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Camp Famous
“
Camp Famous
expertly blends the joys of summer camp with the struggles of not fitting in. It's a fun and uplifting read!”—Janae Marks, author of From the Desk of Zoe Washington
“Like the best camp friends, this heartfelt story will stay with you for a long time.”—Stacy McAnulty, author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
The Princess Diaries meets Harriet the Spy when Abby—the most ordinary girl in the world—finds herself undercover at a summer camp for famous kids. From acclaimed author Jennifer Blecher, Camp Famous is an accessible and fun summertime adventure about fitting in, being brave, and letting others see who you truly are. Camp Famous is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Disney’s Camp Rock .
Eleven-year-old Abby Herman is beyond excited that her parents are letting her go to summer camp for the first time ever. Maybe camp will be the place she’ll finally find what she’s always a best friend. But—surprise!—she’s not going to just any summer camp, she’s going to Camp Famous, the one exclusively for famous kids escaping the spotlight.
Desperate to fit in with the pop stars, princesses, and geniuses, Abby creates a fake identity as a famous author. Everything goes as the other girls welcome her, she participates in camp activities, and she even inspires a pop star! But as camp comes to a close, Abby finds herself torn between who she has pretended to be and who she truly is.
“Like the best camp friends, this heartfelt story will stay with you for a long time.”—Stacy McAnulty, author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
The Princess Diaries meets Harriet the Spy when Abby—the most ordinary girl in the world—finds herself undercover at a summer camp for famous kids. From acclaimed author Jennifer Blecher, Camp Famous is an accessible and fun summertime adventure about fitting in, being brave, and letting others see who you truly are. Camp Famous is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Disney’s Camp Rock .
Eleven-year-old Abby Herman is beyond excited that her parents are letting her go to summer camp for the first time ever. Maybe camp will be the place she’ll finally find what she’s always a best friend. But—surprise!—she’s not going to just any summer camp, she’s going to Camp Famous, the one exclusively for famous kids escaping the spotlight.
Desperate to fit in with the pop stars, princesses, and geniuses, Abby creates a fake identity as a famous author. Everything goes as the other girls welcome her, she participates in camp activities, and she even inspires a pop star! But as camp comes to a close, Abby finds herself torn between who she has pretended to be and who she truly is.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2022
28 people are currently reading
3143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 16, 2021
Camp Famous follows Abby Herman, and eleven-year-old who has always had trouble fitting in at school. After one particularly bad incident that ends with her crying at recess, her teacher arranges for her to go to a sleepaway camp run by her brother. Abby doesn't know until she gets on the plane that she's actually going to Camp Famous, a camp run exclusively for famous kids who need a break from publicity. There, she lies and says that she is a famous author in an attempt to fit in with the others, but, as she grows closer and closer to the people there, finds it hard to strike a balance between being herself and maintaining her persona.
Abby is painfully relatable. I've had to go through the experience of not having any friends at school several times in my life, and so many of her fears and insecurities feel realistic. She doesn't have much of a personality, which I suppose is meant to be part of her "ordinariness," but other than that was fairly likable. I particularly enjoyed her character development and watching her become more secure with her growing friendships at camp.
I enjoyed reading about all of the side characters. Abby's best friend at camp, Bells, (short for Princess Isabella Victoria, an actual princess) is definitely my favorite. I also appreciated the presence of Oliver, a U.F.C. (unrecognizable famous camper; he's a journalist who writes under a pseudonym) who goes to Abby's school, who, though famous himself, knows Abby as she truly is, and is always there to remind her that she's still likable just the way she actually is. I particularly liked the way in which the book delved into all of the individual fears and backstories of the individual characters and how those affect them; it felt very natural and made the entire story feel more real.
There isn't much of a plot; it is definitely more of a character-driven book, primarily exploring Abby's character development rather than being overly concerned with individual plot points, which I appreciated. I really like the camp setting; I never enjoyed sleepaway camps much myself, but I always like them as settings for books.
The book does get into some interesting questions about the effects of fame on children and the ethics of them being forced into that lifestyle. This particularly came up with Bells, who, as a princess, has always been famous, and Hazel, the daughter of an influencer mom, whose mother has shared images and stories about her on the Internet for nearly her entire life without her consent. I wish that the book had been a little longer so that those ideas could be fleshed out a bit more, but I enjoyed what elements of them were present.
My one criticism would be that the pacing of the plot felt very strange sometimes; the first few days and the last few days of camp were covered, as well as the times on either end of it, but the entire middle was completely skimmed over, which seemed to skip over some of Abby's character development as well. While definitely not something that makes or breaks the book, I do think that fleshing out the middle more (and maybe using that to dive deeper into the aspects of the book dealing with the effects of fame) would strengthen the narrative a lot.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I'm giving it four stars. Abby is a relatable narrator with a very hopeful character arc about self-acceptance and being true to who you are, and I think she's a valuable protagonist for middle-grade readers to be exposed to. It would be a great summer read, considering its sleepaway camp setting, and I would recommend it to anybody who struggles with friendships, who is going to sleepaway camp, or who just needs to learn to accept themselves for who they are, rather than who they think they need to be to fit in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Abby is painfully relatable. I've had to go through the experience of not having any friends at school several times in my life, and so many of her fears and insecurities feel realistic. She doesn't have much of a personality, which I suppose is meant to be part of her "ordinariness," but other than that was fairly likable. I particularly enjoyed her character development and watching her become more secure with her growing friendships at camp.
I enjoyed reading about all of the side characters. Abby's best friend at camp, Bells, (short for Princess Isabella Victoria, an actual princess) is definitely my favorite. I also appreciated the presence of Oliver, a U.F.C. (unrecognizable famous camper; he's a journalist who writes under a pseudonym) who goes to Abby's school, who, though famous himself, knows Abby as she truly is, and is always there to remind her that she's still likable just the way she actually is. I particularly liked the way in which the book delved into all of the individual fears and backstories of the individual characters and how those affect them; it felt very natural and made the entire story feel more real.
There isn't much of a plot; it is definitely more of a character-driven book, primarily exploring Abby's character development rather than being overly concerned with individual plot points, which I appreciated. I really like the camp setting; I never enjoyed sleepaway camps much myself, but I always like them as settings for books.
The book does get into some interesting questions about the effects of fame on children and the ethics of them being forced into that lifestyle. This particularly came up with Bells, who, as a princess, has always been famous, and Hazel, the daughter of an influencer mom, whose mother has shared images and stories about her on the Internet for nearly her entire life without her consent. I wish that the book had been a little longer so that those ideas could be fleshed out a bit more, but I enjoyed what elements of them were present.
My one criticism would be that the pacing of the plot felt very strange sometimes; the first few days and the last few days of camp were covered, as well as the times on either end of it, but the entire middle was completely skimmed over, which seemed to skip over some of Abby's character development as well. While definitely not something that makes or breaks the book, I do think that fleshing out the middle more (and maybe using that to dive deeper into the aspects of the book dealing with the effects of fame) would strengthen the narrative a lot.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I'm giving it four stars. Abby is a relatable narrator with a very hopeful character arc about self-acceptance and being true to who you are, and I think she's a valuable protagonist for middle-grade readers to be exposed to. It would be a great summer read, considering its sleepaway camp setting, and I would recommend it to anybody who struggles with friendships, who is going to sleepaway camp, or who just needs to learn to accept themselves for who they are, rather than who they think they need to be to fit in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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July 28, 2025I really loved this book! It's quite short, only 4 hours on audiobook, so I listened to it within one day and what a blast it was! Our main character struggles to fit in at her school and begs her parents to let her go to a camp where she hopes she woud be able to find some friends! After an embarassing situation at school her teacher convinces her parents to let her go to a camp which so happens to be a camp where the most famous children from the whole world go for summer.
This had the perfect summer camp vibes that brought me back to my childhood and my summer camps, I loved everything about it and if you want a light and easy read about children in a summer camp, look no further!
This had the perfect summer camp vibes that brought me back to my childhood and my summer camps, I loved everything about it and if you want a light and easy read about children in a summer camp, look no further!
August 2, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book.
This was a cute book. The minute I heard it being compared to Camp Rock I knew I needed to read it.
Camp Famous is a summer camp story about friendship and finding yourself.
I loved getting to see the famous kids getting some time to just be kids. I do wish we had learned more about them.
Maybe we can have books about the other campers one day?
This was a cute story and I really enjoyed it.
This was a cute book. The minute I heard it being compared to Camp Rock I knew I needed to read it.
Camp Famous is a summer camp story about friendship and finding yourself.
I loved getting to see the famous kids getting some time to just be kids. I do wish we had learned more about them.
Maybe we can have books about the other campers one day?
This was a cute story and I really enjoyed it.
research-for-my-book
May 20, 2025not helpful
December 22, 2021
Jennifer Blecher has amazing insight into the insecurities of kids in those awkward transitions years. Abby is completely relatable to every awkward 11 year old (or former 11 year old) who struggled to understand social cues and fit in with the "popular" kids. When Abby goes to sleepaway camp, she has the opportunity to reinvent herself and make new friends, but she takes it a step too far. Lessons are learned about friendships and what it means to not just make friends, but to be a true friend.
A definite recommend for any middle school classroom library!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
A definite recommend for any middle school classroom library!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
July 14, 2022
So charming and lovely. Really wish I’d had this book when I was younger but am equally glad that it exists today.
March 11, 2025
middle school cute
August 26, 2022
Camp Famous is a fun, insightful look at the impact of fame on kids and what it means to be a real friend. It wasn’t my favorite by Blecher, and at times, I found the whole celebrity kid plot hard to believe, but the story grew on me eventually. Readers who enjoy summer camp stories, books about celebrity lifestyles, and the struggle to find themselves and true friends will enjoy this one.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
October 30, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Abby is finishing up fifth grade, and has had trouble fitting in with the other girls. When one incident on the playground ends with her crying in front of her favorite teacher, Ms. McIntyre. Even though one girl, Marin, tries to be nice to her, she frequently is picked on by Quinn. Abby occasionally can avoid the girls, and her parents send her to her grandmother for her birthday, so she doesn't have to be embarrassed when no one comes to her party, but she longs to have a best friend. She's asked to go to summer camp for a long time, but her parents always say it is too expensive. After the incident on the playground, her parents have a meeting with Ms. McIntyre that seems suspicious; no one has a parent meeting just to hear that their student is doing well. Soon, she learns that she is going to Camp Summerah, which Ms. McIntyre's brother runs. It's pretty posh, and Abby is soon on a plane to the camp, which she learns at the last minute is actually a camp for famous children who want to have ordinary lives for a change. One of her classmates, Oliver, is actually a famous reporter on children's issues, and after talking to him, Abby decides that she will pretend to be a famous writer of children's books in order to fit in better. Mr. McIntyre started the camp because he was a child star himself. Abby is in a cabin with Bells, who is a princess, Hazel, whose mother makes money taking pictures of Hazel and blogging about her life, Shira, who is a brilliant mathematical mind, and Willa, who is a ballet dancer who doesn't even want to be at the camp. There are other famous kids as well, including singer Kai Carter, who is very popular at Abby's school. Abby gets along well with the girls in her cabin, and she and Bella becomes especially good friends. She has a pleasant relationship with Kai, and enjoys all the sleep away camp activities. When she makes the other girls angry, she asks to leave camp, and goes to stay with her grandmother. Will Abby ever learn to make and keep good friends?
Strengths: Abby's desire to have a good friends and to fit in with her peers is a universal one, and the chance to reinvent herself in a different setting is something young readers will enjoy reading about. I appreciated the fact that Marin was generally nice to Abby, but influenced by Quinn to be mean. Celebrity always has a certain appeal to young readers, so Abby's opportunity to rub elbows with the famous and influential is appealing wish fulfillment. There are lots of great details about activities at camp, and a realistic amount of tension and friend drama. This would make a fantastic beach read for a lot of tweens!
Weaknesses: It seemed odd that the camp would allowe her to leave and fly her to her grandmother's, but then, it is a camp for children used to getting their way.
What I really think: I really enjoyed this one, and it's a great camp book to add to titles like
Rhuday-Perkovich's It Doesn't Take a Genius, Sloan and Wolitzer's To Night Owl from Dogfish, Palma's The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique: Book One and Tan's Summer at Meadow Wood.
Abby is finishing up fifth grade, and has had trouble fitting in with the other girls. When one incident on the playground ends with her crying in front of her favorite teacher, Ms. McIntyre. Even though one girl, Marin, tries to be nice to her, she frequently is picked on by Quinn. Abby occasionally can avoid the girls, and her parents send her to her grandmother for her birthday, so she doesn't have to be embarrassed when no one comes to her party, but she longs to have a best friend. She's asked to go to summer camp for a long time, but her parents always say it is too expensive. After the incident on the playground, her parents have a meeting with Ms. McIntyre that seems suspicious; no one has a parent meeting just to hear that their student is doing well. Soon, she learns that she is going to Camp Summerah, which Ms. McIntyre's brother runs. It's pretty posh, and Abby is soon on a plane to the camp, which she learns at the last minute is actually a camp for famous children who want to have ordinary lives for a change. One of her classmates, Oliver, is actually a famous reporter on children's issues, and after talking to him, Abby decides that she will pretend to be a famous writer of children's books in order to fit in better. Mr. McIntyre started the camp because he was a child star himself. Abby is in a cabin with Bells, who is a princess, Hazel, whose mother makes money taking pictures of Hazel and blogging about her life, Shira, who is a brilliant mathematical mind, and Willa, who is a ballet dancer who doesn't even want to be at the camp. There are other famous kids as well, including singer Kai Carter, who is very popular at Abby's school. Abby gets along well with the girls in her cabin, and she and Bella becomes especially good friends. She has a pleasant relationship with Kai, and enjoys all the sleep away camp activities. When she makes the other girls angry, she asks to leave camp, and goes to stay with her grandmother. Will Abby ever learn to make and keep good friends?
Strengths: Abby's desire to have a good friends and to fit in with her peers is a universal one, and the chance to reinvent herself in a different setting is something young readers will enjoy reading about. I appreciated the fact that Marin was generally nice to Abby, but influenced by Quinn to be mean. Celebrity always has a certain appeal to young readers, so Abby's opportunity to rub elbows with the famous and influential is appealing wish fulfillment. There are lots of great details about activities at camp, and a realistic amount of tension and friend drama. This would make a fantastic beach read for a lot of tweens!
Weaknesses: It seemed odd that the camp would allowe her to leave and fly her to her grandmother's, but then, it is a camp for children used to getting their way.
What I really think: I really enjoyed this one, and it's a great camp book to add to titles like
Rhuday-Perkovich's It Doesn't Take a Genius, Sloan and Wolitzer's To Night Owl from Dogfish, Palma's The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique: Book One and Tan's Summer at Meadow Wood.
May 20, 2025
Very fast paced but I took away a whole lot. I loved the themes here. It is wrapped in a realistic experience. But the hidden realities that the famous young kids face (Around middle school). Abby feels her personal struggle as she deals with the difficulty to maintain friendships or lack thereof. Abby learns more than just friendships. She learns the valuable nature of listening, fostering community, learns to be more open to being real. Like all the characters- they face the reality of this new age of pretending, of hiding the real, raw truth in order to survive the toxic lifestyle. This camp is all fun and typical of other camps but Joe, the man who runs the camp realizes how fame at a young age has no guardrails in place to protect - mental health, real community, real listening, real for facing demons that are totally human but are tossed aside of for the image. I find that this book enlightens young readers to go deeper and analyze their insecurities and embrace with people they trust because only then and can they grow stronger and ore resilient. This book is about Abigail, one of the most kindest yet loneliest, insignificant girl, who experiences pain. Her pain makes her empathetic, her pain is not ignored, her friends become a beacon of hope for her despite her inner turmoil. Every character shows a reflection to reflect and that is subtle unless you are an avid reviewer like me (just kidding- I bet you can too). I got emotional (ending), I smiled at how surface level and how deep this book can go. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. I wouldn't have picked this one up if it weren't for my sister buying it at Fabled Bookshop. I sincerely thank the author for helping me reach my reading goal of one book. Solid five stars because this book got me thinking. Go check one out- Camp Famous . Jennifer Blecher
July 4, 2024
This was more of a 3-star for me but my kids liked it so I’ll go up to 4. I liked that it was unique twist on a summer camp story, when a regular girl goes to a summer camp for famous kids, but I had a hard time loving it.
I don’t understand the motivation of Abby’s parents and her teacher in sending her to this camp to begin with, and for being dishonest about where she was going. They claim they “wanted her to be herself” but instead I feel like they just put her in a really tough position when she discovers where she’s going at the very last minute and has zero time to process or prepare. In that way, I don’t care for the teacher or parents at all. If their motivation was to help her know that she CAN make friends, just in a different environment than she has been in previously, I feel like a regular camp would have been more suitable for this purpose, where she wouldn’t have felt like such an outsider from the get-go.
I also had trouble wrapping my head around the concept of “fame” in this story, where the most random famous kids ended up together at this camp. An actual princess and kids with a little YouTube fame? I don’t know about that fame hierarchy. There was zero mention of security, and that just doesn’t make sense to me when you’re considering royalty and pop stars.
Over all i think I just wanted more depth from the characters and their friendships. They just kind of “became friends” without any real bonding experiences or perhaps some kind of higher-stakes scenario that would bond them together (injured in the woods? Boat accident? Storm?). I would have loved to have heard more about the price of fame for the famous kids and to have some bigger story that would help Abby know her own value and worth.
For my kids I think they were drawn into the summer camp aspect and the unique of mingling with celebrity, so that was a plus.
I don’t understand the motivation of Abby’s parents and her teacher in sending her to this camp to begin with, and for being dishonest about where she was going. They claim they “wanted her to be herself” but instead I feel like they just put her in a really tough position when she discovers where she’s going at the very last minute and has zero time to process or prepare. In that way, I don’t care for the teacher or parents at all. If their motivation was to help her know that she CAN make friends, just in a different environment than she has been in previously, I feel like a regular camp would have been more suitable for this purpose, where she wouldn’t have felt like such an outsider from the get-go.
I also had trouble wrapping my head around the concept of “fame” in this story, where the most random famous kids ended up together at this camp. An actual princess and kids with a little YouTube fame? I don’t know about that fame hierarchy. There was zero mention of security, and that just doesn’t make sense to me when you’re considering royalty and pop stars.
Over all i think I just wanted more depth from the characters and their friendships. They just kind of “became friends” without any real bonding experiences or perhaps some kind of higher-stakes scenario that would bond them together (injured in the woods? Boat accident? Storm?). I would have loved to have heard more about the price of fame for the famous kids and to have some bigger story that would help Abby know her own value and worth.
For my kids I think they were drawn into the summer camp aspect and the unique of mingling with celebrity, so that was a plus.
May 10, 2022
Thank you to Greenwillow Books and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!
An ordinary girl attending a summer camp for famous kids instantly drew me in. What a fun summer camp story about friendship and being your true self! It was easy to relate to Abby and her desire to fit in, be accepted, and make friends easily as everybody else.
The difference between Abby and the other kids presents a compelling juxtaposition of perception versus reality. Abby feels compelled to lie about her identity in order to fit in. She already has preconceived notions about celebrities and is adamant that pretending to be a famous writer will help her chances of making friends. Minus the lying, Abby’s actions are genuine
I liked getting to know some of the other campers. At Camp Famous, these kids are getting the summer camp experience and a break from the spotlight and people who think they know them but actually don’t. For a few secluded weeks, these famous children can be their true selves. To just breathe and be kids. I felt bad for one girl in Abby’s cabin whose mother has clearly been exploiting her for fame and fortune without her consent. The reality these child celebrities display is that they are still just like other kids with thoughts, feelings, and wishes. Slowly, Abby begins to see this in her interactions and discussions with them. I think it also helped that there’s variety in what each camper is famous for that kids of today connect to (i.e., inventing slime, viral dances).
I would love to read a story of how Abby navigates her new friendships with famous people in the real world. The ending was great and I think set up the right conditions for a sequel.
Camp Famous was endearing, enjoyable, and unputdownable!
An ordinary girl attending a summer camp for famous kids instantly drew me in. What a fun summer camp story about friendship and being your true self! It was easy to relate to Abby and her desire to fit in, be accepted, and make friends easily as everybody else.
The difference between Abby and the other kids presents a compelling juxtaposition of perception versus reality. Abby feels compelled to lie about her identity in order to fit in. She already has preconceived notions about celebrities and is adamant that pretending to be a famous writer will help her chances of making friends. Minus the lying, Abby’s actions are genuine
I liked getting to know some of the other campers. At Camp Famous, these kids are getting the summer camp experience and a break from the spotlight and people who think they know them but actually don’t. For a few secluded weeks, these famous children can be their true selves. To just breathe and be kids. I felt bad for one girl in Abby’s cabin whose mother has clearly been exploiting her for fame and fortune without her consent. The reality these child celebrities display is that they are still just like other kids with thoughts, feelings, and wishes. Slowly, Abby begins to see this in her interactions and discussions with them. I think it also helped that there’s variety in what each camper is famous for that kids of today connect to (i.e., inventing slime, viral dances).
I would love to read a story of how Abby navigates her new friendships with famous people in the real world. The ending was great and I think set up the right conditions for a sequel.
Camp Famous was endearing, enjoyable, and unputdownable!
May 13, 2025
This middle-grade novel tells the story of Abby Herman, a quiet and unassuming girl used to being overlooked—until she receives an invitation to the most exclusive sleepaway camp in the country. The twist? Every camper is famous… except for her.
From the moment Abby steps into the world of Camp Famous, the children of royalty, movie stars, and viral sensations surround her. Feeling completely out of place, she decides to do what many kids in her situation might be tempted to do: she makes something up. Pretending to be a best-selling author seems harmless at first, but maintaining this lie in a camp full of people accustomed to the spotlight quickly becomes more complicated than she anticipated.
This story follows Abby’s journey as she learns that being “ordinary” isn’t a weakness. Through friendships, missteps, and unexpected adventures, Abby realizes that her voice and truth are worth sharing. It conveys a powerful message about identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to be yourself, even when everyone around you seems larger than life.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
From the moment Abby steps into the world of Camp Famous, the children of royalty, movie stars, and viral sensations surround her. Feeling completely out of place, she decides to do what many kids in her situation might be tempted to do: she makes something up. Pretending to be a best-selling author seems harmless at first, but maintaining this lie in a camp full of people accustomed to the spotlight quickly becomes more complicated than she anticipated.
This story follows Abby’s journey as she learns that being “ordinary” isn’t a weakness. Through friendships, missteps, and unexpected adventures, Abby realizes that her voice and truth are worth sharing. It conveys a powerful message about identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to be yourself, even when everyone around you seems larger than life.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
June 12, 2022
Abby is an 11-year old girl that doesn’t quite seem to fit in at school. She thought she had a best friend but then it turned out not to be true and then she starts to have humiliating experiences on the playground with being picked on by mean classmates. If only should could go away to summer camp as she always dreamed. Maybe at camp she could find friends that like her just as she is? Well, with the help of her teacher and parents Abby’s dream comes true. She is going away to camp for three whole weeks! And then she is surprised to find out that the camp is for famous kids!! OMG how will she do this?! She isn’t famous! She’s just a regular girl who doesn’t fit in at a normal school! She freaks out but then once she starts camp she learns that even the famous kids are relatable and she discovers that she can make friends by being herself. This funny and honest and heartwarming story was a pleasure to read and I think will be a good one for those struggling to learn that it’s okay to yourself even when you’d rather be someone else. That’s a lesson to keep on learning no matter your age.
February 3, 2022
Jennifer Blecher is brilliant at rendering authentic, humorous middle grade voices in books that truly speak to kids. She is a master at depicting character and conflict, from the dialogue to the specifics of the friendship dynamics. Her characters are so vivid and realistic it’s almost uncomfortable at times—as a reader you feel everything they are going through, including the embarrassing and upsetting moments. But she also manages to inject optimism (and lots of humor!) into the bleakest situations, and her characters develop and grow in gripping and believable ways.
CAMP FAMOUS is my favorite Blecher book yet. It’s not only emotionally complex, it’s FUN. A great summer (or any time of the year!) read.
Teachers, librarians—you want this one on your shelves. I’m convinced it will be a big hit. Parents—this is a great book for the 9 & up crowd who want a fast-paced, wonderfully written story about an ordinary girl thrown into a bizarre situation that leads her to a better understanding of herself.
CAMP FAMOUS is my favorite Blecher book yet. It’s not only emotionally complex, it’s FUN. A great summer (or any time of the year!) read.
Teachers, librarians—you want this one on your shelves. I’m convinced it will be a big hit. Parents—this is a great book for the 9 & up crowd who want a fast-paced, wonderfully written story about an ordinary girl thrown into a bizarre situation that leads her to a better understanding of herself.
May 9, 2022
Abby is trapped in that awkward period of time between the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school and she's having trouble fitting in and making friends. She's dreamed of going to summer camp and when a sympathetic teacher helps make that happen, Abby has no idea she'll be thrust into a surreal situation where she's the only "normal" kid at an ultra-exclusive camp for children who are celebrities. Who could Abby be if she was given a chance to start over with all these ultra-cool famous kids?
This was a quick, easy read that held my attention. It really explored the ideas of identity, fame, friendship, and pressures and had a great message about embracing yourself for who you are. While Abby spends time and enjoys friendship with a couple of boys, there is no romantic plot, which is refreshing. The entire story is devoted to Abby coming into herself and that's a great thing for young people to read!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This was a quick, easy read that held my attention. It really explored the ideas of identity, fame, friendship, and pressures and had a great message about embracing yourself for who you are. While Abby spends time and enjoys friendship with a couple of boys, there is no romantic plot, which is refreshing. The entire story is devoted to Abby coming into herself and that's a great thing for young people to read!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
January 2, 2024
OMG. My aunt grabbed a random book from the shelf at BAM and I was unsure of what it was even about. The first time I even flipped one page, it felt like I was stuck reading for hours, probably because that was true. Just the fact that Abby did not know she was going to Camp Famous and was going to meet famous kids like Kai Carter and Princess Isabella Victoria was so interesting! I read this almost every day and honestly. HONESTLY. I am sad even thinking I finished this book. If you have the option to get this, take it! You will not want to stop. I also loved the part where all her friends and even Kai Carter came to see her in a helicopter after she left camp because everyone was mad at her for lying about being a famous writer and all the other secrets they found out when reading Abby’s PERSONAL NOTEBOOK!!! I am gonna stop here otherwise I will spoil the whole book. But anyway, I have 7 words left to say:
THIS.
IS.
THE.
BEST.
BOOK.
EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
👁️❤️THIS📖😍😍😍😁😁😁🤩🤩🤩💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
♾️/5
THIS.
IS.
THE.
BEST.
BOOK.
EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
👁️❤️THIS📖😍😍😍😁😁😁🤩🤩🤩💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
♾️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
Thank you to #NetGalley, Jennifer Blecher, and the publisher for the eARC copy of "Camp Famous" in exchange for an honest review.
"Camp Famous" fallows Abby Herman who has always struggled fitting in at school. After a difficult recess issue causes Abby to cry, her teacher and parents decide it's time for her to go to sleepaway camp (which is also something Abby has always wanted to do.). So off Abby goes to the camp that is run by her teacher's brother. What Abby doesn't know about Camp Famous though is that it's a camp for famous kids to go and get away from the spotlight. Will Abby be able to fit in or will she be stuck in the same rut she was at school?
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I liked that it taught lessons about friendship (both good and bad). I think this would be a great read for any upper elementary or early middle school student. I look forward to recommending it to students at my school.
"Camp Famous" fallows Abby Herman who has always struggled fitting in at school. After a difficult recess issue causes Abby to cry, her teacher and parents decide it's time for her to go to sleepaway camp (which is also something Abby has always wanted to do.). So off Abby goes to the camp that is run by her teacher's brother. What Abby doesn't know about Camp Famous though is that it's a camp for famous kids to go and get away from the spotlight. Will Abby be able to fit in or will she be stuck in the same rut she was at school?
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I liked that it taught lessons about friendship (both good and bad). I think this would be a great read for any upper elementary or early middle school student. I look forward to recommending it to students at my school.
October 31, 2023
This books is aimed at young female readers. The protagonist is insecure and mocked by all the kids at school, but then makes cooler (more popular) friends and is able to improve her self esteem and stand up for herself.
I dunno… I read it with my 9 year old and it was full of all the things that I just don’t want her absorbing. Before my daughter started reading chapter books she had great self esteem, but books like this plant ideas in her head like “oh I didn’t realize I needed to be self conscious about that” etc. I do appreciate that the protagonist is not also boy crazy and has platonic boy relationships.
Overall, it’s not horrible, but it’s not empowering fem lit. It’s mostly the same old stuff and not enough self love. Lets evolve! I want a realistic female protagonist who teaches young girls how to dismiss the haters and celebrate in their uniqueness for 95% of the book. Let’s give the next generation new vocabulary that’s not about “image”.
I dunno… I read it with my 9 year old and it was full of all the things that I just don’t want her absorbing. Before my daughter started reading chapter books she had great self esteem, but books like this plant ideas in her head like “oh I didn’t realize I needed to be self conscious about that” etc. I do appreciate that the protagonist is not also boy crazy and has platonic boy relationships.
Overall, it’s not horrible, but it’s not empowering fem lit. It’s mostly the same old stuff and not enough self love. Lets evolve! I want a realistic female protagonist who teaches young girls how to dismiss the haters and celebrate in their uniqueness for 95% of the book. Let’s give the next generation new vocabulary that’s not about “image”.
April 6, 2025
Being a 5th grader is never easy but when you have never had a best friend and don’t feel like you fit in anywhere, it makes it a lot harder. Add in a typical mean girl bully and it seems hopeless.
A kind teacher and a chance to go to summer camp and things are looking up. That is, until you find out the camp is for famous kids- princesses, rock stars, inventors, etc.. Should you be yourself or pretend to be something you’re not to fit in? This is your chance - you don’t want to blow it.
I loved the introspection and learning that Abby goes through during the story. She isn’t comfortable in her lies but doesn’t trust herself as she is. Is the pretend Abby or the real one the way to happiness and friendship? Will her new friends still like her if they know she isn’t famous? A story that middle grade girls will devour and learn
valuable lessons while doing so.
A kind teacher and a chance to go to summer camp and things are looking up. That is, until you find out the camp is for famous kids- princesses, rock stars, inventors, etc.. Should you be yourself or pretend to be something you’re not to fit in? This is your chance - you don’t want to blow it.
I loved the introspection and learning that Abby goes through during the story. She isn’t comfortable in her lies but doesn’t trust herself as she is. Is the pretend Abby or the real one the way to happiness and friendship? Will her new friends still like her if they know she isn’t famous? A story that middle grade girls will devour and learn
valuable lessons while doing so.
April 2, 2022
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
I love when I read a book and instantly think of a student who I just know will love this back. And by the 3rd page I know which student was going to absolutely fall in love with Abby and her story!
This is a fun middle grade book with a premise that will engage readers, with a main character that is very relatable. Not only is it a fun premise to imagine...getting to hang out with famous kids...the book also tackles friendship, which is a big part of life for middle grade readers. My heart broke for Abby when she talked about making herself small in the hopes of repairing a friendship.
I love when I read a book and instantly think of a student who I just know will love this back. And by the 3rd page I know which student was going to absolutely fall in love with Abby and her story!
This is a fun middle grade book with a premise that will engage readers, with a main character that is very relatable. Not only is it a fun premise to imagine...getting to hang out with famous kids...the book also tackles friendship, which is a big part of life for middle grade readers. My heart broke for Abby when she talked about making herself small in the hopes of repairing a friendship.
May 16, 2022
Camp Famous is about a girl named Abby who is just finishing up 5th grade. She is having a hard time fitting in and finding her group of friends. She has always wanted to go to summer camp but her parents have always said no. This year they have changed their minds. However Abby doesn't know that she is actually going to a summer camp that is for famous kids. While she is there she learns that being herself is truly the way to make friends. This story was such an uplifting story for middle grade kids. I have a 10 year old daughter who I will be passing this book to. Thank you Netgalley and GreenWillow Books for the ARC.
July 19, 2022
A good summer read! Abby struggles to make friends at school. After her parents meet with her teacher at the end of the school year, they tell her that she's signed up for what she's always dreamed about: summer camp! Right before she gets on the plane, her parents tell her that she's not going to a normal summer camp. Instead, she's going to Camp Famous, a three-week camp for famous kids wanting a break from being a celebrity. How can Abby make friends with such cool people? By lying about being a famous author. A good book to talk about making friends and friend drama. A quick read for fans of the 11 Birthdays series.
April 29, 2022
Touching middle grade novel that tugged at my heartstrings. Just like Abby in Camp Famous, my daughter is also an 11-year-old 5th grader on the cusp of middle school who, like most if not all kids her age, struggles with big changes, fitting in, and how to navigate life. I thought the author did a nice job of accurately and intelligently portraying these issues in a way that is accessible to kids. As a mom, I appreciated the gentle honesty and vulnerability of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
May 26, 2022
Compelling plot kept me turning the pages. I even stayed up late on a school night to finish this one. The characters were very likable and believable. Readers in grades 4-6 will really connect with the characters. The author successfully navigates the struggle kids in this age group face with friendships and identity in a way that to the point but also very light. The story is a good balance of tension and humor.
June 21, 2022
Universal theme of shy, awkward girl trying to fit in, find a best friend. When Abby finally gets her long held wish to go to sleep away camp, will she be able to make a best friend there? Fun, summer beach type read for the MG crowd. Gotta love the most popular girl at school, Marin, who we know actually must be nice since she “always returned the book with no creased pages, and if she loved the story, she hugged the book before giving it back.”
August 1, 2022
This is a fun read about summer sleep away camp and how quickly bonds can form when kids spend 24/7 time together. The premise is cute and I thought Abby handled the surprises of camp well, considering her insecurities. If you are considering reading this book, look at the summaries in the reviews for a truer picture of what the book is about. The description provided above is not accurate- I don’t think.
January 20, 2023
truth is always the best
I knew something bad would happen from her lie. It seemed a little extreme to have people helicopter to her and see her. I probably would have gone back but I guess it made sense to stay when she only had 1 night left and her parents were coming to get her the next day.
Would be nice if there was an album Kai put out included! Ha!
Overall a good book about being yourself and making friends as you and not minding what others think.
I knew something bad would happen from her lie. It seemed a little extreme to have people helicopter to her and see her. I probably would have gone back but I guess it made sense to stay when she only had 1 night left and her parents were coming to get her the next day.
Would be nice if there was an album Kai put out included! Ha!
Overall a good book about being yourself and making friends as you and not minding what others think.
December 4, 2023
I read this book for the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. The book was interesting, but lacked a little bit in the detail department--I just wanted more. It is all about breaking out of your comfort zone and making friends. I didn't like that the main character thought she had to lie to make friends, that part was just sad. Overall, it was a different style/kind of "summer sleep away camp" stories for middle grade.
February 5, 2024
I really liked this book a lot; the setting was fun, the characters were great, and despite being an adult, I really felt like I could relate to Abby because I have always struggled with feeling left out as well. However, I felt that her decision at the end kind of reversed some of the character development. Overall though, a great summer camp story that is sure to resonate with middle-schoolers or anyone who has felt like they had to change themselves to fit in with others.
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