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Camp X #1
Camp X
It's 1943, and nearly-12-year-old George and his older brother Jack are spending a restless wartime summer in Whitby, Ontario, where their mom is working at a munitions plant while their dad is off fighting the Germans. One afternoon, the boys stumble across Canada's top-secret spy camp-and so begins an exciting and terrifying adventure as George and Jack get caught up in the covert activities of Camp X. Fascinated by Camp X and its secrets, the boys begin to suspect local townspeople of being spies. Is the police chief keeping tabs on people for enemy purposes? Is Jack's boss at the newspaper really amassing information for sinister reasons?
Unable to resist the camp's allure, the boys keep going back to find out more details of what's going on-they even meet William Stephenson, the Man Called Intrepid himself. They also attract the attention of a very sinister character, someone who is determined to use George and Jack's knowledge against the Allies, no matter the consequences . . . or the casualties.
Unable to resist the camp's allure, the boys keep going back to find out more details of what's going on-they even meet William Stephenson, the Man Called Intrepid himself. They also attract the attention of a very sinister character, someone who is determined to use George and Jack's knowledge against the Allies, no matter the consequences . . . or the casualties.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 4, 2003
74 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books907 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 25, 2025
Slow start but read this as a class read-aloud with my grade 7/8s and they thought it was interesting. They were very engaged for the last third of the book.
June 15, 2012
Camp X made my heart race every word of it's mind blowing pages. I prabably fell off my bed seven times with all the cliff hangers and surprises. I would recremend this book to anybody in the need of adventure.
November 30, 2019
This book was very good! I was immediately hooked. I must admit though, I read Camp 30 before Camp X so I kind of knew what was going to happen. But I only knew a small bit, and a bit about the people who work at Camp X. I was really worried for them when they were trapped in that random house. Even though I knew they had to escape for the next book to happen. I really, really liked that it was based off of a real camp and real people. Well done Mr. Walters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2013
Camp X is about 2 brothers named George and Jack. It's summer in Whitby,Ontario. There mother has just moved to receive a new job working at the local munition factory; and there dad is fighting the Germans in Europe. One special night they discovered a secret spy camp ground,but of course they were asked to leave and never come back. Well they got curious, and decided to go back there and see what was really going on. They saw men training placing fake bombs preparing themselves for war. A news reporter overheard them talking about this and his name was Mr.Krum he was very kind to the boys but they found one secret about him he was a German and he fought for them. So Mr. Krum, George and Jack decided to have a deal anything they found out about this secret camp they would tell each other. This deal fell apart right away because once George and Jack found out more they couldn't tell Mr. Krum anything. George and Jack became secret spies for this mysteries camp X. Just after they were so happy of becoming spies a terrible thing happened they were captured and forced to help the Axis destroy the camp. Will they be able to escape and warn the soldiers at the camp? And catch the Axis?
I enjoyed this book. I have decided to pick up this book and read it is because I have read another book in this series called Fools Gold, I wanted to read the whole series. This book was well wrote it was very descriptive, when you close your eyes it fells as if you were there watching the story unravel. In the beginning of the book it was not that interesting but once it got to the middle where all the action happened it caught my attention and I couldn't stop reading. I finished the book because it was very interesting even till the end it left you hanging and got you even more excited about what will happen next. I recommend this to all my peers it was a very good book. good job Eric Walters
I enjoyed this book. I have decided to pick up this book and read it is because I have read another book in this series called Fools Gold, I wanted to read the whole series. This book was well wrote it was very descriptive, when you close your eyes it fells as if you were there watching the story unravel. In the beginning of the book it was not that interesting but once it got to the middle where all the action happened it caught my attention and I couldn't stop reading. I finished the book because it was very interesting even till the end it left you hanging and got you even more excited about what will happen next. I recommend this to all my peers it was a very good book. good job Eric Walters
November 3, 2016
The book "Camp X" is a mystery and an adventurous book with a touch of comedy. Even though i have only read only read half of the book, I would still highly recommended to any mystery book lovers. I would say this because the author "Eric Walters" has written it in a way that anyone will be able to understand.
Its 1943, and the "Braun family" have just moved into this new neighborhood in Whitby, Ontario where their mom works at a D.I.L munitions plant. With their dad gone off to war in Africa with St.Patrick's Regiment, they couldn't handle all the hard work in the farm, so they decided to live near places where they can get jobs.With their mom having to do eight hours of shifts everyday, she doesn't know what exactly George and Jack have been up to.One evening, jack and his brother were coming back home after playing a game of war and decided to use the short cut. But on the way, the boys were stopped by a couple of strangers. The soldiers told them to drop their "mysterious" toy rifles. The boys were terribly terrified and were also question before letting them go. The next day, the eldest brother, Jack, was left in charge of his younger brother. So the boys decided to go out for a swim at Corbett's Creek but on their travel they confronted something strange happening there. At the creek, a couple of men dressed all in black appeared to be suspiciously doing something. When the coast was clear Jack quickly climbed the bridge to investigate and find out what they were doing.Instead of finding bombs, nuclear stuff or dynamites,Jack finds a lot of clay which was also out of stock in the market because of the war.In conclusion, the book "Camp X" written by Eric Walter is an fantastic and easy book to read.To find out what happens next read the other half of the book.
Its 1943, and the "Braun family" have just moved into this new neighborhood in Whitby, Ontario where their mom works at a D.I.L munitions plant. With their dad gone off to war in Africa with St.Patrick's Regiment, they couldn't handle all the hard work in the farm, so they decided to live near places where they can get jobs.With their mom having to do eight hours of shifts everyday, she doesn't know what exactly George and Jack have been up to.One evening, jack and his brother were coming back home after playing a game of war and decided to use the short cut. But on the way, the boys were stopped by a couple of strangers. The soldiers told them to drop their "mysterious" toy rifles. The boys were terribly terrified and were also question before letting them go. The next day, the eldest brother, Jack, was left in charge of his younger brother. So the boys decided to go out for a swim at Corbett's Creek but on their travel they confronted something strange happening there. At the creek, a couple of men dressed all in black appeared to be suspiciously doing something. When the coast was clear Jack quickly climbed the bridge to investigate and find out what they were doing.Instead of finding bombs, nuclear stuff or dynamites,Jack finds a lot of clay which was also out of stock in the market because of the war.In conclusion, the book "Camp X" written by Eric Walter is an fantastic and easy book to read.To find out what happens next read the other half of the book.
January 21, 2019
I loved this piece of historical fiction. The two brothers, Jack and George, remind me of my brothers: they cannot stop fighting, but neither can they survive without each other.
I think Camp X is now the air base on Taunton Rd. I love that a place I know so well is rich with history. I still need to find out about Camp 30 in Bowmanville, though.
Eric Walters' Camp X series is just as suspenseful as John Buchan's Richard Hannay series even if it is meant for a younger audience. I really enjoyed this book, and hope that I can find the rest of the series in my library.
I felt really bad about Mr. Krum and his misplaced loyalty. I mean, he must have been a gentleman with some good principles , but his choices resulted in his downfall. I don't know, I just hate war.
I liked reading about Little Bill in the acknowledgments; I didn't quite make the connection that Little Bill was Sir William Stephenson until I remembered that Williams were often called Bills.
I think Camp X is now the air base on Taunton Rd. I love that a place I know so well is rich with history. I still need to find out about Camp 30 in Bowmanville, though.
Eric Walters' Camp X series is just as suspenseful as John Buchan's Richard Hannay series even if it is meant for a younger audience. I really enjoyed this book, and hope that I can find the rest of the series in my library.
I felt really bad about Mr. Krum and his misplaced loyalty. I mean, he must have been a gentleman with some good principles , but his choices resulted in his downfall. I don't know, I just hate war.
I liked reading about Little Bill in the acknowledgments; I didn't quite make the connection that Little Bill was Sir William Stephenson until I remembered that Williams were often called Bills.
Read
May 27, 2011Camp X, written by Eric Walters, is a thrilling novel with a lot of suspense. It’s about two brothers called George and Jack, having fun in their summer. One day they stumble into Canada’s Secret military base and from that point, their whole lives change... soon they get put into a dangerous situation, which involves a lot of strategy and their skills, to solve.
I think that I’m a lot like George and Jack; they love to venture into unknown areas. I recommend this book to people who love action-thriller books. I give Camp X 5 stars, because of the exciting scenes the book has.
Sahil Shah
I think that I’m a lot like George and Jack; they love to venture into unknown areas. I recommend this book to people who love action-thriller books. I give Camp X 5 stars, because of the exciting scenes the book has.
Sahil Shah
June 26, 2018
Read for class.
December 9, 2019
I remember reading this as a kid and really liked it. Wanted to read it again as Camp X got brought up in our school by some of the students.
October 2, 2024
Another book I had to read for school but this one was so good!!! Super quick read with tons of action! AND it’s set in Whitby, Ontario during WW2! I loved learning a bit about the history of a city I’ve visited and I think this could be an engaging option for an intermediate class novel study (as long as they can handle a bit of violence haha)!
March 5, 2018
In the book, it brings a first person view on what it would be like to be of German decent in a country fighting against the Nazi's. It shows us how the kids got picked on just because they had a German last name and how they had to worry about it every time they went out. It also gives insight to how anyone, no matter who they are, could be someone they say they aren't.
The little truth about life that most caught my attention was when at the end George was told that no one can know of what he did and he said that he was okay with that and ready for the next time they were called. I think this reflects to the real world when someone does small acts of kindness they should be okay with not getting any praise and still continue doing those small acts of kindness.
I really enjoyed the idea and concept of this book. The idea of having a main character who is of German descent during world war two and placing them in a country who is fighting against the Nazi's is a great way to set up small conflicts and create a tense atmosphere at times. The idea of making the main mystery of the book about a strange military camp and inputting all kinds of strange incidents involving the camp is a great way to distract the reader from the conflicts going on in the background. However, I only give this book four stars is because I was able to accurately predict who was going to end up being the "villain". I don't believe that Eric Walters did enough to create suspicion of other characters. Overall this book was excellent and would definitely recommend to others.
The little truth about life that most caught my attention was when at the end George was told that no one can know of what he did and he said that he was okay with that and ready for the next time they were called. I think this reflects to the real world when someone does small acts of kindness they should be okay with not getting any praise and still continue doing those small acts of kindness.
I really enjoyed the idea and concept of this book. The idea of having a main character who is of German descent during world war two and placing them in a country who is fighting against the Nazi's is a great way to set up small conflicts and create a tense atmosphere at times. The idea of making the main mystery of the book about a strange military camp and inputting all kinds of strange incidents involving the camp is a great way to distract the reader from the conflicts going on in the background. However, I only give this book four stars is because I was able to accurately predict who was going to end up being the "villain". I don't believe that Eric Walters did enough to create suspicion of other characters. Overall this book was excellent and would definitely recommend to others.
Read
March 14, 2017Overall, this book was amazing and I highly recommend this book to read when you have the chance.
Primarily, this book takes place in Whitby, Ontario during World War ll was raging across Europe. It was 1942, and the Braun family have just moved into their new neighborhood in Whitby where the brothers Jack and George’s mother is working at the D.I.L munitions plant with their dad gone off to war in Africa with the St. Patrick Regiment since they can’t handle all of the difficult work at the farm they used to live. In addition, this book gives out a great quantity of description and lots of imagery throughout the story. For example, the beginning of the story when George was hunting down Nazi’s in the forest. This was truly descriptive and has a bundle of imagery in the first section of the story. Lastly, the book contains a tremendous plot line of the story that is good for people that reads lots of mystery and reads a lot of action-packed books. This also contains a considerable amount of comedy in the book.In conclusion, this book was an incredible book that I highly suggest you reading the next time you’re starting to find a new book in the future.
Primarily, this book takes place in Whitby, Ontario during World War ll was raging across Europe. It was 1942, and the Braun family have just moved into their new neighborhood in Whitby where the brothers Jack and George’s mother is working at the D.I.L munitions plant with their dad gone off to war in Africa with the St. Patrick Regiment since they can’t handle all of the difficult work at the farm they used to live. In addition, this book gives out a great quantity of description and lots of imagery throughout the story. For example, the beginning of the story when George was hunting down Nazi’s in the forest. This was truly descriptive and has a bundle of imagery in the first section of the story. Lastly, the book contains a tremendous plot line of the story that is good for people that reads lots of mystery and reads a lot of action-packed books. This also contains a considerable amount of comedy in the book.In conclusion, this book was an incredible book that I highly suggest you reading the next time you’re starting to find a new book in the future.
March 14, 2017
Camp X is definitely a recommended read for several reasons.This book has won two awards: Silver Birch Award 2003 the Arthur Ellis Award shortlist 2003, and through all of his novels he has won more than 100 awards! I found that in this book it was a little bit of a slow start but then it started to become amazing and adventurous. First, If you enjoy books with adventure and mystery you would definitely like this read because two boys go on an adventure and uncover some hidden secrets in there town of Whitby, Ontario.Secondly , during the beginning of the book the author makes it seem like the boys are fighting natzi soldiers but insead they are playing hide and seek in the forest by there house. To Add, in this novel Jack is georges older brother which is kind of hard for George because Jack would always take control and boss him around. Also George was a very quiet and chill guy that did not like risks but Jack was the complete opposite. I won't tell you any more but this book is amazing.
November 25, 2019
This book is a real thriller out of the survival genre and with gorge and his brother constantly getting into trouble while making some friends along the way. This took place during world war 2 and in the great country of Canada. while the 2 are constantly trying to help the camp it finally back fires on them and the person who made it happen was in the story all along. I love that it always is a thriller for me being a similar age it really makes it that much better because this could be you and it's fun to imagine it so i really recommend it to a young teen or anybody looking for a page turner.
November 19, 2019
I give this book 3 stars out of 5.This book is about two boys who stumble upon a camp and want to adventure more into it but they are told to stay away and of coarse they don't and it lifts up from there.I thought this book was pretty good but I didn't really like how in the story the protagonists (George and Jack) just keep on going to the same place over and over again. I would recommend this book to people who like army related books and people who like a mix of non fiction and fiction.
July 31, 2010
To be honest, this book had been sitting on my shelf for a few weeks and I had been ignoring, not sure I would like it. It was due back at the library and so I decided to give it a go....and was pleasantly surprised. Set in Whitby, Ontario during World War 2, Jack and George stumble upon a training camp, known as Camp X. There was enough adventure and suspense to make me want to keep reading.
May 8, 2019
I think this book is very well written, and has a nice and intriguing story line! I'm not a very big reader but this makes me want to be! definitely buying the series! my favourite part was where Mr. Krum was a spy and he took out a gun on jack and george.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2019
This book was great! I normally read futuristic sci-fi fantasy books, so to read a wartime mystery book was a change for me. I read this book in a day because it always had me on the edge of my seat. If I could give this book a higher rating a would. New favourite!
April 7, 2025
I didn't personally love this book, but it was one of the rare chapter books that kept the attention of a younger student I was tutoring, and for that I will always appreciate it.
September 24, 2018
Like my brother, I agree that a downside to this book is the belittling and unkind remarks and ways that the brothers treat each other, especially at the beginning. Also there was some cussing a couple of times, which I could have done without. I also didn’t like all the lying and secrecy, especially in parent/child relationships. Also, it did end a little too quickly, which bugs me about many books, but it didn’t leave me feeling annoyed or unresolved like others that end quickly do. There is more or less a reason that some of the climax is missed out on, which helps a little.
On the other hand, the book helped me to learn some new history (it was interesting to learn about Canada in WWII, as I feel that is something that I don’t normally hear about, let alone think about). It also had some good lessons both in “power phrases” so to speak, and in examples throughout the story, like of how to do your best and keep your word and be brave and diligent. It also made me think about moral issues, and how each person and situation is different; this being the case, it is important to not be prejudiced, and to use your conscience to be discerning.
I feel like the boys learned something and grew and used their wisdom as the book went along. They took care of each other in many ways and learned to respect each other more by the end. I hope that if I ever read the next book in the series, the main characters don’t regress in being kinder to each other. Also the story was believable and not really far fetched. It kept my attention all the way through and made me be “on the edge of my seat.”
Not my favorite book, but not a waste of time, either.
On the other hand, the book helped me to learn some new history (it was interesting to learn about Canada in WWII, as I feel that is something that I don’t normally hear about, let alone think about). It also had some good lessons both in “power phrases” so to speak, and in examples throughout the story, like of how to do your best and keep your word and be brave and diligent. It also made me think about moral issues, and how each person and situation is different; this being the case, it is important to not be prejudiced, and to use your conscience to be discerning.
I feel like the boys learned something and grew and used their wisdom as the book went along. They took care of each other in many ways and learned to respect each other more by the end. I hope that if I ever read the next book in the series, the main characters don’t regress in being kinder to each other. Also the story was believable and not really far fetched. It kept my attention all the way through and made me be “on the edge of my seat.”
Not my favorite book, but not a waste of time, either.
October 2, 2021
"Camp X" by Eric Walters follows the story of two boys who accidentally uncover a secret spy camp in Whitby, Ontario during the height of WWII. They become caught up in an adventure involving danger, espionage, and secret Nazi spies. An excellent children's read!
I read this book as part of a course where we discussed different books teachers can use in the classroom to teach English Language Arts. What I loved about this one was the fact that though the writing was more at a 4th or 5th grade level, the plot, action and themes make this novel appropriate for older students as well. I particularly liked how Walters included themes of racism, patriotism and what it means to be Canadian in his novel, as these themes remain topical for students today. This book would be an excellent jumping off point to start conversations about these topics in the classroom.
I also appreciated the fast pace of the novel. Struggling readers could easily get into this book as it moves quite quickly and has a unique subject matter. (The fact that this is also based on real Canadian history is very cool!) Walters also does an excellent job with building tension and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire second half the book. The characters are well-rounded and develop nicely, especially Mr. Krum. The plot was slightly predictable and a little out there at parts, but no more than I expected from a spy-themed children's novel. All in all, an excellent Canadian children's book!
I read this book as part of a course where we discussed different books teachers can use in the classroom to teach English Language Arts. What I loved about this one was the fact that though the writing was more at a 4th or 5th grade level, the plot, action and themes make this novel appropriate for older students as well. I particularly liked how Walters included themes of racism, patriotism and what it means to be Canadian in his novel, as these themes remain topical for students today. This book would be an excellent jumping off point to start conversations about these topics in the classroom.
I also appreciated the fast pace of the novel. Struggling readers could easily get into this book as it moves quite quickly and has a unique subject matter. (The fact that this is also based on real Canadian history is very cool!) Walters also does an excellent job with building tension and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire second half the book. The characters are well-rounded and develop nicely, especially Mr. Krum. The plot was slightly predictable and a little out there at parts, but no more than I expected from a spy-themed children's novel. All in all, an excellent Canadian children's book!
June 2, 2018
I'm outside the target audience but still enjoyed the read.
Except to note that Walters needs someone to double check his German before publishing, I will add no more details about what I liked and the small things I disliked about this book. Unfortunately, it was published by one of the big five publishing companies and I no longer give full reviews to these books (see note below).
Note: I used togive full reviews for all of the books that I rated on GR. However, GR's new giveaway policies (Good Reads 2017 November Giveaways Policies Changes) have caused me to change my reviewing decisions. These new GR policies seem to harm smaller publishing efforts in favour of providing advantage to the larger companies (GR Authors' Feedback), the big five publishers (Big Five Publishers). So, because of these policies from now on I will be supporting smaller publishing effort by only giving full reviews to books published by: companies outside the big five companies, indie publishers, and self-published authors. This book was published by one of the big five companies so will not receive a more detailed review by me.
Except to note that Walters needs someone to double check his German before publishing, I will add no more details about what I liked and the small things I disliked about this book. Unfortunately, it was published by one of the big five publishing companies and I no longer give full reviews to these books (see note below).
Note: I used togive full reviews for all of the books that I rated on GR. However, GR's new giveaway policies (Good Reads 2017 November Giveaways Policies Changes) have caused me to change my reviewing decisions. These new GR policies seem to harm smaller publishing efforts in favour of providing advantage to the larger companies (GR Authors' Feedback), the big five publishers (Big Five Publishers). So, because of these policies from now on I will be supporting smaller publishing effort by only giving full reviews to books published by: companies outside the big five companies, indie publishers, and self-published authors. This book was published by one of the big five companies so will not receive a more detailed review by me.
March 30, 2018
This book is recommended by a friend who lived in Canada till high school. I could understand why this is his favourite childhood story after reading a few chapters - brotherhood, mystery, history, war, adventure, all you need for a great story.
A surprising breathtaking page-turner about how two brothers explored Camp X, a secret agent training camp in Canada, during war period. The patriotic actions they took and how they differentiate Nazi spies from Canadian soldiers with their young minds (14 and 12 years of age) are definitely the things I adore most in this story, not to mention how the story is nicely narrated in their age-appropriate perspectives.
A surprising breathtaking page-turner about how two brothers explored Camp X, a secret agent training camp in Canada, during war period. The patriotic actions they took and how they differentiate Nazi spies from Canadian soldiers with their young minds (14 and 12 years of age) are definitely the things I adore most in this story, not to mention how the story is nicely narrated in their age-appropriate perspectives.
February 25, 2019
This was a read aloud for a grade 4/5 class. I'm not sure if I liked this book more because the class was so taken with it, or if I would have liked it just as much reading it on my own. There's really no surprises or story-lines that you couldn't predict, but it did have a certain tension throughout that felt real. It was an easy read as well. You are not constantly wondering who is who or having the story-line switch to something completely different from the last chapter you just read. However, it is a children's book, so I would expect as much.
Solid story with good tension that will have your listeners riveted to their seats. Kind of reminded me of the Hardy Boys.
Solid story with good tension that will have your listeners riveted to their seats. Kind of reminded me of the Hardy Boys.
December 3, 2018
Camp X is a young adult novel about the famous spy camp located in Ontario during WWII. I try to read 4 or 5 novels like this per year so I can recommend them to my students in high school history. Camp X is a book I would recommend to many of my students, but not all of them. It has a great story to it, which hooked me, but the book lacks depth beyond that ... It didn't explore important issues in the impressive way that the top notch young adult novels do. The interesting story line would be enough for some of my students, but others require more in a book.
February 28, 2019
My 10 year old students loved this story and I loved that they learned about Canada's role in WWII while reading it. I found parts a little difficult to read aloud, especially some of the dialogue (students got lost with who was speaking), and there were sections that were a little overly descriptive (students got lost in what actually happened and we would have to go back and read).
My students are fighting over who goes first to check out the next book in the series, so I think that's a win! 😃
My students are fighting over who goes first to check out the next book in the series, so I think that's a win! 😃
October 8, 2020
A terrific read. For young and old alike. Walters tells a compelling fictional tale using two young protagonists set in real Canadian history. 2 boys out swimming discover the secret WWII base known as Camp X and their adventure begins. Young readers will likely be hooked by rising tension and Walters cranks it up high in a roaring finish. He also adds enough plausibility the the fictional events to avoid silliness and keep adult readers engaged.
This is a firmly a YA read but one everyone can enjoy.
This is a firmly a YA read but one everyone can enjoy.
May 28, 2021
“Camp X”, the first of a series of historical-fiction novels made by Eric Walters, is a Silver Birch fiction award winner in the Forest of Reading program back in 2003. This book is set in place of the second world war around a secret Canadian military base located around Whitby and Oshawa. Jack and his younger brother George found this base and were extremely curious about it. They got to meet this news reporter named Mr Krum. Will Jack and George face any consequences? Read to find out.
There is a reason this book won the Silver Birch Fiction Award back in 2013. This is such a thrilling novel, where you read each page and you want to read more. The suspense you get left with each page is spectacular. This is a really good story of all the spies working with each side back during the second world war.
I rated this book a four-star, I did feel like one major part of the book felt kind of predictable, making the story not as entertaining to read, later on, however, I still recommend this book to be in hands of people who want to learn about the Canadian situation during the second world war and in classrooms from grade 6 to 9.
There is a reason this book won the Silver Birch Fiction Award back in 2013. This is such a thrilling novel, where you read each page and you want to read more. The suspense you get left with each page is spectacular. This is a really good story of all the spies working with each side back during the second world war.
I rated this book a four-star, I did feel like one major part of the book felt kind of predictable, making the story not as entertaining to read, later on, however, I still recommend this book to be in hands of people who want to learn about the Canadian situation during the second world war and in classrooms from grade 6 to 9.
October 23, 2021
My grandson recommended the Camp X series to me. I read all six books in the series in June/July 2021. If you are interested in WW2, spy training facilities in Canada, and accounts (fiction and non-fiction) of life on the home front for young people, then you would enjoy these books. I'm glad I was able to read a couple of the books while my grandson was here on summer vacation and our 'book chats' were a great way to pass the time.
April 5, 2023
Amazing. I really was not expecting to like this one as much as I did. I didn't have this book on my list of books I want to read, I just saw it on the shelf at the bookstore and happened to grab it. I am glad I did. This book was literally a perfect mashup of some of my favourite genres. I love spy novels, historical fiction, world war 2 books, and summer adventure type-books. Camp X was all of this and more. I read it all within about 24 hours. It was one of those books that is so good, but you can't quite explain exactly why. Easy 5 Stars. Loved it, will read more of the series.
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