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Monster Camp
Ghost Squad meets Hotel Transylvania in this sweetly spooky fish-out-of-water middle grade story about a human girl who must put on the performance of her life when she realizes what she thought was a LARPing summer camp is full of real monsters!
With her stick-on fangs and widow’s peak drawn in waterproof eyeliner, Sylvie is an expert at pretending to be a vampire. More kids at school would know that if they bothered to join her monster LARPing (live action role playing) club. Not even her dad understands her passion for the undead and denies her request to attend a monster LARPing summer camp. But Sylvie is not so easily deterred.
She decides to tell her dad she’s attending another camp located near Monster Camp then sneak over to her real destination after he drops her off. Sylvie feels bad lying to her dad, but there’s no way she’s going to miss the chance to finally meet other kids that share her interests. And when she lays eyes on Monster Camp, she knows it was all worth it—the immersive campgrounds look like they came off a Hollywood lot!
But when an obnoxious kid dressed like a werewolf gets punished by being magically turned into a Pomeranian, Sylvie realizes she made a critical miscalculation. These aren’t LARPers, they’re real monsters, and Sylvie’s preferred costume means she’s placed with blood-sucking, human-biting campers who would breathe fire if they knew the truth about her. She has no choice but to try to stick it out by doing exactly what she does best: pretending to be a monster.
With her stick-on fangs and widow’s peak drawn in waterproof eyeliner, Sylvie is an expert at pretending to be a vampire. More kids at school would know that if they bothered to join her monster LARPing (live action role playing) club. Not even her dad understands her passion for the undead and denies her request to attend a monster LARPing summer camp. But Sylvie is not so easily deterred.
She decides to tell her dad she’s attending another camp located near Monster Camp then sneak over to her real destination after he drops her off. Sylvie feels bad lying to her dad, but there’s no way she’s going to miss the chance to finally meet other kids that share her interests. And when she lays eyes on Monster Camp, she knows it was all worth it—the immersive campgrounds look like they came off a Hollywood lot!
But when an obnoxious kid dressed like a werewolf gets punished by being magically turned into a Pomeranian, Sylvie realizes she made a critical miscalculation. These aren’t LARPers, they’re real monsters, and Sylvie’s preferred costume means she’s placed with blood-sucking, human-biting campers who would breathe fire if they knew the truth about her. She has no choice but to try to stick it out by doing exactly what she does best: pretending to be a monster.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2023
14 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Henning
23 books1,646 followersSarah Henning is a recovering journalist who has worked for the Palm Beach Post, Kansas City Star and Associated Press, among others. While in South Florida, Sarah lived and worked through five hurricanes, which gave her an extreme respect for the ocean. When not writing, she runs ultramarathons, hits the playground with her two kids and hangs out with her husband Justin, who doubles as her long-suffering IT department. Sarah lives in Lawrence, Kansas, which, despite being extremely far from the beach, happens to be pretty cool.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this! Great world building and lots of fun to read. Would definitely recommend for Halloween/monster lovers looking for a summer read. It has a nice little twist at the end, and even though the story wraps nicely, I can see plenty of room for a follow-up.
For parents, the main character is 11, and I'd say this book is suited for lower MG ages. There is an ick factor, but it's fun, spooky ick (think candied eyeballs and s'mores with bugs), not violent ick. Bullying, but it's very mild and makes sense in the context of the story. No romance, very friend-focused. Some anxiety and grief themes - the last 4 new middle grade books I've read have involved loss of a parent, so that seems to be a common theme.
For parents, the main character is 11, and I'd say this book is suited for lower MG ages. There is an ick factor, but it's fun, spooky ick (think candied eyeballs and s'mores with bugs), not violent ick. Bullying, but it's very mild and makes sense in the context of the story. No romance, very friend-focused. Some anxiety and grief themes - the last 4 new middle grade books I've read have involved loss of a parent, so that seems to be a common theme.
July 25, 2023
3.5 rounded to 4
I think fantasy readers will enjoy this story. I borrowed it from my local library. Will be buying to add to my school’s K-7 library.
I think fantasy readers will enjoy this story. I borrowed it from my local library. Will be buying to add to my school’s K-7 library.
April 13, 2024
Absolutely loved this book.
September 20, 2023
Monster Camp
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.28/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 8
Plot - 8
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 8
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.28/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 8
Plot - 8
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 8
June 21, 2023
What worked:
The synopsis effectively summarizes what’s going on as Sylvie finds herself in a camp for monsters. All of the activities have monster campers in mind that includes an important program every morning called HURT. This acronym stands for Human Understanding and Resource Training and the daily activities are intended to help monsters live safely among humans. Sylvie is the odd camper out since she’s part of the human race that threatens the monster population. However, Sylvie actually received an invitation to the camp, and the director and his raven pay special attention to her so she, along with readers, will wonder if they already know her secret. Why would she be invited to a camp full of monsters that already don’t like humans?
Werewolves, ghosts, witches, a goblin, and other monsters are among the participants so Sylvie’s disguise as a vampire fits right in. However, there’s only one other vampire at the camp (although she’s half-human) and they share the same cabin. How is Sylvie supposed to hide her humanness when sharing the same space with Vera, an actual monster? How is Sylvie supposed to hide the fact that she doesn’t drink blood for meals, sunshine doesn’t bother her, and she can’t change into a bat? Readers will realize Sylvie will eventually be discovered but they have no way of knowing when or how this will happen. The anticipation creates tension and suspense since Sylvie has no idea how the monsters will react when they discover a human is living among them.
Vera is an intriguing character as she has her own internal conflicts overwhelming her mind. Being half-human makes her stand out from the other monsters and she’s constantly reminded of her differences. A werewolf bully takes every opportunity to torment Vera and Sylvie often feels the need to step in and defend her. Vera tends to clam up when she’s attacked and overcome with anxiety so readers are left to wonder what’s going on in her mind. Most of the story deals with prejudice and conflict between monsters and humans in general but Vera’s troubles are more personal. Sylvie shares some of the same issues as Vera so will Sylvie ever fully open up to her cabinmate?
What didn’t work as well:
There are sections of the story where the counselors explain human/monster relationships that come across as classroom lessons. They may not be as interesting as other parts although they serve a purpose. It’s an easier, quicker way to communicate important ideas that might be applicable to the monsters’ “real world” and to the lives of young readers.
The Final Verdict:
This book is much more than readers might expect as it presents monsters as the victims and the persecuted throughout history. Early clues may enable readers to foresee the climax but the author saves a huge surprise that they won’t see coming. Overall, this is a creative twist involving human and monster interactions and I recommend you give it a shot.
The synopsis effectively summarizes what’s going on as Sylvie finds herself in a camp for monsters. All of the activities have monster campers in mind that includes an important program every morning called HURT. This acronym stands for Human Understanding and Resource Training and the daily activities are intended to help monsters live safely among humans. Sylvie is the odd camper out since she’s part of the human race that threatens the monster population. However, Sylvie actually received an invitation to the camp, and the director and his raven pay special attention to her so she, along with readers, will wonder if they already know her secret. Why would she be invited to a camp full of monsters that already don’t like humans?
Werewolves, ghosts, witches, a goblin, and other monsters are among the participants so Sylvie’s disguise as a vampire fits right in. However, there’s only one other vampire at the camp (although she’s half-human) and they share the same cabin. How is Sylvie supposed to hide her humanness when sharing the same space with Vera, an actual monster? How is Sylvie supposed to hide the fact that she doesn’t drink blood for meals, sunshine doesn’t bother her, and she can’t change into a bat? Readers will realize Sylvie will eventually be discovered but they have no way of knowing when or how this will happen. The anticipation creates tension and suspense since Sylvie has no idea how the monsters will react when they discover a human is living among them.
Vera is an intriguing character as she has her own internal conflicts overwhelming her mind. Being half-human makes her stand out from the other monsters and she’s constantly reminded of her differences. A werewolf bully takes every opportunity to torment Vera and Sylvie often feels the need to step in and defend her. Vera tends to clam up when she’s attacked and overcome with anxiety so readers are left to wonder what’s going on in her mind. Most of the story deals with prejudice and conflict between monsters and humans in general but Vera’s troubles are more personal. Sylvie shares some of the same issues as Vera so will Sylvie ever fully open up to her cabinmate?
What didn’t work as well:
There are sections of the story where the counselors explain human/monster relationships that come across as classroom lessons. They may not be as interesting as other parts although they serve a purpose. It’s an easier, quicker way to communicate important ideas that might be applicable to the monsters’ “real world” and to the lives of young readers.
The Final Verdict:
This book is much more than readers might expect as it presents monsters as the victims and the persecuted throughout history. Early clues may enable readers to foresee the climax but the author saves a huge surprise that they won’t see coming. Overall, this is a creative twist involving human and monster interactions and I recommend you give it a shot.
May 12, 2023
Monsterly fun meets summer camp with a surprising twist of supernatural. to create a perfect read for summer break.
Sylvie lives and breathes monsters, and has even founded her own LARPing club...which doesn't go over nearly as well as she'd hoped. When the only member ditches her without a word for a survival summer camp, her father decides it's time for Sylvie to stop living in a fantasy world and get to know 'real' friends...after all, her mother's death had been six years before and life has to continue. When he brings home a stack of summer camp brochures and demands she chose one, the monster camp is an obvious choice. When she arrives, it's awesome...until she notices that everyone around her isn't pretending. They are real monsters.
Watching Sylvie land herself as the only human in a camp for monsters screams fun, and it is. From the moment Sylvie steps foot into the camp, the pending problem becomes so obvious that it crawls underneath the skin in the most delightful way. The reader knows what the camp is about and watching Sylvie be so painfully oblivious makes one want to screech and worry what will happen to her...in a good way. It's funny to see that the other monster don't notice the difference, but there's a reason behind everything. Meeting the other characters with their unique quirks and twists is as enjoyable as the adventure itself. Readers will wish they could attend this camp themselves, and even take a swim with Nessie despite the ever-problematic werewolves waiting on the shore.
There are some morals built in surrounding bullying, accepting differences, standing up, and self-acceptance. These are clear but mix very well into the entire atmosphere. The read flows by smoothly, although I did catch myself skipping paragraphs now just to know what would happen next. It was enjoyable, and I even could picture this one as a series (tv). I received a DRC and enjoyed these monsters quite a bit.
Sylvie lives and breathes monsters, and has even founded her own LARPing club...which doesn't go over nearly as well as she'd hoped. When the only member ditches her without a word for a survival summer camp, her father decides it's time for Sylvie to stop living in a fantasy world and get to know 'real' friends...after all, her mother's death had been six years before and life has to continue. When he brings home a stack of summer camp brochures and demands she chose one, the monster camp is an obvious choice. When she arrives, it's awesome...until she notices that everyone around her isn't pretending. They are real monsters.
Watching Sylvie land herself as the only human in a camp for monsters screams fun, and it is. From the moment Sylvie steps foot into the camp, the pending problem becomes so obvious that it crawls underneath the skin in the most delightful way. The reader knows what the camp is about and watching Sylvie be so painfully oblivious makes one want to screech and worry what will happen to her...in a good way. It's funny to see that the other monster don't notice the difference, but there's a reason behind everything. Meeting the other characters with their unique quirks and twists is as enjoyable as the adventure itself. Readers will wish they could attend this camp themselves, and even take a swim with Nessie despite the ever-problematic werewolves waiting on the shore.
There are some morals built in surrounding bullying, accepting differences, standing up, and self-acceptance. These are clear but mix very well into the entire atmosphere. The read flows by smoothly, although I did catch myself skipping paragraphs now just to know what would happen next. It was enjoyable, and I even could picture this one as a series (tv). I received a DRC and enjoyed these monsters quite a bit.
August 4, 2024
Combine summer camp adventure with a monster mash, and you get Monster Camp, my favorite middle-grade horror book. It's not an exaggeration to say that this book tugged every one of my heartstrings, and I simply cannot let go of my love for this book. It has humor and adventure and horror and genuine soul, hitting every single beat in a book that I could ever want.
What I love most about Sylvie and her coming-of-age story is how often she acts out of kindness, even in her worst moments. She's funny and has a strong sense for justice, which pairs well with the way Henning puts her in positions where she has to navigate her own feelings--whether they be fear or anxiety or alienation or camaraderie. Sylvie mirrors a lot of our own anxieties about meeting other people or exploring unfamiliar social territory, but she makes it through in the end and comes out stronger because of it.
And the book is just plain fun. I cannot count how many times I put the book down giggling to myself about how much I love it. Henning writes with such a great sense of what makes a book joyous, and I could soak in this book's pages for years and not get enough of it.
Monster Camp is just my favorite. I want to be there. I want to revisit it again and again and again.
What I love most about Sylvie and her coming-of-age story is how often she acts out of kindness, even in her worst moments. She's funny and has a strong sense for justice, which pairs well with the way Henning puts her in positions where she has to navigate her own feelings--whether they be fear or anxiety or alienation or camaraderie. Sylvie mirrors a lot of our own anxieties about meeting other people or exploring unfamiliar social territory, but she makes it through in the end and comes out stronger because of it.
And the book is just plain fun. I cannot count how many times I put the book down giggling to myself about how much I love it. Henning writes with such a great sense of what makes a book joyous, and I could soak in this book's pages for years and not get enough of it.
Monster Camp is just my favorite. I want to be there. I want to revisit it again and again and again.
November 17, 2023
A little long in the fang for this middle grade adventure - 75pages too long - but it’s author Henning who entertains and educates with very real life challenges masked as fantasy for our MC and her new fangtastic friends from her summer camp week. Themes include belonging, bullying, being seen/authenticity, code switching, fantasy vs reality, grief. How’d she pull this off? A book dealing with everything kids (and parents) face today while skipping through those “banned books borders” - because Henning slips masks over the faces of her real monsters. She has her delightful smart & self-aware MC reach out to others through compassionate empathy to heal societal trauma, even those scars she also wears and has inadvertently dealt others. There’s therapy and role-playing to form connection and teach mindfulness in action packed scenes of sport competitions and harrowing face/offs. An important book disguised as a Halloween read. Get it, read it and share it please as it opens up dialogues in the softest way.
October 17, 2023
Rating:4.5/10 or 8.29/10
This book was fun! I had a blast reading it. I'm not a LARPER but I had so much fun learning about LARP through Sylvie.
Characters-9- I enjoyed the characters in this. They all had great personalites and I enjoy them. The characters were what made the book for me.
Atmosphere-9- This book was spooky in places. The atmosphere really fit the vibe of the book, a camp for monsters wouldn't be a good without a strong atmosphere.
Writing- 8- I loved the writing in the story. Sarah Henning is a great writer that transfers well to both YA and middle-Grade.
Plot-8- This story was fun. I enjoyed the unique concept and most of the execution.
Intrigue- 8- I was interested in this story. I found it fun and interesting.
Logic-8 This was a logical story for the most part.
Enjoyment-8- this was a charming and fun story with great characters and a unique story.
This book was fun! I had a blast reading it. I'm not a LARPER but I had so much fun learning about LARP through Sylvie.
Characters-9- I enjoyed the characters in this. They all had great personalites and I enjoy them. The characters were what made the book for me.
Atmosphere-9- This book was spooky in places. The atmosphere really fit the vibe of the book, a camp for monsters wouldn't be a good without a strong atmosphere.
Writing- 8- I loved the writing in the story. Sarah Henning is a great writer that transfers well to both YA and middle-Grade.
Plot-8- This story was fun. I enjoyed the unique concept and most of the execution.
Intrigue- 8- I was interested in this story. I found it fun and interesting.
Logic-8 This was a logical story for the most part.
Enjoyment-8- this was a charming and fun story with great characters and a unique story.
December 29, 2023
Solid 4.5 stars, for fans of monsters (or not!), friendships and figuring out who your real friends are. There were quite a few great nuggets of wisdom in there that I hope kids can pick up on. Like, I wanted to stop and write them in a journal they were so good (I didn’t- otherwise I’d share! D’oh! 🤦♀️)
Great middle school read. It’s a bit lengthy, and it takes a bit of back story to get to the good part, so make sure they give it a chance! There are some twists you may think are obvious, but the author still got me in the end. Loved the ending.
Great middle school read. It’s a bit lengthy, and it takes a bit of back story to get to the good part, so make sure they give it a chance! There are some twists you may think are obvious, but the author still got me in the end. Loved the ending.
July 25, 2024
This was a cute, entertaining read that I probably never would have picked up otherwise (read because its a Surrey Book of the Year nominee). The plot was cute and original, but the ending was pretty predictable. The book touches upon bullying pretty good and has some good messages about standing up for yourself. I wish the author hadn't glossed over how Chad the wear wolf was such a horrible bully but that's just a small complaint.
March 15, 2023
ARC Copy...it was a fun and hilarious read which I could picture could read in the Halloween season despite the summer camp setting. Nice to see LARP as an important plot and character point! Even I kind of "read a head" abit...I did like the foreshadows and I do suspect there will be sequel considering what happens in the climax.
June 19, 2023
Sylvie lives to LARP and wishes she was a vampire... so when she realizes the camp her dad is making her attend is next door to Monster Camp, she hatches a plan to go there instead. The camp is all she ever dreamed of... until she makes a shocking realization.
A fun read- action, friendship, self-discovery.
A fun read- action, friendship, self-discovery.
October 21, 2024
Such a fun middle grade read! Perfect for the lead up to Halloween. Love the message that “monsters” are not always the bad guys 💕 also I always love a summer camp setting! And This one has such a fun twist!
February 19, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This was a fun summer camp based romp with monsters.
This was a fun summer camp based romp with monsters.
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May 8, 2023Full Review: https://monsterbookclub.com/2023/05/0...
June 5, 2023
Read up to chapter 12.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
I loved the book. I thought this was great..
My son had other opinion of this classic.
My son had other opinion of this classic.
August 27, 2025
One of my favorite middle grade horror books. Perfect for kids and adults.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews