary or like it might "ruin" anyone. The protagonist has a crush and isn't ashamed or terrified about it. Nearby adults are supportive, paying attention and making sure everyone is safe without fearmongering. So, so nice to read.
Biggest complaint: the relationship between Vic and her much younger camp sister Vera danced on the line of believability for me, and not just because Vera is so precocious. I absolutely believe that some kids have large vocabularies. (And I like that Vera has to get some practice with personal connections; she's neither a tiny adult nor an emotionless genius stereotype who is "above having friends" or whatever. She has feelings and doesn't always know how to react.) But Vera still instantly latches onto Vic, constantly telling her how great she is, instantly forgiving her when Vic is irritable or unkind over pretty minor slights. Vic is forgivable; she's thirteen, not an adult counselor, and she really tries to be kind. But sometimes she seems to take Vera a little too personally and Vera is still unflaggingly like "I want to hug and touch you and depend on you emotionally all of the time!" It wasn't bad, or totally unrealistic--I just wish we could sometimes see younger children in books for older audiences without them having to be paragons of cuteness all the time, and without having to always age up their dialogue.
All in all, a sweet story that mostly does a good job not feeling unbelievable. Vic's quiet self-improvement makes sense and doesn't ask her to reject the inherent complexity of life, or abandon her justified anger and frustration at her parents' mistakes. A solid read.
March 2, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Here's a book that's perfect for summer reading! Vic has been going to camp at Meadow Wood for several years, and this year, it's against her will. Both she and her brother are getting sent to camp for the summer, and just before Vic leaves, she discovers it's because her mom has something going on she doesn't want them to know about. Vic not only has to deal with the uncertainly of what's going to happen when she gets home, but also the drama of camp like no canteen spending money, crummy electives like farm, and a little camp sister that smarter than she is. Throughout this heartwarming story that feels like reading a camp diary, Vic faces unexpected opportunities and challenges that make this year at camp one she definitely won't forget.
I never went to summer camp, but this is the type of experience I wish I'd had. I loved sinking into Vic's story and spending the summer with her. This is a great read that's good for a wide age range, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Here's a book that's perfect for summer reading! Vic has been going to camp at Meadow Wood for several years, and this year, it's against her will. Both she and her brother are getting sent to camp for the summer, and just before Vic leaves, she discovers it's because her mom has something going on she doesn't want them to know about. Vic not only has to deal with the uncertainly of what's going to happen when she gets home, but also the drama of camp like no canteen spending money, crummy electives like farm, and a little camp sister that smarter than she is. Throughout this heartwarming story that feels like reading a camp diary, Vic faces unexpected opportunities and challenges that make this year at camp one she definitely won't forget.
I never went to summer camp, but this is the type of experience I wish I'd had. I loved sinking into Vic's story and spending the summer with her. This is a great read that's good for a wide age range, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 15, 2023
I like vic and the fact she discovered that her mom has been cheating on her dad was awesome drama.I like her camp friends which are suitable fleshed out with the exception of Jaida C . She is a flat, blank character unlike Broadway loving, gum chewing Jordanna or bookish horse girl Carly .Even Jaida A had her environmental obsession. But Jaida C had no personality. I loved Earl and Brenda. They had strict but kind camp director / eccentric grandparents vibes. Also Amy Tan needs to write some sort of sequel to this book because she left me with unanswered questions. Like , what was the big mistake Jamie , Vic's BFF made ? How will vic deal with her parents when she comes home. ?After all , her mother cheated , her parents are seperated , and her dad is very absent in his kids lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2020
Vic did NOT want to go to camp this summer... She had plans made with her best friend, but none of that mattered when her mom forced her to go at the last minute. Things aren't great at home, and Vic feels like her mom sent her and her little brother to camp just to get rid of them for the summer. She has a huge chip on her shoulder, which is made even worse when her best camp friend has to go home halfway through the summer. But slowly Vic makes new friends, and finds some surprising new interests. By the end of the summer she even kind of has a boyfriend! A great book for anyone who ever went to summer camp!
September 25, 2020
"The camper in you never dies."
I spent most of my 20s working at camps and I *rarely* come across a camp book that portrays my experiences. This came very very close. I love that as much as Vic loves her camp friends her home life makes it hard for her to fully be present...SO often as adults we forget that kid's lives are as complexed and multilayered as ours are and it's not easy to walk away from a tough situation. The interpersonal dynamics of an all-girl group of thirteen year olds were spot on to my camp experience and I really just liked spending time with this character and being in her world.
I spent most of my 20s working at camps and I *rarely* come across a camp book that portrays my experiences. This came very very close. I love that as much as Vic loves her camp friends her home life makes it hard for her to fully be present...SO often as adults we forget that kid's lives are as complexed and multilayered as ours are and it's not easy to walk away from a tough situation. The interpersonal dynamics of an all-girl group of thirteen year olds were spot on to my camp experience and I really just liked spending time with this character and being in her world.
July 11, 2020
Loved this story. Engaging, visual writing made me feel like I was there at summer camp with Vic and her bunk mates. As much as she loves MeadowWood, camp isn’t where she wants to be this summer, but with family trouble at home, Vic is forced to go to camp. Vic isn’t quite able to leave her family drama behind but the camp experience, reuniting with friends and a few surprises along the way help Vic come to terms with life’s challenges and changes.
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
June 27, 2022
First half: 2 stars. Second half: 4 stars. But it took so long to get into the book even to care enough about the characters that I’m leaving it at 2 stars. It took Giaco (I listened to the audio, so I’m guessing the spelling of her name) much too long to lose her grumpy schtick and show some humanity, and good grief, so many “J” sounding names. By the end, I was glad that I’d stuck with it but I don’t think I’d recommend anyone start it. I did really like Earl and the gardening thread but in the end, there’s better middle grade out there.
June 11, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was wonderfully done. Having been to these kinds of camps myself I loved the story of it and the characters were wonderful a don brought back a lot of good memories. I did feel like some of the themes were a bit too adult though - for example, while I think having to deal with her parents marital problems and potential divorce was fine, throwing in an affair to me felt too mature for the potential audience.
August 5, 2020
This book was great! It was a really good summer camp story, and was t just repetitive like a lot of other ones. I’ve never been to summer camp (it just isn’t my thing) but books like these show me the experience without leaving my house. The story was very relatable and wasn’t just about some girl who’s parents were divorcing. It wasn’t boring, and taught me some stuff about Elenor Roosevelt. Extra thumbs up because I would actually consider buying it (I’m picky about what book I buy).
November 6, 2020
Tan has managed to craft a cozy camp world in which Vic can hash out her struggles with her splintering family, establish some new friendships (and solidify old ones), and harbor a crush on a cute boy at the market. I found Vic a little grating at the beginning, but truthfully the depiction is pretty spot-on for many of the thirteen-year-old girls I have met at the library. Also, Chieko—the camp counselor—with an affinity for books—is my new fictional best friend.
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