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Albert Whitman has bought Cynthia Ellingsen's middle grade debut, The Girls of Firefly Cabin. In the vein of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the story follows four tween girls, their individual struggles, and the bonds they forge during an unforgettable summer at camp. Publication is slated for spring 2019.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 26, 2019
Rtc
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 20, 2019
Four girls come to summer camp and are assigned to the Firefly Cabin. They all have a weakness, a struggle that is pulling them down. Together they find the strength to fly. I found this to be a charming and inspirational reminder of the power of friendship. Each of the girls contributes in their own way, but my favorite by far was Lauren. I hope this will be the first in a series?
Thank you, thank you to Albert Whitman and Edelweiss for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, thank you to Albert Whitman and Edelweiss for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2020
Setting: A modern-day summer camp in Michigan
I loved reading books about summer camp as a kid! Two that I remember reading and re-reading were Laura’s Luck and Bummer Summer. And,of course, watching The Parent Trap with Haley Mills starring.
Although this book was set in present-day, with cell phones and laptops (a #GoFundMe project is even mentioned!), the author made sure that the basic elements of camp life were included; learning to get along with other people of different backgrounds, taking part in activities and finding out they’re actually fun, late-night sneak-outs with friends, and of course, the curiosity about the Boy’s Camp across the lake!
I would highly recommend this to middle-grade readers.Truly, I think this is a summer-camp book that will endure the test of time!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.78)-“Talking about it hurt, and she was tired of hurting. Tired of the nightmares, the guilt, and the fact that all the talking in the world wouldn’t bring her best friend back.”
(Pg.7)-“How about this for a tip:the world don’t owe you any favors. So, when it does you one, smile and say ‘thank you’.”
I loved reading books about summer camp as a kid! Two that I remember reading and re-reading were Laura’s Luck and Bummer Summer. And,of course, watching The Parent Trap with Haley Mills starring.
Although this book was set in present-day, with cell phones and laptops (a #GoFundMe project is even mentioned!), the author made sure that the basic elements of camp life were included; learning to get along with other people of different backgrounds, taking part in activities and finding out they’re actually fun, late-night sneak-outs with friends, and of course, the curiosity about the Boy’s Camp across the lake!
I would highly recommend this to middle-grade readers.Truly, I think this is a summer-camp book that will endure the test of time!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.78)-“Talking about it hurt, and she was tired of hurting. Tired of the nightmares, the guilt, and the fact that all the talking in the world wouldn’t bring her best friend back.”
(Pg.7)-“How about this for a tip:the world don’t owe you any favors. So, when it does you one, smile and say ‘thank you’.”
December 9, 2018
The Girls of Firefly Cabin made me wish I was a kid again, about to head off to summer camp! This story is about four girls that spend the entire summer away at camp. They swim, canoe, sing, roast s’mores, compete amongst the other cabins for the ultimate prize and play a few pranks as well.
The four girls of the Firefly Cabin are all going through their own personal battles when they arrive at camp and couldn’t be more different than the next, yet somehow they manage to form such a tight bond that they will never forget this summer together.
This was such a fun story! It’s no secret that I love camping, but I think the story of the four girls and how their characters grow at camp is for all book lovers!
Thank you to Albert Whitman and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.
This will feature on my blog December Wednesday 12, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
The four girls of the Firefly Cabin are all going through their own personal battles when they arrive at camp and couldn’t be more different than the next, yet somehow they manage to form such a tight bond that they will never forget this summer together.
This was such a fun story! It’s no secret that I love camping, but I think the story of the four girls and how their characters grow at camp is for all book lovers!
Thank you to Albert Whitman and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.
This will feature on my blog December Wednesday 12, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
March 1, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this eBook from the author, publisher, and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Lauren gets a scholarship to attend the Bluebird Pines Summer Camp, she is excited and hope to make friends with the girls she is sharing a cabin with as Fireflies. Can they become good friends and be the winners of the Faces of Blueberry Pines contest? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good YA middle-grade read about friendship, Summer Camp, and more. If you love these types of stories, be sure to check this book out when it releases to bookstores and wherever books are sold online on May 1, 2019.
When Lauren gets a scholarship to attend the Bluebird Pines Summer Camp, she is excited and hope to make friends with the girls she is sharing a cabin with as Fireflies. Can they become good friends and be the winners of the Faces of Blueberry Pines contest? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good YA middle-grade read about friendship, Summer Camp, and more. If you love these types of stories, be sure to check this book out when it releases to bookstores and wherever books are sold online on May 1, 2019.
April 22, 2019
Summer camp! A magical place, where one can frolic and enjoy nature, while sipping bug juice and applying ample amounts of sunscreen and insect repellant. It is also a place, where fast, and sometimes, lasting friendships form. Such was the case for Archer, Isla, Jade, and Lauren.
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because of strong female friendship, and indeed, I definitely got that. However, I wasn't so sure these four were going to gel, because they came from such different backgrounds, and each was also grappling with some sort of emotional baggage. But, as each young woman began to reveal more of herself, and place more trust in the others, their friendship grew and flourished.
I liked the diversity in the issues that each girl was facing. Lauren was the scholarship girl, and also an orphan living in a group home. Isla was a wealthy Manhattanite, who felt inferior in her family of overachievers and also struggled with her overprotective parents' rules. Archer came across as angry at the world with her rebellious hair and clothing, but suffered from isolation from her peers, as well as her mean-girl sister. Jade was weighed down by guilt and grief after suffering a great loss, and was reluctant to allow any happiness into her life.
Yes, the author touched upon many issues, but I never felt overwhelmed by them because they were spread out over four different people, and they were interspersed with so much fun and joy. It was quite satisfying to see each young woman work through her issues, and it warmed my heart the way they supported each other as they figured things out.
Jade's storyline made me cry - every time, but it was Lauren, who touched me the most. She sort of had the least out of all the girls, but she was super optimistic, and found so much delight in all the little things that we often take for granted. I wanted this to be the best summer of her life, and I had NO problem, whatsoever, with the ending Ellingsen gave her. It was sweet and precious, just like Lauren, and it was ok that it wasn't super realistic, because it warmed my heart and brought some serious happy tears to my eyes. As far as Archer was concerned, I wasn't a super fan of her storyline, though I was very, very pleased with the resolution.
I would say, I liked all four Fireflies, and I wanted them to find their way, make good choices, and have an incredible summer. And, it seemed like these four were really making the most of their time at camp, though, I felt they read a little older than 11-years old at times. Maybe it's me, since I haven't been 11 in quite some time, and my daughter is now 24, but they seemed upper middle school to me.
Overall: This was a lovely tale of friendship in a fantastic camp setting, which only added to the warmth and fun of this story.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because of strong female friendship, and indeed, I definitely got that. However, I wasn't so sure these four were going to gel, because they came from such different backgrounds, and each was also grappling with some sort of emotional baggage. But, as each young woman began to reveal more of herself, and place more trust in the others, their friendship grew and flourished.
I liked the diversity in the issues that each girl was facing. Lauren was the scholarship girl, and also an orphan living in a group home. Isla was a wealthy Manhattanite, who felt inferior in her family of overachievers and also struggled with her overprotective parents' rules. Archer came across as angry at the world with her rebellious hair and clothing, but suffered from isolation from her peers, as well as her mean-girl sister. Jade was weighed down by guilt and grief after suffering a great loss, and was reluctant to allow any happiness into her life.
Yes, the author touched upon many issues, but I never felt overwhelmed by them because they were spread out over four different people, and they were interspersed with so much fun and joy. It was quite satisfying to see each young woman work through her issues, and it warmed my heart the way they supported each other as they figured things out.
Jade's storyline made me cry - every time, but it was Lauren, who touched me the most. She sort of had the least out of all the girls, but she was super optimistic, and found so much delight in all the little things that we often take for granted. I wanted this to be the best summer of her life, and I had NO problem, whatsoever, with the ending Ellingsen gave her. It was sweet and precious, just like Lauren, and it was ok that it wasn't super realistic, because it warmed my heart and brought some serious happy tears to my eyes. As far as Archer was concerned, I wasn't a super fan of her storyline, though I was very, very pleased with the resolution.
I would say, I liked all four Fireflies, and I wanted them to find their way, make good choices, and have an incredible summer. And, it seemed like these four were really making the most of their time at camp, though, I felt they read a little older than 11-years old at times. Maybe it's me, since I haven't been 11 in quite some time, and my daughter is now 24, but they seemed upper middle school to me.
Overall: This was a lovely tale of friendship in a fantastic camp setting, which only added to the warmth and fun of this story.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
April 27, 2019
@KidLitExchange #partner
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network and the publisher for the advance copy of The Girls of Firefly Cabin. All opinions are my own.
The Girls of Firefly Cabin is a beautiful story of friendship. The only thing that Lauren, Isla, Jade, and Archer have in common is that they will all be staying in the Firefly cabin at Blueberry Pine Camp for Girls. Lauren is an orphan who has grown up in a series of foster homes and won an essay contest and scholarship allowing her to attend the camp. Her goal: to have the best summer of her life and to become best friends for life with her cabin mates. She wants to remember every moment of camp, so when a contest to become the new face of the camp's website is announced, Lauren is determined to win. At first the girls don't seem to get along at all, but through her enthusiasm and genuine kindness, Lauren pulls the cabin together. Throughout the story, we discover that each girl is struggling with their own issues unbeknownst to the other campers: Lauren is an orphan, Archer is having trouble with her sister, Isla struggles with living up to her family's expectations of perfection, and Jade just lost her lifetime best friend. In the course of the summer, the girls each deal with their individual issues and grow into better people through the power of friendship.
I really enjoyed this novel. The story was inviting and sweet. The chapters alternate between the points of view of the four girls given you a deeper insight into each character. The book sends a wonderful message about friendship and remembering that everyone has their own problems, even if their life appears perfect on the outside. This is a terrific and fun middle grades novel that will make a great addition to a classroom, school, or individual library.
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange network and the publisher for the advance copy of The Girls of Firefly Cabin. All opinions are my own.
The Girls of Firefly Cabin is a beautiful story of friendship. The only thing that Lauren, Isla, Jade, and Archer have in common is that they will all be staying in the Firefly cabin at Blueberry Pine Camp for Girls. Lauren is an orphan who has grown up in a series of foster homes and won an essay contest and scholarship allowing her to attend the camp. Her goal: to have the best summer of her life and to become best friends for life with her cabin mates. She wants to remember every moment of camp, so when a contest to become the new face of the camp's website is announced, Lauren is determined to win. At first the girls don't seem to get along at all, but through her enthusiasm and genuine kindness, Lauren pulls the cabin together. Throughout the story, we discover that each girl is struggling with their own issues unbeknownst to the other campers: Lauren is an orphan, Archer is having trouble with her sister, Isla struggles with living up to her family's expectations of perfection, and Jade just lost her lifetime best friend. In the course of the summer, the girls each deal with their individual issues and grow into better people through the power of friendship.
I really enjoyed this novel. The story was inviting and sweet. The chapters alternate between the points of view of the four girls given you a deeper insight into each character. The book sends a wonderful message about friendship and remembering that everyone has their own problems, even if their life appears perfect on the outside. This is a terrific and fun middle grades novel that will make a great addition to a classroom, school, or individual library.
December 14, 2018
As always... I'm a little biased but I'm a fan!
June 25, 2022
żadna z bohaterek nie jest hetero, nie zmienicie mojego zdania
December 9, 2018
This book! Let me tell you! This was a middle grade book about four very different girls from very different walks of life coming together as cabin mates at Camp Blueberry Pine in Northern Michigan (let me just say, I live in northern Michigan so this really made my day). Each girls has her own set of real life trials and tribulations. And with the help of each other they are able to come together and solve or make better each other's problems. This book is bout friendship. The kind that lasts forever. I remember my own days t camp and how for 10 years after I pen palled with a friend from the camp. And while we have since grown apart in adulthood, I still savor the friendship that we had. I would recommend this to any preteen girl.it is a heartfelt story of friendship, life lessons, grief, family, and love.
April 23, 2019
Check out this review and others at my blog Too Many Books!
A special thank you to Edelweiss and Albert Whitman & Co for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
When I picked up this book, I was really hoping for a cute middle grade read about friendships and found families and I was not disappointed. This book was everything that I had been expecting and more. The found family aspect, especially unlikely, was particularly strong because all of the girls were more different than I initially had been expecting and Ellingsen was definitely able to be able to carry this through until the end.
The interactions between characters was really cool, and not just between the main four characters. All of the characters were really unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses and the decisions that they made. And while they had a backstory that lead to them wanting to form these strong friendships, it was unique and not all super dark. Archer and Isla feel alone and have their own pressures but don't have trauma which was awesome to see. Also, they all created friendships with other characters, drawing strength from their relationships with the other girls but also managing to be their own individuals with differences. Lauren and Chef were especially really cool to read and I definitely enjoyed this storyline in particular. All of the characters had things about them that while different, still made me feel.
I related really well to all of the characters and challenges, but everything else was able to carry through strongly as well. These were not your always perfect little middle grade girls. They made mistakes, and snuck out to pull pranks. I especially loved the challenge that the girls are striving to win throughout the book and their own individual reasons for winning, especially the small mentions of the girls in other cabins and some of their own motivations. The camp was well described without getting too bogged down in the details. The ending was really cute and definitely showed growth within everyone that was there.
Overall, this was a really cute middle grade read and definitely something I would have loved to read over and over again when I was in elementary school. It is definitely worth it to read at least once. It's a really cute and light read and definitely worth your time in doing so. I was not disappointed by this book.
A special thank you to Edelweiss and Albert Whitman & Co for providing a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
When I picked up this book, I was really hoping for a cute middle grade read about friendships and found families and I was not disappointed. This book was everything that I had been expecting and more. The found family aspect, especially unlikely, was particularly strong because all of the girls were more different than I initially had been expecting and Ellingsen was definitely able to be able to carry this through until the end.
The interactions between characters was really cool, and not just between the main four characters. All of the characters were really unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses and the decisions that they made. And while they had a backstory that lead to them wanting to form these strong friendships, it was unique and not all super dark. Archer and Isla feel alone and have their own pressures but don't have trauma which was awesome to see. Also, they all created friendships with other characters, drawing strength from their relationships with the other girls but also managing to be their own individuals with differences. Lauren and Chef were especially really cool to read and I definitely enjoyed this storyline in particular. All of the characters had things about them that while different, still made me feel.
I related really well to all of the characters and challenges, but everything else was able to carry through strongly as well. These were not your always perfect little middle grade girls. They made mistakes, and snuck out to pull pranks. I especially loved the challenge that the girls are striving to win throughout the book and their own individual reasons for winning, especially the small mentions of the girls in other cabins and some of their own motivations. The camp was well described without getting too bogged down in the details. The ending was really cute and definitely showed growth within everyone that was there.
Overall, this was a really cute middle grade read and definitely something I would have loved to read over and over again when I was in elementary school. It is definitely worth it to read at least once. It's a really cute and light read and definitely worth your time in doing so. I was not disappointed by this book.
June 20, 2019
I had the opportunity to read a NetGalley digital ARC of this middle grade novel in exchange for a review. This summer camp story shares the ups and downs of a group of four eleven-year-old girls from four very different backgrounds as they build relationships in their shared cabin at Blueberry Pine Camp in Michigan.
Lauren is an orphan from Arizona who has spent most of her life in and out of different foster homes. She won a scholarship to the camp through an essay contest. Isla, from New York City, has never spent much time in the great outdoors and so is very uptight and nervous with many of the camp activities. Archer, from suburban Chicago, feels like she lives in the shadow of her older sister, Makayla, who has spent several previous summers at the camp and is very popular there. Jade is very unhappy and reluctant to be there since her best friend recently died in a car crash and would have been at camp with her.
The girls become friends pretty quickly and the book takes readers through their summer camp experience. Readers will get to experience the beginning of building community with others, the drama of sibling rivalry, overcoming fears, learning to trust others, and budding romance. This book would be good to share with readers in late elementary school/early middle school, grades 5 – 6. The kids in this story are starting to enter adolescence: becoming more independent, experimenting with personal style, and establishing boundaries. But the experiences shared in this story are very appropriate for those that aren’t quite grown-up yet: the kids still defer to authority figures around them, they still enjoy the fun and games of youth, and the romance is limited to phone calls and a few kisses.
Lauren is an orphan from Arizona who has spent most of her life in and out of different foster homes. She won a scholarship to the camp through an essay contest. Isla, from New York City, has never spent much time in the great outdoors and so is very uptight and nervous with many of the camp activities. Archer, from suburban Chicago, feels like she lives in the shadow of her older sister, Makayla, who has spent several previous summers at the camp and is very popular there. Jade is very unhappy and reluctant to be there since her best friend recently died in a car crash and would have been at camp with her.
The girls become friends pretty quickly and the book takes readers through their summer camp experience. Readers will get to experience the beginning of building community with others, the drama of sibling rivalry, overcoming fears, learning to trust others, and budding romance. This book would be good to share with readers in late elementary school/early middle school, grades 5 – 6. The kids in this story are starting to enter adolescence: becoming more independent, experimenting with personal style, and establishing boundaries. But the experiences shared in this story are very appropriate for those that aren’t quite grown-up yet: the kids still defer to authority figures around them, they still enjoy the fun and games of youth, and the romance is limited to phone calls and a few kisses.
December 9, 2018
The Girls of Firefly Cabin made me wish I was a kid again, about to head off to summer camp! This story is about four girls that spend the entire summer away at camp. They swim, canoe, sing, roast s’mores, compete amongst the other cabins for the ultimate prize and play a few pranks as well.
The four girls of the Firefly Cabin are all going through their own personal battles when they arrive at camp and couldn’t be more different than the next, yet somehow they manage to form such a tight bond that they will never forget this summer together.
This was such a fun story! It’s no secret that I love camping, but I think the story of the four girls and how their characters grow at camp is for all book lovers!
Thank you to Albert Whitman and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.
This will feature on my blog December Wednesday 12, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
The four girls of the Firefly Cabin are all going through their own personal battles when they arrive at camp and couldn’t be more different than the next, yet somehow they manage to form such a tight bond that they will never forget this summer together.
This was such a fun story! It’s no secret that I love camping, but I think the story of the four girls and how their characters grow at camp is for all book lovers!
Thank you to Albert Whitman and Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade book. All opinions are my own.
This will feature on my blog December Wednesday 12, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
February 17, 2019
I got an advanced copy of this book from Edelweiss Plus in exchange for a review. Thank you, Edelweiss Plus!
Four girls (Lauren, Jade, Isla, and Archer) meet their first day at Camp Blueberry Pine when they are all assigned to the same cabin: Firefly Cabin (hence the name of the book) and slowly become friends. They all have personal "baggage" they brought to camp.
All the girls are different: Lauren's an orphan who's at camp because she won a scholarship, but doesn't want the other girls to know. Archer's a rebel who's mean older sister, Makayla, is a camp regular that picks on her. Isla, the only daughter of a strict New York City couple, struggles not only with having asthma, but her feelings about a boy she met just before camp. And finally there's Jade, whom comes to camp just months after the death of her best friend.
I loved that all the girls were similar (newbies at camp), yet different. These felt like real girls telling their story (though the story is in 3rd person narrative). It reminded me of when I went to camp when I was younger, and the friendships I wish I could have. I didn't have trouble keeping up, and there's really nothing bad I could say about the book. It's a great story about the magic of friendship at camp.
If you like friendship stories or camp stories, this book would be ideal for you.
Four girls (Lauren, Jade, Isla, and Archer) meet their first day at Camp Blueberry Pine when they are all assigned to the same cabin: Firefly Cabin (hence the name of the book) and slowly become friends. They all have personal "baggage" they brought to camp.
All the girls are different: Lauren's an orphan who's at camp because she won a scholarship, but doesn't want the other girls to know. Archer's a rebel who's mean older sister, Makayla, is a camp regular that picks on her. Isla, the only daughter of a strict New York City couple, struggles not only with having asthma, but her feelings about a boy she met just before camp. And finally there's Jade, whom comes to camp just months after the death of her best friend.
I loved that all the girls were similar (newbies at camp), yet different. These felt like real girls telling their story (though the story is in 3rd person narrative). It reminded me of when I went to camp when I was younger, and the friendships I wish I could have. I didn't have trouble keeping up, and there's really nothing bad I could say about the book. It's a great story about the magic of friendship at camp.
If you like friendship stories or camp stories, this book would be ideal for you.
May 12, 2019
From Camp Rock to The Parent Trap, summer camps have been popular in many different movies. The Girls of Firefly Cabin is yet another spin on friendship, secrets and summer camp. This is a sweet novel for middle-grade readers where everything just seems to work out. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, to a mature reader, it comes across as far too convenient.
The four main characters all struggle with secrets that shape their experience at camp. From living in a group home to having asthma; the problems they faced seemed to be the biggest roadblock in the world to them. The sticking point that keeps them from truly enjoying camp or connecting with the people around them. I found the uniqueness of each character engaging and I found myself captivated by their individual and connected stories.
I would recommend this book for 10 and 11-year-old girls. It is definitely worth the read.
The four main characters all struggle with secrets that shape their experience at camp. From living in a group home to having asthma; the problems they faced seemed to be the biggest roadblock in the world to them. The sticking point that keeps them from truly enjoying camp or connecting with the people around them. I found the uniqueness of each character engaging and I found myself captivated by their individual and connected stories.
I would recommend this book for 10 and 11-year-old girls. It is definitely worth the read.
May 13, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network and publisher @albertwhitman for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own. This book was the perfect read for a sunny day. Four girls meet at summer camp, each with different dreams and goals for the summer, as well as various life stressors happening back home. It isn’t long before a solid friendship begins to form, and the girls unite to win their camp competition. The girls demonstrate perseverance, determination, and kindness which are so important for young girls to see and read about. They lean on each other and learn the importance of not bottling emotions and secrets. I think this book sets a great example to girls ages 9-13 about what character and friendship can be. Also I immediately wondered on closing the book if there will be a sequel because I would love to read more about these girls! Look for this book on May 28 to add to your personal or classroom library!
April 10, 2019
First off thank you to Netgalley and Albert Whitman & Company for providing this eARC!
The Girls of Firefly Cabin by Cynthia Ellingsen was such a perfect summer camp read filled with a great story of friendship! We have four main characters:
-Lauren: A girl who has been in and out of the foster care system and was highly anticipating her summer at Blueberry Pine Camp.
-Isla: A girl from NYC who wants nothing more than to go home and focus on her small business.
-Archer: A girl who just wants to be able to be at camp, make friends, and not have to worry about her sister starting rumors about her....but then again that is hard since her sister is attending the same camp.
-Jade: A girl who lost her best friend tragically, feels guilty, and wants nothing more than to have her back.
With very different backgrounds, each of these girls come together for a summer of a lifetime.
This was a fun read and definitely tugged at my heart. I loved how each of the characters were described with great detail and the author was able to show their struggles very well. I would highly recommend this to others!
My review of this book will be on my blog www.simplynicolemarie.com on 05/01/2019
The Girls of Firefly Cabin by Cynthia Ellingsen was such a perfect summer camp read filled with a great story of friendship! We have four main characters:
-Lauren: A girl who has been in and out of the foster care system and was highly anticipating her summer at Blueberry Pine Camp.
-Isla: A girl from NYC who wants nothing more than to go home and focus on her small business.
-Archer: A girl who just wants to be able to be at camp, make friends, and not have to worry about her sister starting rumors about her....but then again that is hard since her sister is attending the same camp.
-Jade: A girl who lost her best friend tragically, feels guilty, and wants nothing more than to have her back.
With very different backgrounds, each of these girls come together for a summer of a lifetime.
This was a fun read and definitely tugged at my heart. I loved how each of the characters were described with great detail and the author was able to show their struggles very well. I would highly recommend this to others!
My review of this book will be on my blog www.simplynicolemarie.com on 05/01/2019
April 4, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for a review of the book.
This book is a perfect book for middle grade readers. It has a little bit of every sort of problem a middle school kiddo might face. The book has a touch of humor and left me in happy tears at the ending. I'm buying a copy for my classroom library!
This book is a perfect book for middle grade readers. It has a little bit of every sort of problem a middle school kiddo might face. The book has a touch of humor and left me in happy tears at the ending. I'm buying a copy for my classroom library!
October 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book immediately! To me a perfect book for any age! I loved it and it brought back memories of when I was that age too! My 15 year old is now reading it and loving this book ! A story of four girls from all walks of life with all different issues and how they find friendship ! A fantastic read! I plan on giving to my 11 year old niece next ! Very well written and so relatable! A must read ! Loved it!
September 12, 2019
Wonderful, wonderful book about camp and friendships.
August 16, 2019
I planned to give this book to my nieces but wanted to read it first. I realize this book is for tweens but I thoroughly enjoyed the book! The development of the characters, the vivid imagery of the camp and woods, and the relationships built throughout all kept my interest as I kept turning the pages. I look forward to hearing what my nieces think.
April 21, 2020
This is a genuinely feel-good novel about tweens learning about friendship and growing up at camp. There's a kiss and some mild sneaking-out-after-dark shenanigans but overall the characters respect those around them and the parameters set by parents and other authorities.
April 27, 2020
Meet the Fireflies of Camp Blueberry Pine. Isla is tired of her sheltered life. Maybe this summer she'll take a chance and be bold - starting with talking to the cute guy at the camp across the lake! Jade is the loner. Haunted by guilt and a secret sadness, she keeps her distance from her bunkmates. Will she ever have the courage to open up to them? Archer just wants to be her quirky, blue-haired self, without being tormented by the worse bully in the camp - who happens to be her own sister! Lauren knows this could be the only time she'll get to go to camp, so she's determined to make the most of it. Her deepest wish is for the girls of Firefly Cabin to be her friends for life, and to create memories that last long after summer's end.
I loved summer camp as a girl so I love any book about summer camp. This was a sweet story about four girls meeting for the first time. They're aged 11-12 and the story rings true for those ages. I enjoyed it but it is really written for tweens I would say. It was a nice easy read and a good change from some of the stories I've been reading lately.
I loved summer camp as a girl so I love any book about summer camp. This was a sweet story about four girls meeting for the first time. They're aged 11-12 and the story rings true for those ages. I enjoyed it but it is really written for tweens I would say. It was a nice easy read and a good change from some of the stories I've been reading lately.
August 5, 2019
I love camp books, even though I am now too old to go.
January 10, 2023
Piękna książka nawiązujaca do tego jak trzeba szanować to co mamy
June 28, 2023
Bardzo fajna lekka książka o przyjaźni, pokazuje że nawet bardzo różne osoby mogą się dogadać i zaprzyjaźnić. Jeden minus w niektórych momentach była trochę nudna.
September 18, 2023
The Girls of Firefly Cabin
Written By Cynthia Ellington
Publisher Albert Whitman
Release Date May 28, 2019
This was a great summer read that I wanted my niece to ultimately read after I read it and reviewed it. I won this as a Goodreads giveaway so I want to take a moment and thank them as well as the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade book about girls at a summer camp and coming of age. It took me back to my life as a girl approaching her teen years and spending it learning new things at summer camp. This one had more of a new time period because there were cell phones and even go fund me made an appearance.
The four girls that were assigned to the firefly cabin had diverse struggles that were keeping them from being who they really wanted to be. We had Lauren, who was living in an orphanage and made it to the camp by a scholarship program. Archer who felt differently from her peers and dyed her hair and wore clothes that her parents felt was just her being rebellious, but she also felt very isolated from every one. Jade who honestly was dealing with grief and guilt over a loss that truly pulled her down to a place she had never been before and really wanted out to overcome the grief, and last there was Isla. She comes from a wealthy family but something is very wrong. Her parents were very over protective of her and her family was that of overachiever status. They had to be great at everything they did. But Isla did not fit into that criteria.
The great thing about this book is that although each had their own problems, they were optimistic about their future. Firefly cabin was certainly a great name because these four girls were able to fly and learn that it isn’t always bad to fumble along the way. The author does an amazing job at telling this story. The characters are all developed very well and all were likable although some more than others. I felt a connection to Lauren right away. She was able to overcome adversity and was strong willed and empathetic. I could only wish that I or my nieces could be just like her. This is an amazing book and it deserves 5 stars.
Written By Cynthia Ellington
Publisher Albert Whitman
Release Date May 28, 2019
This was a great summer read that I wanted my niece to ultimately read after I read it and reviewed it. I won this as a Goodreads giveaway so I want to take a moment and thank them as well as the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle grade book about girls at a summer camp and coming of age. It took me back to my life as a girl approaching her teen years and spending it learning new things at summer camp. This one had more of a new time period because there were cell phones and even go fund me made an appearance.
The four girls that were assigned to the firefly cabin had diverse struggles that were keeping them from being who they really wanted to be. We had Lauren, who was living in an orphanage and made it to the camp by a scholarship program. Archer who felt differently from her peers and dyed her hair and wore clothes that her parents felt was just her being rebellious, but she also felt very isolated from every one. Jade who honestly was dealing with grief and guilt over a loss that truly pulled her down to a place she had never been before and really wanted out to overcome the grief, and last there was Isla. She comes from a wealthy family but something is very wrong. Her parents were very over protective of her and her family was that of overachiever status. They had to be great at everything they did. But Isla did not fit into that criteria.
The great thing about this book is that although each had their own problems, they were optimistic about their future. Firefly cabin was certainly a great name because these four girls were able to fly and learn that it isn’t always bad to fumble along the way. The author does an amazing job at telling this story. The characters are all developed very well and all were likable although some more than others. I felt a connection to Lauren right away. She was able to overcome adversity and was strong willed and empathetic. I could only wish that I or my nieces could be just like her. This is an amazing book and it deserves 5 stars.
May 8, 2019
ARC from Netgalley
I’ve been in search of good summer camp books, since it’s a great realistic fiction topic for girls. I had high hopes for this book, but sadly, it fell far short of my expectations.
Four girls, assigned to the Firefly cabin, bond at summer camp. Lauren is the optimist. She is attending camp on a scholarship and doesn't want the other girls to know she lives in a group home. Isla is the rich girl. She has fallen head over heels for a boy at the brother camp. She doesn't want the girls to know she has asthma. Jade begins camp as a loner. She hasn't gotten over her best friend's death and she doesn't want the other girls to know she attends therapy sessions. Archer doesn't want the girls to know that the mean girl is her sister. Eventually, each girl exposes her secret and sees it for the non-issue that it is. There are a few misunderstandings, but in the end, their shared challenges bring them closer together.
There are quite a few shortcomings in the plot and characters. The four firefly girls lack authencity. For example, Lauren lives in a group home, but she's the best at canoeing. Isla doesn't want to undress in front of the girls, but she is the one who kisses a boy. I don't feel like the author brought these characters to life. They are flat. Supporting characters are lacking. Counselors are hardly ever around. There doesn't seem to be anyone else at this camp besides the four firefly girls and Jordan.
The plot is rather dull. The girls participate in typical summer camp activities. No big build up to something exciting. The only thing mildly off-script is Isla sneaking out to meet Jordan. The most glaring plot weakness is the chef deciding to adopt Lauren. It's not justified and so unlikely that it affects the credibility of the entire book. The setting is no better. I have no visual for anything about this camp. All in all, the writing needs a lot of improvement. I honestly felt like I was reading a story written by a high school student. I wish I could recommend this book, but with character and plot weaknesses on nearly every page, I can't.
I’ve been in search of good summer camp books, since it’s a great realistic fiction topic for girls. I had high hopes for this book, but sadly, it fell far short of my expectations.
Four girls, assigned to the Firefly cabin, bond at summer camp. Lauren is the optimist. She is attending camp on a scholarship and doesn't want the other girls to know she lives in a group home. Isla is the rich girl. She has fallen head over heels for a boy at the brother camp. She doesn't want the girls to know she has asthma. Jade begins camp as a loner. She hasn't gotten over her best friend's death and she doesn't want the other girls to know she attends therapy sessions. Archer doesn't want the girls to know that the mean girl is her sister. Eventually, each girl exposes her secret and sees it for the non-issue that it is. There are a few misunderstandings, but in the end, their shared challenges bring them closer together.
There are quite a few shortcomings in the plot and characters. The four firefly girls lack authencity. For example, Lauren lives in a group home, but she's the best at canoeing. Isla doesn't want to undress in front of the girls, but she is the one who kisses a boy. I don't feel like the author brought these characters to life. They are flat. Supporting characters are lacking. Counselors are hardly ever around. There doesn't seem to be anyone else at this camp besides the four firefly girls and Jordan.
The plot is rather dull. The girls participate in typical summer camp activities. No big build up to something exciting. The only thing mildly off-script is Isla sneaking out to meet Jordan. The most glaring plot weakness is the chef deciding to adopt Lauren. It's not justified and so unlikely that it affects the credibility of the entire book. The setting is no better. I have no visual for anything about this camp. All in all, the writing needs a lot of improvement. I honestly felt like I was reading a story written by a high school student. I wish I could recommend this book, but with character and plot weaknesses on nearly every page, I can't.
September 16, 2023
3.5 stars
I was reading a friend’s blog and she mentioned this book. Since I was at the library, I decided to see if they had it and what do you know? They did!
Setting a book in Michigan will pique my interest every time. A book about friendship set in NOMI? Even better. It was so nice to read a middle grade book that was cute and sweet without any junk.
Is it ridiculous that girls are contemplating dating at age 11? Yes. But I just kind of set that aside.
Lauren and Jade were so relatable to me. Lauren’s life lesson is what I’ve learned and it makes what Jade is trying to do (move on with life) almost impossible. That’s how I related to Jade. You don’t want to move on, it feels like you lose everything then and it feels disloyal, but you have to. It’s not really an option.
Jade and Lauren both know that things don’t last forever but they choose to be brave and live and love anyway.
There are some amazing lessons about friendships and forgiveness and (I was super pleased at this) respect for parents. It seemed like there was maybe some slight “girl power” sprinkled throughout but nothing major. It was cute and I’m glad I read it.
I was reading a friend’s blog and she mentioned this book. Since I was at the library, I decided to see if they had it and what do you know? They did!
Setting a book in Michigan will pique my interest every time. A book about friendship set in NOMI? Even better. It was so nice to read a middle grade book that was cute and sweet without any junk.
Is it ridiculous that girls are contemplating dating at age 11? Yes. But I just kind of set that aside.
Lauren and Jade were so relatable to me. Lauren’s life lesson is what I’ve learned and it makes what Jade is trying to do (move on with life) almost impossible. That’s how I related to Jade. You don’t want to move on, it feels like you lose everything then and it feels disloyal, but you have to. It’s not really an option.
Jade and Lauren both know that things don’t last forever but they choose to be brave and live and love anyway.
There are some amazing lessons about friendships and forgiveness and (I was super pleased at this) respect for parents. It seemed like there was maybe some slight “girl power” sprinkled throughout but nothing major. It was cute and I’m glad I read it.
September 25, 2023
A summer at camp--what could be better? For the girls at Firefly Cabin this is a chance to make friends, get away from home, and learn new things. Each of the four girls, however, is dealing with a different issue. One blames herself for the death of her best friend. Another is being bullied by her older sister, who is also at camp. The third doesn't want to be there at all but would rather be pursuing her Ivy League goals. The fourth girl is a foster child but doesn't want the other campers to know. Uniting to win the ultimate prize of representing the camp will either make or break their group unity. There are arguments, sweet reconciliations, a summer romance (the boy's camp is nearby), and the chance for each to shine. This is an enjoyable book that pre-teen girls will embrace. it brought me back to some of my own camp experiences.
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