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Unhappy Camper: A Graphic Novel
From the acclaimed creators of Measuring Up, author Lily LaMotte and illustrators Ann Xu and Sunmi, comes a graphic novel about two sisters—one who embraces her Taiwanese culture and one eager to do away with it—who rebuild their bond at a Taiwanese American summer camp. Perfect for fans of Be Prepared and Sisters, this is a heartwarming story about the importance of being true to yourself.
Would you rather blend in or stand out? Claire and Michelle used to be best friends, but now the two sisters couldn’t be more different. Michelle will do anything to fit in, even if it means denying her Taiwanese culture, whereas Claire is proud of who she is. So much so that she decides to become a junior counselor at a Taiwanese American summer camp.
Sensing a rift between the two, their parents decide to send them both off to camp, much to Michelle’s dismay. As summer continues, both sisters learn more about their culture and each other. But Michelle must eventually decide to either embrace her culture and family or assimilate into the popular group at school. Which will she choose?
Would you rather blend in or stand out? Claire and Michelle used to be best friends, but now the two sisters couldn’t be more different. Michelle will do anything to fit in, even if it means denying her Taiwanese culture, whereas Claire is proud of who she is. So much so that she decides to become a junior counselor at a Taiwanese American summer camp.
Sensing a rift between the two, their parents decide to send them both off to camp, much to Michelle’s dismay. As summer continues, both sisters learn more about their culture and each other. But Michelle must eventually decide to either embrace her culture and family or assimilate into the popular group at school. Which will she choose?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
58 people are currently reading
4420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 7, 2025
Great middle grades graphic novel that deals with cultural identity, peer pressure, and bullying. Michelle navigates the complexities of family and friendship while also learning to embrace her identity as a Taiwanese American.
My only critique is that I wanted to know a little bit more about Michelle's parents and how they either facilitated or hindered her struggle with identity. They seemed mysterious to me in that I could not tell if they were first, second, third gen immigrants.
Thanks to HarperAlley/Harper Collins Childrens Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
My only critique is that I wanted to know a little bit more about Michelle's parents and how they either facilitated or hindered her struggle with identity. They seemed mysterious to me in that I could not tell if they were first, second, third gen immigrants.
Thanks to HarperAlley/Harper Collins Childrens Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 20, 2024
2 stars for the beginning ✨️,/first quarter or so, and 3 stars for the last half.
2.5 stars 🌟 🤩 overall if my math is right.
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Not as good as the first one for this reader, but I would still say give this a try if the summary appeals to you.
The song they included had pretty lyrics :).
2.5 stars 🌟 🤩 overall if my math is right.
----
Not as good as the first one for this reader, but I would still say give this a try if the summary appeals to you.
The song they included had pretty lyrics :).
April 19, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this graphic novel and think it's the perfect follow-up to Measuring Up. Set at a summer camp, it deals with a lot of the same themes of cultural identity and fitting in that made Measuring Up so special.
April 8, 2025
Goooooood! I recommend
April 24, 2025
Unhappy Camper is a manga-style graphic novel about sisters, fitting in, and finally not caring what the mean girls think. Michelle is miserable trying to impress the popular crowd at her mostly white school, while her older sister Claire actually embraces their Taiwanese heritage.
Cue: summer camp.
The two clash, make friends, and slowly start to understand each other. Think Mean Girls meets culture camp—with heart.
Cue: summer camp.
The two clash, make friends, and slowly start to understand each other. Think Mean Girls meets culture camp—with heart.
April 19, 2024
I LOVED Measuring Up so was super excited to read this one by the same creators. It's a very different middle grade graphic novel about sisters and cultural identity and friendship. Claire and Michelle are sisters, Claire only a little older than Michelle. While Claire embraces her Taiwanese American heritage, Claire would rather ignore it so she can fit in better with the 'it' girls—who are all wealthy and white. When Claire becomes a camp counselor for a Taiwanese culture camp, their parents make Michelle attend the camp, too. Michelle does not want to go. She wants to spend the summer torturing herself by hanging out with the most popular girl in choir. But she has little choice. At camp, she learns about how to speak Taiwanese, draw calligraphy, and sing. As the weeks go by, she finds herself enjoying camp despite her reservations, but a mean thing she did to her sister at the beginning comes back to bite her.
I found the friend drama really stressful! Ugh. It's amazing how many decades can pass since I was in middle school and I still find bullying and gaslighting triggering.
I found the friend drama really stressful! Ugh. It's amazing how many decades can pass since I was in middle school and I still find bullying and gaslighting triggering.
December 23, 2025
IT'S AMAZING!!! I never thought I would like it SOOOO much! Michelle cheer up, girl, OK, I know at the beginning it's not the best, but she stood up for herself! Just wait for awesomeness, yall!
January 24, 2024
Michelle and her big sister Claire used to be close, but now they couldn't be further apart. The sisters, who live in Seattle, are Taiwanese American. To Michelle, that's just one more thing that makes her different from the other girls in her class. But Claire is excited about their cultural heritage and loves to attend a cultural summer camp for other Taiwanese American kids - and then come home and brag about the Taiwanese she learns. This summer, their parents decide that since Claire will be a junior camp counselor, its only fair that Michelle get to go to camp too -- the last place she wants to be. Specifically, Michelle wants to spend time with the popular (but kind of mean girls) in her choir in the hopes to become their friend.
This is a solid graphic novel that will have no trouble finding an audience. Fans of Stargazing, Sisters, Be Prepared, or, of course, Sisters will like this book. The pair from Measuring Up deliver another good mix of text and image that explores the feeling of disconnection from cultural identity. I received an arc from NetGalley and did think there were a few spots where the story felt disjointed -- almost like panels were in the wrong spot -- hopefully that will be corrected before a final version.
This is a solid graphic novel that will have no trouble finding an audience. Fans of Stargazing, Sisters, Be Prepared, or, of course, Sisters will like this book. The pair from Measuring Up deliver another good mix of text and image that explores the feeling of disconnection from cultural identity. I received an arc from NetGalley and did think there were a few spots where the story felt disjointed -- almost like panels were in the wrong spot -- hopefully that will be corrected before a final version.
January 14, 2025
I enjoyed the sister relationship and Michelle embracing more about her family’s culture, but the illustration style isn’t my favorite and Michelle was whiny. I also had to look her name up just now because I had a hard time figuring out which sister was which for most of the book. They’d both be in the frame, but I’d confuse which was which or constantly thought the other counselor was Claire.
May 7, 2024
This was fantastic! I learned so much about Taiwanese culture while also reading a great story about two sisters that lost each other. One wants to fit in with all of the preppy girls at school and the other wants to learn everything about their heritage. Can summer camp bring them back together?
June 14, 2024
What happens when you don’t want to go to a cultural camp, but your sister loves it and your parents are making you go? You go despite not wanting to be there and text your friends about how miserable you are, of course. Claire and Michelle can’t be more different, but by the end of this summer camp…. Can they find some mutual ground?
July 22, 2024
A solid read that I imagine would be especially resonant to Taiwanese American kids. It felt a little clunky at times-- could have used a few more transitions-- but overall it totally hearkened back to my own experience of trying to figure out where I fit in.
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December 9, 2024Cute little middle grade graphic novel with great themes and sister relationships :)
December 31, 2023
A heartwarming and funny book about two sisters, whose paths diverge. Claire embraces her heritage, while Michelle, does not. Michelle is forced to go to the Taiwanese American camp, where Claire is a counselor and has a huge case of FOMO when she leaves the popular white girls behind. What's wonderful is how Michelle begins to realize, that mean girls aren't really friends and trying new things, isn't really a bad thing. But mostly, this is about two sisters who find their way back to each other.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 6, 2024
The author & illustrator of Measuring Up collaborate again, adding another cartoonist - Sunmi, in this realistic graphic novel about a Taiwanese American middle school student forced to accompany her older sister to an ethnic-heritage-based summer camp.
In the 3 weeks before she leaves for camp, Michelle intends to ingratiate herself with the mean-but-popular girl Jess, mimicking her slang, offering her treats, and pretending to like and afford the same clothing, foods, songs, and activities. It's as painful to watch as it is obvious that it will blow up in her face.
The blow-up humiliates Michelle's older sister Claire, and unfortunately comes at a time when they are finally becoming closer to one another, after years of increasing estrangement. Claire has been proud of their Taiwanese heritage, while Michelle has tried to minimize it - until she gets caught up in the joyful camp experience.
The simple illustrations focus attention on the kids' emotions, and keep the tone light. When Michelle is reliving a memory or losing herself in an imagined situation, the illustrations become monotone, with a color that matches her mood about it.
The cover perfectly projects what's inside, and I'm sure this will find its way to plenty of readers who will learn much from it. The focus on the Taiwanese American experience can easily be extrapolated by readers who are from any other ethnic group, whether recent immigrants or in the U.S. for some generations. Furthermore, readers who think of themselves as mainstream Americans are likely to see the mean-girl behavior as cruel and wrong, and maybe they'll stop themselves from repeating it...so in the *next* generation of authors and illustrators might be able to move on from this predictable scenario. At this moment, sadly, this is still needed!
In the 3 weeks before she leaves for camp, Michelle intends to ingratiate herself with the mean-but-popular girl Jess, mimicking her slang, offering her treats, and pretending to like and afford the same clothing, foods, songs, and activities. It's as painful to watch as it is obvious that it will blow up in her face.
The blow-up humiliates Michelle's older sister Claire, and unfortunately comes at a time when they are finally becoming closer to one another, after years of increasing estrangement. Claire has been proud of their Taiwanese heritage, while Michelle has tried to minimize it - until she gets caught up in the joyful camp experience.
The simple illustrations focus attention on the kids' emotions, and keep the tone light. When Michelle is reliving a memory or losing herself in an imagined situation, the illustrations become monotone, with a color that matches her mood about it.
The cover perfectly projects what's inside, and I'm sure this will find its way to plenty of readers who will learn much from it. The focus on the Taiwanese American experience can easily be extrapolated by readers who are from any other ethnic group, whether recent immigrants or in the U.S. for some generations. Furthermore, readers who think of themselves as mainstream Americans are likely to see the mean-girl behavior as cruel and wrong, and maybe they'll stop themselves from repeating it...so in the *next* generation of authors and illustrators might be able to move on from this predictable scenario. At this moment, sadly, this is still needed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
A fun summer read about family and friends....
Claire and Michelle are sisters about a year or so apart who used to have a great rapport between them, however have diverged as they entered grade school. Claire, the older, celebrates her Taiwanese American heritage; Michelle prefers to assimilate into the dominant culture at school. When summer arrives, their parents send both girls to a summer camp that focuses on Taiwanese culture. Since Claire had attended this camp in the past, she was selected to be a junior counselor; Michelle rejects the education given in the camp as she does everything she can to be invited to her BF’s summer party – including sending an unflattering photo of Claire to her friend that goes viral. Michelle finally comes around at camp and tries to make amends to Claire. Is it too late for these girls to mend the rift? No spoilers here. You will have to read it to find out.
The award-winning team of LaMotte and Xu (their first GN venture Measuring Up) have returned with a universal story about how sisters can be raised together, separate in their interests, and mend the rift that resulted. LaMotte tells the story with plenty of heart and in a realistic manner. The girls’ experiences at camp are just what you expect them to experience. Art by Ann Xu with colorization by Sunmi feels just right. Though Xu gives the two sisters different hairstyles throughout to help readers differentiate between them in the story, it can be challenging to tell them apart, especially in the camp section where the two are facing off. I appreciate the use of translated Taiwanese at the camp, particularly when singing. LaMotte and Xu combined to be very helpful in the explanation of the tonal sounds making a difference in the meaning of a word sound. Also fascinating was the many different ingredients used in Taiwanese shaved ice. Sunmi’s use of color lends an air of authenticity, as many of the dominant colors used (yellows, greens, browns, and reds) are colors often found in Asian art.
Themes found here: family, sisters, friendships, pride in your heritage, Taiwanese culture, and summer camp. Pair this with Vera Brosgol’s GN, Be Prepared.
Recommended for grades 3-7.
Claire and Michelle are sisters about a year or so apart who used to have a great rapport between them, however have diverged as they entered grade school. Claire, the older, celebrates her Taiwanese American heritage; Michelle prefers to assimilate into the dominant culture at school. When summer arrives, their parents send both girls to a summer camp that focuses on Taiwanese culture. Since Claire had attended this camp in the past, she was selected to be a junior counselor; Michelle rejects the education given in the camp as she does everything she can to be invited to her BF’s summer party – including sending an unflattering photo of Claire to her friend that goes viral. Michelle finally comes around at camp and tries to make amends to Claire. Is it too late for these girls to mend the rift? No spoilers here. You will have to read it to find out.
The award-winning team of LaMotte and Xu (their first GN venture Measuring Up) have returned with a universal story about how sisters can be raised together, separate in their interests, and mend the rift that resulted. LaMotte tells the story with plenty of heart and in a realistic manner. The girls’ experiences at camp are just what you expect them to experience. Art by Ann Xu with colorization by Sunmi feels just right. Though Xu gives the two sisters different hairstyles throughout to help readers differentiate between them in the story, it can be challenging to tell them apart, especially in the camp section where the two are facing off. I appreciate the use of translated Taiwanese at the camp, particularly when singing. LaMotte and Xu combined to be very helpful in the explanation of the tonal sounds making a difference in the meaning of a word sound. Also fascinating was the many different ingredients used in Taiwanese shaved ice. Sunmi’s use of color lends an air of authenticity, as many of the dominant colors used (yellows, greens, browns, and reds) are colors often found in Asian art.
Themes found here: family, sisters, friendships, pride in your heritage, Taiwanese culture, and summer camp. Pair this with Vera Brosgol’s GN, Be Prepared.
Recommended for grades 3-7.
April 11, 2024
I was first drawn in by the comical image of a supremely miserable camper on the cover of this middle grade graphic novel. Michelle and Claire are sisters, and when they were little, they were best friends. But now that they are 8 and 12 years old, Michelle can't stand her big sister. Michelle, who narrates the story, is embarrassed by all things ethnic, and just wants to fit in with the mostly white cadre of slightly mean girls she aspires to be part of. Her sister is all about their Taiwanese cultural heritage. In fact, Claire is totally thrilled to be returning to a cultural camp as a junior counselor this summer. Michelle plans to spend the summer preparing for the end of summer bash one of her friends plans to have. When Michelle is made to go to the same camp as Claire, it feels like the end of the world: hanging with her uncool sister and doing stupid cultural things.
As you might expect, the sisters do find common ground at camp, and Michelle actually enjoys learning to kayak, sing Taiwanese songs, do calligraphy, and get to know other kids in a place where "everyone looks like me!" There's a terrible falling out when, in an effort to seem cool, Michelle posts a derisive picture of Claire on social media to seem cool. Readers are kept guessing whether the sisters will ever work that out. Even though the dramatic arc is somewhat predictable, I really enjoyed watching the dance of the siblings as they were able to bond over their shared background. LaMotte reminds the reader of their youthful closeness by occasional flashbacks, in a pink/red palette, which is easy to differentiate from the full color art of the main narrative. There are fun details like a caret symbol indicating which speech is in Taiwanese, and occasional tiny head images that indicate what a character is thinking apart from the dialogue. It's sometimes painful to see Michelle kowtowing to the white girls in an effort to fit in, and I hope that reading this will help middle schoolers realize that finding your true friends is so much easier when you are able to just be yourself.
As you might expect, the sisters do find common ground at camp, and Michelle actually enjoys learning to kayak, sing Taiwanese songs, do calligraphy, and get to know other kids in a place where "everyone looks like me!" There's a terrible falling out when, in an effort to seem cool, Michelle posts a derisive picture of Claire on social media to seem cool. Readers are kept guessing whether the sisters will ever work that out. Even though the dramatic arc is somewhat predictable, I really enjoyed watching the dance of the siblings as they were able to bond over their shared background. LaMotte reminds the reader of their youthful closeness by occasional flashbacks, in a pink/red palette, which is easy to differentiate from the full color art of the main narrative. There are fun details like a caret symbol indicating which speech is in Taiwanese, and occasional tiny head images that indicate what a character is thinking apart from the dialogue. It's sometimes painful to see Michelle kowtowing to the white girls in an effort to fit in, and I hope that reading this will help middle schoolers realize that finding your true friends is so much easier when you are able to just be yourself.
May 3, 2024
The story advances the trope of lived experience and enlightenment through critical race consciousness. It's hard to tell if this is intentional or a cultural meme absorbed by the author's proximity to those circles.
This book could have developed the entire story within second generation Tawainese immigrants and inner family dynamics without the use of the blonde haired mean-girl you find in most young girl marketed material (movies, tv, books, ect) since the 80s.
As warned by Gregory Stanton and others, the first stages to ethnic conflict is caused by classification of identity and highlighting the divide. I do not see any transcendence of the 'identities' to a higher good. It ends with people that look a-like segregating themselves by physical markers. America has a place for pluralistic world, but I don't see the book highlighting it in a manner that I think is positive.
Instead of learning how to deal with bad friends and finding better friends, my child came away thinking people should be separated by hyphenated identities and they need to find their ‘people’ away from the community they live in.
A person is no longer a friend but an ‘identity’-friend.
French ‘camp’ shows kids doing Les miserables, which is not French tradition but a political movement. The book does the same generalization that it accuses of American children.
Character doesn’t want to try a new food and accused of ‘being one of THOSE PEOPLE that don't like to try new things'. Replace 'things' with 'food' and i wouldn't have had any concern. Yes, it makes a difference in being careful what you put into kids heads.
All kids go through life with bad kids, some of those kids grow out of their selfish and envious ways.
I don't recall this in the original author's book and will have to get it off the shelf and see if I missed it. Otherwise, I'm hopeful that this was not intentional by the author but more of a reflection of the media propaganda having a bad influence.
This book could have developed the entire story within second generation Tawainese immigrants and inner family dynamics without the use of the blonde haired mean-girl you find in most young girl marketed material (movies, tv, books, ect) since the 80s.
As warned by Gregory Stanton and others, the first stages to ethnic conflict is caused by classification of identity and highlighting the divide. I do not see any transcendence of the 'identities' to a higher good. It ends with people that look a-like segregating themselves by physical markers. America has a place for pluralistic world, but I don't see the book highlighting it in a manner that I think is positive.
Instead of learning how to deal with bad friends and finding better friends, my child came away thinking people should be separated by hyphenated identities and they need to find their ‘people’ away from the community they live in.
A person is no longer a friend but an ‘identity’-friend.
French ‘camp’ shows kids doing Les miserables, which is not French tradition but a political movement. The book does the same generalization that it accuses of American children.
Character doesn’t want to try a new food and accused of ‘being one of THOSE PEOPLE that don't like to try new things'. Replace 'things' with 'food' and i wouldn't have had any concern. Yes, it makes a difference in being careful what you put into kids heads.
All kids go through life with bad kids, some of those kids grow out of their selfish and envious ways.
I don't recall this in the original author's book and will have to get it off the shelf and see if I missed it. Otherwise, I'm hopeful that this was not intentional by the author but more of a reflection of the media propaganda having a bad influence.
August 1, 2025
Michelle and Clare are Taiwanese-American girls living in Seattle. Michelle, the younger sister tries to ingratiate herself with the popular girls, including queen bee mean girl Jess. Clare has already had bad experiences with Jess's elder sister, Kat and wishes Michelle could see that she's unlikely to find true friendship that way. Clare is excited about a cultural camp she's attended before where now she'll be a junior counselor. Michelle is dismayed that her parents decide to send her too. They go together and have a good time except that Michelle sends an unflattering picture of Clare while she's performing a Taiwanese opera to Jess, who circulates it with an "L" superimposed on her forehead. Clare is hurt and Michelle is envious when her big sister gives her attention to other campers, like a newly-immigrated girl named Izzy. Clare volunteers Michelle to sing a solo of a Taiwanese song called Northwest Rain, which is difficult because tone changes meanings of the words. Izzy duets with her and it's ok. Michelle sings back up at Jess' big end-of-summer and feels her disharmony with the 'popular' girls. She sings Northwest Rain and is recorded to be mocked. As she leaves the party one potential new friend pays her a compliment. Her family spends their next summer in Taiwan and Michelle starts making more of an effort to connect with her heritage and try new things.
I thought that the overall message was good here, but was disappointed to see the blonde, blue-eyed 'pitchy' rich girl trope again. I do remember my own grade school's alpha a-hole and she did fit that stereotype in the 1980s, but it's kind of a bummer to see a book published in 2024 that suggests Seattle is still a place where we haven't progressed from there. If anything I think the microaggressions come from a liberal, trying-too-hard place now (although I wouldn't pretend they're a thing of the past). I'll be curious to hear what young readers say.
cw: lots of othering and racial microaggressions, sometimes portrayed through texts like cyberbullying
I thought that the overall message was good here, but was disappointed to see the blonde, blue-eyed 'pitchy' rich girl trope again. I do remember my own grade school's alpha a-hole and she did fit that stereotype in the 1980s, but it's kind of a bummer to see a book published in 2024 that suggests Seattle is still a place where we haven't progressed from there. If anything I think the microaggressions come from a liberal, trying-too-hard place now (although I wouldn't pretend they're a thing of the past). I'll be curious to hear what young readers say.
cw: lots of othering and racial microaggressions, sometimes portrayed through texts like cyberbullying
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
Story 5 stars
Artwork 5 stars
Color 5 stars
Lettering 5 stars
Overall rating: 5 stars
Michelle and Claire are Taiwanese-American sisters who are one year apart. While growing up they were extremely close and inseparable. By middle school, however, they have different goals and interests. Seventh grader Michelle struggles to fit in with her non-Asian friends, especially with popular blond, blue-eyed Jess. Her "friends" include her but only on the fringe so Michelle doesn't always feel quite included. Michelle avoids her Asian heritage as much as possible.
On the contrary, eighth grader Claire is aware and not so bothered by her own awkwardness. She has few friends and is teased a lot. However, she confidently embraces her Taiwanese heritage so much to the point that she is ecstatic to attend Taiwanese summer camp as a junior counselor.
Michelle's parents FORCE her to attend the same Taiwanese summer camp where she feels completely like a fish out of water. She is an Unhappy Camper! With time Michelle starts to see and appreciate Claire's helpfulness as a camp counselor and realizes being Taiwanese is nothing to be embarrassed about, particularly when native-Taiwanese campmate Izzy demonstrates how proud she is to be Taiwanese.
As a non-Taiwanese Chinese-American, I can totally relate to Michelle. While in my elementary-to-high school years, I also had a blond, blue-eyed close friend but always felt like a friend just on the fringe (we are still "semi" friends to this day, 50 years later). I was also somewhat embarrassed about my Asian heritage and wanted to fit in with my non-Asian peers even though my friends loved my Asian heritage because I looked so different from my white and black friends. I also had an older sister who was awkward but she was more comfortable with being Asian. So I understand this story; it feels like my own story! I applaud Lily LaMotte for the incredible story (also loved her previous book Measuring Up) and Ann Xu for her excellent illustrations. I hope this winning team continues to create more Asian graphic novels.
Theme/genre: Taiwanese-American
Setting: Seattle
Likable characters: Michelle, Claire, Izzy
Artwork 5 stars
Color 5 stars
Lettering 5 stars
Overall rating: 5 stars
Michelle and Claire are Taiwanese-American sisters who are one year apart. While growing up they were extremely close and inseparable. By middle school, however, they have different goals and interests. Seventh grader Michelle struggles to fit in with her non-Asian friends, especially with popular blond, blue-eyed Jess. Her "friends" include her but only on the fringe so Michelle doesn't always feel quite included. Michelle avoids her Asian heritage as much as possible.
On the contrary, eighth grader Claire is aware and not so bothered by her own awkwardness. She has few friends and is teased a lot. However, she confidently embraces her Taiwanese heritage so much to the point that she is ecstatic to attend Taiwanese summer camp as a junior counselor.
Michelle's parents FORCE her to attend the same Taiwanese summer camp where she feels completely like a fish out of water. She is an Unhappy Camper! With time Michelle starts to see and appreciate Claire's helpfulness as a camp counselor and realizes being Taiwanese is nothing to be embarrassed about, particularly when native-Taiwanese campmate Izzy demonstrates how proud she is to be Taiwanese.
As a non-Taiwanese Chinese-American, I can totally relate to Michelle. While in my elementary-to-high school years, I also had a blond, blue-eyed close friend but always felt like a friend just on the fringe (we are still "semi" friends to this day, 50 years later). I was also somewhat embarrassed about my Asian heritage and wanted to fit in with my non-Asian peers even though my friends loved my Asian heritage because I looked so different from my white and black friends. I also had an older sister who was awkward but she was more comfortable with being Asian. So I understand this story; it feels like my own story! I applaud Lily LaMotte for the incredible story (also loved her previous book Measuring Up) and Ann Xu for her excellent illustrations. I hope this winning team continues to create more Asian graphic novels.
Theme/genre: Taiwanese-American
Setting: Seattle
Likable characters: Michelle, Claire, Izzy
February 12, 2025
Michelle is somewhat horrified to discover her parents have signed her up to go to the same Taiwanese camp her sister attended last year and will be a junior camp counselor at this year. Michelle and Claire used to be best friends before they went to school, but then Michelle decided she wanted to ignore her Taiwanese heritage to be more cool, whereas Claire held on to her heritage and doesn't care about being cool. Michelle is afraid summer at Taiwanese camp is going to ruin her cool status, which she's worked hard to achieve by working her way into cool girl Jess' group. Jess' big summer bash is right after camp is over. But will it be the highlight of the summer Michelle thinks it will be?
Insecurity and the desire to be accepted are HUGE issues with tweens and teens, so even those not from a Taiwanese American background will find parts of Michelle's story that will for sure resonate with them. I like the growth that Michelle experiences over the summer, though there are some rough patches for sure she has to go through to get there. She learns some important lessons about what real friendship looks like, what really matters in the long run, and how to balance the different cultural influences in her life better. This was good and important, but it wasn't fun per se, so it lost a star with me.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Most of the campers are Taiwanese American (one girl just moved from Taiwan, and one kid is white). Michelle's "cool" friends are all white. There are other cultural camps going on at the same time so they meet some Swedish American kids and some Asian Indian American kids, and some Native American kids.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Michelle shares a goofy picture of her sister with Jess, and Jess spreads it around social media where it gains unkind comments. These really hurt Claire, and Michelle has to figure out how to apologize and address the issue with Jess.
Insecurity and the desire to be accepted are HUGE issues with tweens and teens, so even those not from a Taiwanese American background will find parts of Michelle's story that will for sure resonate with them. I like the growth that Michelle experiences over the summer, though there are some rough patches for sure she has to go through to get there. She learns some important lessons about what real friendship looks like, what really matters in the long run, and how to balance the different cultural influences in her life better. This was good and important, but it wasn't fun per se, so it lost a star with me.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: None
Ethnic diversity: Most of the campers are Taiwanese American (one girl just moved from Taiwan, and one kid is white). Michelle's "cool" friends are all white. There are other cultural camps going on at the same time so they meet some Swedish American kids and some Asian Indian American kids, and some Native American kids.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Michelle shares a goofy picture of her sister with Jess, and Jess spreads it around social media where it gains unkind comments. These really hurt Claire, and Michelle has to figure out how to apologize and address the issue with Jess.
January 27, 2025
This book is similar to Grace Lin's Dumpling Days in a lot of ways, so Michelle annoyed me for a lot of the exact same reasons Pacy did, lmao.
In my youth, I was always more of a Claire than a Michelle/Pacy, so it's hard for me to sympathize with her character. It's hard for me to sympathize with any character who actively denies, represses, or ignores facets of their identity just for the sake of "fitting in" or because they don't recognize the value in their heritage.
Of course, Michelle grows and has changed her tune by the end of the novel, and the relationship between the sisters is significantly repaired, but it wasn't the most well-executed character arc, in my opinion. Michelle's "redemption" felt contrived for the sake of plot and not well-earned. Compared to Grace Lin's series, I also think there's a lack of meaningful reflection or conversation about identity and the other important topics this book covers. Michelle & Claire forgive each other without any real conversation, and much the same can be said about Michelle coming around to embrace her Taiwanese-American heritage.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the way the story is structured, with thought bubbles present for side characters like Jess even though we're reading from Michelle's first-person perspective. The asterisk notes also annoyed me. While this is a children's/middle grade book, I think the author should trust even her young readers to be smart enough to figure out context clues on their own. Or at least integrate them in a way that's not as intrusive.
Still, it wasn't a bad book, and this is absolutely a valuable story for young readers who feel similarly to Michelle and need some guidance accepting their culture and themselves for who they are.
In my youth, I was always more of a Claire than a Michelle/Pacy, so it's hard for me to sympathize with her character. It's hard for me to sympathize with any character who actively denies, represses, or ignores facets of their identity just for the sake of "fitting in" or because they don't recognize the value in their heritage.
Of course, Michelle grows and has changed her tune by the end of the novel, and the relationship between the sisters is significantly repaired, but it wasn't the most well-executed character arc, in my opinion. Michelle's "redemption" felt contrived for the sake of plot and not well-earned. Compared to Grace Lin's series, I also think there's a lack of meaningful reflection or conversation about identity and the other important topics this book covers. Michelle & Claire forgive each other without any real conversation, and much the same can be said about Michelle coming around to embrace her Taiwanese-American heritage.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the way the story is structured, with thought bubbles present for side characters like Jess even though we're reading from Michelle's first-person perspective. The asterisk notes also annoyed me. While this is a children's/middle grade book, I think the author should trust even her young readers to be smart enough to figure out context clues on their own. Or at least integrate them in a way that's not as intrusive.
Still, it wasn't a bad book, and this is absolutely a valuable story for young readers who feel similarly to Michelle and need some guidance accepting their culture and themselves for who they are.
May 8, 2024
I've been a fan of LaMotte since "Measuring Up," so I was thrilled when this new book was released!
At first, the summer camp in the story dampens the main character's spirits, but it soon transforms into my ideal summer getaway.
In "Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood," Lisa Damour explores the dynamics of cliques and girl gangs. I'd say here in this book, Jess is just the influential queen bee who stifles other voices within the group.
As Claire questions the group's behavior and Michelle struggles to assert herself in front of Jess, tensions rise, leading to a pivotal moment that challenges their relationships and identities.
The story beautifully unfolds at the camp, revealing the growth and support among the girls as they navigate challenges, learn from each other, and discover the true essence of friendship.
With a unique blend of Taiwanese language and culture, this book offers a delightful experience for both children and parents, showcasing the joys of summer camp and the richness of cultural exploration.
I enjoy reading this book as it inspires thoughts on relationship between culture (parent/child, older simbling/ younger sibling, major culture/minor culture, and more). I'd love to see what other topics LaMotte will unfurl.
At first, the summer camp in the story dampens the main character's spirits, but it soon transforms into my ideal summer getaway.
In "Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood," Lisa Damour explores the dynamics of cliques and girl gangs. I'd say here in this book, Jess is just the influential queen bee who stifles other voices within the group.
As Claire questions the group's behavior and Michelle struggles to assert herself in front of Jess, tensions rise, leading to a pivotal moment that challenges their relationships and identities.
The story beautifully unfolds at the camp, revealing the growth and support among the girls as they navigate challenges, learn from each other, and discover the true essence of friendship.
With a unique blend of Taiwanese language and culture, this book offers a delightful experience for both children and parents, showcasing the joys of summer camp and the richness of cultural exploration.
I enjoy reading this book as it inspires thoughts on relationship between culture (parent/child, older simbling/ younger sibling, major culture/minor culture, and more). I'd love to see what other topics LaMotte will unfurl.
May 7, 2024
First sentence: Claire and I had many daring adventures with our dolls.
Premise/plot: Michelle (our narrator) and Claire (her older sister) are at odds in Unhappy Camper. Michelle wants to blend in--fit in, be liked, be popular--with her friend group and peers. Claire wants to be true to herself and express her most true self--which in this case means embracing her Taiwanese culture a thousand percent. Claire has gone many years to a Taiwanese-American summer camp. Michelle has never once wanted to go. This year her parents have decided she HAS to go. They hope these two sisters will learn to get along better and become greater friends. Michelle, meanwhile, spends a good deal of time worrying about her friends back home. Her friends seem to pity her for having to go to this "weird" "awful" camp. [That's the impression I got.] What will Michelle learn about herself? her sister? her friends?
My thoughts: Graphic novels are not my go-to choice at the library. But I always try to read a few per year. This graphic novel is a coming of age novel that deals with relationships--the relationship between two sisters, the relationship(s) with friends. Michelle is building towards an "aha" moment where she realizes that her friends may not be true friends that truly care about her.
Premise/plot: Michelle (our narrator) and Claire (her older sister) are at odds in Unhappy Camper. Michelle wants to blend in--fit in, be liked, be popular--with her friend group and peers. Claire wants to be true to herself and express her most true self--which in this case means embracing her Taiwanese culture a thousand percent. Claire has gone many years to a Taiwanese-American summer camp. Michelle has never once wanted to go. This year her parents have decided she HAS to go. They hope these two sisters will learn to get along better and become greater friends. Michelle, meanwhile, spends a good deal of time worrying about her friends back home. Her friends seem to pity her for having to go to this "weird" "awful" camp. [That's the impression I got.] What will Michelle learn about herself? her sister? her friends?
My thoughts: Graphic novels are not my go-to choice at the library. But I always try to read a few per year. This graphic novel is a coming of age novel that deals with relationships--the relationship between two sisters, the relationship(s) with friends. Michelle is building towards an "aha" moment where she realizes that her friends may not be true friends that truly care about her.
February 11, 2025
I feel like there are a lot of stories with these elements:
1. The main character is a kid who is uncomfortable or uneasy with their perceived otherness. They feel like they don't fit in at school. It is often because of their family background, e.g. their parents immigrated to the US or their family is very invested in their cultural identity.
2. There is an antagonist who is a stereotypical All-American type. This character can be a bully or a friend who is clueless to the point of being offensive.
3. The main character's journey is to learn to appreciate and embrace their identity, to renounce the bully (or at least stop caring about them), and to acknowledge that while it's challenging to be minoritized and/or marginalized in the US, it's possible to be happy with who you are.
Unhappy Camper is this type of story. It was ok. It reminded me of Be Prepared and Continental Drifter.
1. The main character is a kid who is uncomfortable or uneasy with their perceived otherness. They feel like they don't fit in at school. It is often because of their family background, e.g. their parents immigrated to the US or their family is very invested in their cultural identity.
2. There is an antagonist who is a stereotypical All-American type. This character can be a bully or a friend who is clueless to the point of being offensive.
3. The main character's journey is to learn to appreciate and embrace their identity, to renounce the bully (or at least stop caring about them), and to acknowledge that while it's challenging to be minoritized and/or marginalized in the US, it's possible to be happy with who you are.
Unhappy Camper is this type of story. It was ok. It reminded me of Be Prepared and Continental Drifter.
February 19, 2024
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy of "Unhappy Camper" through Netgalley!
I really enjoyed Lily LaMotte's other graphic novel, "Measuring Up", so I was excited to get a chance to read her newest.
The themes of sisterhood, and its ups and downs, as well as staying true to yourself, are some I think that many readers will be able to relate to. Michelle will do anything to fit in with the "it" girls at her school and grade, even if it means denying her Taiwanese culture and heritage. At Taiwanese summer camp, Michelle learns to love her heritage, and learns to embrace her culture more and more.
"Unhappy Camper" is a spectacular graphic novel that shows the power of owning and loving your true self, and what it means to assimilate into what others think you need to do to fit in and be popular. Middle School especially is a time of ups and downs, where everyone is trying to figure out who they are, and what makes them unique. I am sure readers who are in Middle Grade will find themes and parts of Claire and Michelle's stories within this graphic novel that they can relate to.
I really enjoyed Lily LaMotte's other graphic novel, "Measuring Up", so I was excited to get a chance to read her newest.
The themes of sisterhood, and its ups and downs, as well as staying true to yourself, are some I think that many readers will be able to relate to. Michelle will do anything to fit in with the "it" girls at her school and grade, even if it means denying her Taiwanese culture and heritage. At Taiwanese summer camp, Michelle learns to love her heritage, and learns to embrace her culture more and more.
"Unhappy Camper" is a spectacular graphic novel that shows the power of owning and loving your true self, and what it means to assimilate into what others think you need to do to fit in and be popular. Middle School especially is a time of ups and downs, where everyone is trying to figure out who they are, and what makes them unique. I am sure readers who are in Middle Grade will find themes and parts of Claire and Michelle's stories within this graphic novel that they can relate to.
June 24, 2024
Dedication: to Akong foe your help on all things Taiwanese. To my critique partners and beta readers, whose generosity in time and attention made this book possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
First sentence: claire and I had many daring adventures with our dolls.
Michelle and Claire are young Taiwanese American sisters, with opposing viewpoints. Claire, the older sister, enjoys learning about her heritage while Michelle thinks it’s lame. Well, it’s just lame that Claire is obsessed with it so much, why doesn’t she just chill? Michelle tries to fit in more at school by suppressing her differences, and trying to win over the popular girls.
Claire is really excited about being a junior camp counselor for a Taiwanese culture camp, and so are her parents. So excited, in fact, that they sign Michelle up for the camp as well!! Will Michelle learn to embrace her heritage at camp?
I think this graphic novel was a fun read! I always like to learn about other people’s experiences and different cultures. I think this book can also illustrate what it means to have true friends.
Overall, a fun read. I’m hungry for more from this author.
First sentence: claire and I had many daring adventures with our dolls.
Michelle and Claire are young Taiwanese American sisters, with opposing viewpoints. Claire, the older sister, enjoys learning about her heritage while Michelle thinks it’s lame. Well, it’s just lame that Claire is obsessed with it so much, why doesn’t she just chill? Michelle tries to fit in more at school by suppressing her differences, and trying to win over the popular girls.
Claire is really excited about being a junior camp counselor for a Taiwanese culture camp, and so are her parents. So excited, in fact, that they sign Michelle up for the camp as well!! Will Michelle learn to embrace her heritage at camp?
I think this graphic novel was a fun read! I always like to learn about other people’s experiences and different cultures. I think this book can also illustrate what it means to have true friends.
Overall, a fun read. I’m hungry for more from this author.
December 1, 2023
A amazing story about a young girl's journey learning to embrace her Taiwanese culture and rebuild a relationship with her sister. This was such a beautiful read and it really touches on the feelings we have when we try to fit in but also struggle to embrace in with our own culture and the new culture we are trying to assimilate into. Being a person of color who grew up in American society, it was a constant juggle between understanding my own culture and the American culture, and this book perfectly captures the difficulties young people can go through. Claire and Michelle are two sisters who used to be best friends, but when Michelle denies her Taiwanese culture to try and fit in while her sister Claire embraces it, they begin to drift apart. Yet when they both are sent to Taiwanese American summer camp, they'll both have to face the reason why they drifted apart. It's a great read and I would definitely recommend it!
*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
January 4, 2024
Loved it. So relatable. A tale of two sisters. When they join kindergarten for the first time they have different reactions to prejudice and racism. One denies her culture and tries to fit in following the other children and trying to please them. The other embraces her culture and aims to make real friends. The first has a harder time because she is always stressed not wanting to make a mistake and be an outcast, but soon she will learn the meaning of true friends and family. She joins summer camp with her sister and although she resists it all for a while she finally understands what it feels like to feel at peace and embrace her culture. She even makes an effort to mend things with her sister.
Very sweet story. It's very hard to not fall into that trap of denying our origins to avoid criticism. Even adults struggle with that. The best feeling is when you let go of that fear and embrace who you are and if you have siblings who experience the same then hold on to them with all your might. Family is stronger than bullies.
Thank you netgalleu and publisher for this e-ARC.
Very sweet story. It's very hard to not fall into that trap of denying our origins to avoid criticism. Even adults struggle with that. The best feeling is when you let go of that fear and embrace who you are and if you have siblings who experience the same then hold on to them with all your might. Family is stronger than bullies.
Thank you netgalleu and publisher for this e-ARC.
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