What do you think?
Camp Scare
An eerie, twisty ghost story about twelve-year-old Parker, who only wanted a summer of fun and new friendship, and the nightmare she finds instead.
Don't forget your flashlight...
Parker Nelson can't wait for summer camp. She'll have fun and make amazing memories, far away from the bullies who made seventh grade unbearable.
But then something terrible happens: The mean girl who made life a living nightmare is in Parker's cabin. Soon all the other girls turn on Parker, too--no one wants to be her friend. Except Jenny.
Jenny's the only one who is willing to listen. The only one who understands. The only one who feels the same way Parker does: That there's a deep, dark secret to making friends and she's the only one who doesn't know it.
But there's something else Parker doesn't know. Something bad happened at the camp a long time ago, and it just won't stay buried...
Don't forget your flashlight...
Parker Nelson can't wait for summer camp. She'll have fun and make amazing memories, far away from the bullies who made seventh grade unbearable.
But then something terrible happens: The mean girl who made life a living nightmare is in Parker's cabin. Soon all the other girls turn on Parker, too--no one wants to be her friend. Except Jenny.
Jenny's the only one who is willing to listen. The only one who understands. The only one who feels the same way Parker does: That there's a deep, dark secret to making friends and she's the only one who doesn't know it.
But there's something else Parker doesn't know. Something bad happened at the camp a long time ago, and it just won't stay buried...
7 pages, Audiobook
First published August 2, 2022
About the author
Delilah S. Dawson
196 books3,091 followersDelilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 26, 2023
I had some trouble with The Violence by this writer (wrong book/wrong time) but I highly recommend Camp Scare to middle schoolers and to anyone that likes a creepy campground setting and stories about growing up as an outcast and standing up for yourself even when people refuse to believe you. It's about bullying, and mean girls and creepy goings-on and I could not stop listening.
August 5, 2022
Review coming soon.
April 9, 2023
What a delightful book. Delilah Dawson really has a way of making her characters not only sympathetic, but relatable. Its a very difficult thing for an author to make the audience sympathize so much. And she does it masterfully here.
The story of this book is about a girl named Parker who gets bullied at school and so is sent to a summer camp called "Camp Care" to try to make a new start. Unfortunately, her troubles are not over as she is not only bullied at the camp, but now inexplicable things are happening and being blamed on her. As Parker and the audience learn, there is more to Camp Care than meets the eye.
The plot of this book is really easy to follow and a quick read. There's not much wasted space, and Delilah Dawson perfectly nailed what it feels like to be at a summer camp. She also nails the feelings associated with being bullied by others.
Where this book potentially falters for younger readers is the subject matter. The book gets pretty dark at points, dealing with ghosts and even suicide and the darker elements of teen bullying.
Maybe your kid could handle this book. As always, I suggest parents read the book first to determine if they are ready for the book.
The book has several staples of Delilah Dawson writing. A female character who has to overcome difficult odds, a severe amount of gross elements (not necessarily scary, just gross), and more!
Overall, this is an entertaining book with a good message that might possibly be a little too dark for kids to read, depending on what they can handle. I'll give it an 8 out of 10! Well done Delilah Dawson.
The story of this book is about a girl named Parker who gets bullied at school and so is sent to a summer camp called "Camp Care" to try to make a new start. Unfortunately, her troubles are not over as she is not only bullied at the camp, but now inexplicable things are happening and being blamed on her. As Parker and the audience learn, there is more to Camp Care than meets the eye.
The plot of this book is really easy to follow and a quick read. There's not much wasted space, and Delilah Dawson perfectly nailed what it feels like to be at a summer camp. She also nails the feelings associated with being bullied by others.
Where this book potentially falters for younger readers is the subject matter. The book gets pretty dark at points, dealing with ghosts and even suicide and the darker elements of teen bullying.
Maybe your kid could handle this book. As always, I suggest parents read the book first to determine if they are ready for the book.
The book has several staples of Delilah Dawson writing. A female character who has to overcome difficult odds, a severe amount of gross elements (not necessarily scary, just gross), and more!
Overall, this is an entertaining book with a good message that might possibly be a little too dark for kids to read, depending on what they can handle. I'll give it an 8 out of 10! Well done Delilah Dawson.
May 28, 2024
i have learned that books where people that do bad things to others and don't get appropriately punished for them are not for me, i guess.
November 27, 2022
There is a special, hollow little place in my heart for horror novels about bullying. It's a sense of "there but for the grace of God go I," an acknowledgement that I did make it out the other side of middle school, albeit in tatters. Dawson captures the pain of it, the horrible certainty that no adult will help because victim-blaming is so much easier to do. We have to grow up to be the helpers we never had.
I'm not sure I love the neatness of the ending. I'd have liked Cassandra to have to grapple with generational bullying more and Parker to have told more people about what was done to both her and Tori. But the book still resonated with me enough to make me type this much with a broken wrist.
I'm not sure I love the neatness of the ending. I'd have liked Cassandra to have to grapple with generational bullying more and Parker to have told more people about what was done to both her and Tori. But the book still resonated with me enough to make me type this much with a broken wrist.
September 7, 2025
Wow, this was what the doctor ordered. I really wanted a spooky, horror middle grade summer read, and this was perfect for that. This book gets really scary, but it's also an involved story with compelling characters.
I felt so bad for Parker for how she was bullied. The situation she was placed in affected me deeply. I was bullied as a kid and felt like an outsider, so it really connected with Parker. The situation in this camp was so messed up and there's a authentic message about how systems are designed to protect abusers and harm victims. The group think in that place was awful. And the fact that people know right and wrong but still go along with the crowd even if things don't seem right. I would consider this book a bit of social horror as well because of the bullying concept, and the gaslighting that Parker is being subject too. That was quite dark, and to be honest, the resolution regarding that didn't leave me satisfied.
As far as the supernatural elements, wow, this was quite scary, and it gets pretty dark too. Definitely a content warning for kids harmed/endangered. One part in particular is quite upsetting. That said, nothing crosses the line and it's not overly gory or anything like that. I think it's suitable for kids 12-13 or a more advanced younger 10-11 year old. I think this would make a good movie or short tv series. This is my first book by Delilah S. Dawson, and I definitely want to read more, although I'm a little nervous about reading her adult books. But based on her skill with this one, I can see she definitely is a skilled horror writer and in general.
I've never been to summer camp, although I was a girl scout and we did go camping. After reading this and another Summer Camp Horror book this summer, I'm glad I never went. It's good I can live vicariously through this book.
I really don't want to spoil anything, because the story is so good and the reveals are great. I'll just say, check this one out. The audiobook is really good. I got so involved with the story that I would keep listening when I got home from my commute. That's always a good sign.
I'd give this one 4.5 stars because it really was that good.
I felt so bad for Parker for how she was bullied. The situation she was placed in affected me deeply. I was bullied as a kid and felt like an outsider, so it really connected with Parker. The situation in this camp was so messed up and there's a authentic message about how systems are designed to protect abusers and harm victims. The group think in that place was awful. And the fact that people know right and wrong but still go along with the crowd even if things don't seem right. I would consider this book a bit of social horror as well because of the bullying concept, and the gaslighting that Parker is being subject too. That was quite dark, and to be honest, the resolution regarding that didn't leave me satisfied.
As far as the supernatural elements, wow, this was quite scary, and it gets pretty dark too. Definitely a content warning for kids harmed/endangered. One part in particular is quite upsetting. That said, nothing crosses the line and it's not overly gory or anything like that. I think it's suitable for kids 12-13 or a more advanced younger 10-11 year old. I think this would make a good movie or short tv series. This is my first book by Delilah S. Dawson, and I definitely want to read more, although I'm a little nervous about reading her adult books. But based on her skill with this one, I can see she definitely is a skilled horror writer and in general.
I've never been to summer camp, although I was a girl scout and we did go camping. After reading this and another Summer Camp Horror book this summer, I'm glad I never went. It's good I can live vicariously through this book.
I really don't want to spoil anything, because the story is so good and the reveals are great. I'll just say, check this one out. The audiobook is really good. I got so involved with the story that I would keep listening when I got home from my commute. That's always a good sign.
I'd give this one 4.5 stars because it really was that good.
March 2, 2023
A chilling ghost story, but more than that, a raw and honest look at bullying, at the pain and challenges of being the odd one out, an empathetic tale for everyone struggling to belong and be understood without losing sight of themselves.
June 22, 2026
this book was not what i expected, i came in expecting some gory horror about a killersummer camp, but it was far from that, it was an eye-opening read, the subtle snide remarks, the exclusion, and the lack of adult support were very real, but somehow the author kept giving you hope so you'd keep reading, waiting for things to get better, once i started it i couldn't put it down, this one was really nice for a change, i was entertained the entire time reading this book, it was a little predictable, but i didn't see that ending coming like it did! the end tho seems a bit hasty in parts but it's beautifully written, the characters undergo a nice development and the plot in itself is a nice spin on things
June 21, 2023
I’ve wanted to read this book from the moment I saw its cover while browsing the kids’ chapter books at work. I mean, that dripping burnt marshmallow skull is so badass, am I right? Yet again, my tendency to judge a book by its cover has PAID OFF.
I really loved Camp Scare!
It’s a middle grade horror novel about a super-cool kid named Parker. She gets bullied by classmates and as a…consolation prize?…gets to go to summer camp for free, which seems cool until Parker realizes that she’s in the *same cabin* as Cassandra, one of the girls who bullied her! To make matters worse, all of the other girls in the cabin have known each other and Cassandra since they were little, and Parker is the odd one out. If that’s not bad enough, some truly freaky stuff starts happening at camp, and hushed rumors about some tragedy that happened back in 1988 suggest that the camp might be haunted by a ghost called Gory Tori. 😱
The author’s writing is engaging and clear, and the suspense is real. I could NOT put this book down. The atmosphere is positively creepy, but it probably helps that I was able to imagine all the happenings at a summer camp I went to when I was Parker’s age.
This story has some genuinely scary moments! Like, it’s scarier than some adult horror I’ve read lately! I’m surprised, really, that it’s middle grade and not YA. There are some necessary trigger warnings: ⚠️⚠️
I love the way this book ends, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky read that doesn’t shy away from how children and adults alike can be truly horrible. I’m jealous of today’s young readers because I definitely did not read anything like this as a preteen, but I’m so glad kids today have books like these.
I really loved Camp Scare!
It’s a middle grade horror novel about a super-cool kid named Parker. She gets bullied by classmates and as a…consolation prize?…gets to go to summer camp for free, which seems cool until Parker realizes that she’s in the *same cabin* as Cassandra, one of the girls who bullied her! To make matters worse, all of the other girls in the cabin have known each other and Cassandra since they were little, and Parker is the odd one out. If that’s not bad enough, some truly freaky stuff starts happening at camp, and hushed rumors about some tragedy that happened back in 1988 suggest that the camp might be haunted by a ghost called Gory Tori. 😱
The author’s writing is engaging and clear, and the suspense is real. I could NOT put this book down. The atmosphere is positively creepy, but it probably helps that I was able to imagine all the happenings at a summer camp I went to when I was Parker’s age.
This story has some genuinely scary moments! Like, it’s scarier than some adult horror I’ve read lately! I’m surprised, really, that it’s middle grade and not YA. There are some necessary trigger warnings: ⚠️⚠️
I love the way this book ends, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky read that doesn’t shy away from how children and adults alike can be truly horrible. I’m jealous of today’s young readers because I definitely did not read anything like this as a preteen, but I’m so glad kids today have books like these.
July 7, 2024
Bullying is the main topic of this book so it did get me quite angry in parts, but not in a mad at the book way, I just wanted to punch some of the characters lol. I think its an important topic for the age group in which this is geared towards though. It hits on some heavy topics and I think many people will relate. If you do not like reading about mean girls, skip it. Its infuriating. The kids in this book are SO MEAN! I felt so bad for Parker. The bullying starts very quick into the story too and is still going strong at 80% in. Because of that the book did start to feel a bit repetitive for me by the end. I also had a bit of an issue with the way the story was wrapped up but overall I still think it was a good read. It had a spooky mystery going on too that was interesting, all though pretty predictable. I had a good time listening to the audiobook though. The narrator was great.
March 16, 2023
Trigger warnings: Bullying, self harm, suicide.
This book goes from being a mildly spooky summer camp story to a graphic depiction of self harm and a character being driven to suicide with almost zero warning, so that is definitely a thing to be aware of if you're thinking of purchasing it for a younger child. I strongly recommend reading it yourself before doing so, and maybe having a discussion about it after the fact. That's not to say it wasn't an enjoyable book, but definitely not one for more sensitive audiences. I did enjoy the setting and the general "ghost story" feel of it, but felt the ending went way too far considering the target audience.
This book goes from being a mildly spooky summer camp story to a graphic depiction of self harm and a character being driven to suicide with almost zero warning, so that is definitely a thing to be aware of if you're thinking of purchasing it for a younger child. I strongly recommend reading it yourself before doing so, and maybe having a discussion about it after the fact. That's not to say it wasn't an enjoyable book, but definitely not one for more sensitive audiences. I did enjoy the setting and the general "ghost story" feel of it, but felt the ending went way too far considering the target audience.
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July 7, 2024This was a summer reading book for my upcoming 6th grader (how lucky are they?!) and I wanted to read with her so that we could discuss. WHAT a perfect book for ages 10-12! It's just the right amount of scary while being age appropriate. Think Goosebumps for older kids. Highly recommend.
November 7, 2023
Trigger warnings: bullying, death (in the past), physical injury
I read Mine a year or so ago and really enjoyed it, so I was very interested to see how this one would go. And, like, it was FINE? But probably 80% of the book felt like a middle grade contemporary story about bullying rather than the horror book the cover and the blurb promised me. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of moments that were unsettling. But it was nowhere near what I anticipated, having read Mine. Add in a really abrupt ending and the whole thing was honestly kind of a bummer.
I read Mine a year or so ago and really enjoyed it, so I was very interested to see how this one would go. And, like, it was FINE? But probably 80% of the book felt like a middle grade contemporary story about bullying rather than the horror book the cover and the blurb promised me. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of moments that were unsettling. But it was nowhere near what I anticipated, having read Mine. Add in a really abrupt ending and the whole thing was honestly kind of a bummer.
August 3, 2025
Camp Scare by Delilah S. Dawson
🎒 spooky summer camp | 👻 ghost story | 🧠 neurodivergent-coded MC
➡️ ᴀᴅᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʙʀ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ:
° like your horror with heart (and a flashlight)
° still think about how brutal middle school friendships were
° love fast-paced plots with meaningful messages
° want a good Summerween-to-Falloween bridge
➡️ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ:
Parker thought camp would be an escape from bullies and bad memories—but when the girl who made her life miserable shows up in her cabin, things go downhill fast. The only person who seems to get Parker is Jenny… but Jenny isn’t quite what she seems. And the camp? It has its own buried past that’s clawing its way to the surface.
➡️ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟ-ᴏ-ᴍᴇᴛᴇʀ: 🩵🩵🩵🩵🤍
(A spooky-but-accessible read that layers real-world trauma with ghost story chills.)
This author is officially an auto-buy for me. Not because she reinvents the genre, but because she just perfectly matches my reader vibe: she magically weaves character work to make it feel like I'm only reading plot and dialogue. It’s like she’s casting a spell and I barely notice I’m turning pages until it’s over.
As someone who grew up an undiagnosed autistic kid, Parker’s experience hit hard. She’s observant, thoughtful, and trying to crack the code of fitting in—while trying to guess what the "rules" of fitting in even are. The bullying in this story felt all too real, but the message? Even more powerful.
So yes, this is creepy. Although I was able to guess the first twist, the second one surprised me. But the heart of the story is about choosing to be yourself in a world that punishes you for it. And to me, that’s the scariest—and most inspiring—thing of al that Parker encompassed.
❓Were you ever the outsider trying to figure out the “rules” no one ever explained, or could you fit in pretty easily?
🎒 spooky summer camp | 👻 ghost story | 🧠 neurodivergent-coded MC
➡️ ᴀᴅᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʙʀ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ:
° like your horror with heart (and a flashlight)
° still think about how brutal middle school friendships were
° love fast-paced plots with meaningful messages
° want a good Summerween-to-Falloween bridge
➡️ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ:
Parker thought camp would be an escape from bullies and bad memories—but when the girl who made her life miserable shows up in her cabin, things go downhill fast. The only person who seems to get Parker is Jenny… but Jenny isn’t quite what she seems. And the camp? It has its own buried past that’s clawing its way to the surface.
➡️ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟ-ᴏ-ᴍᴇᴛᴇʀ: 🩵🩵🩵🩵🤍
(A spooky-but-accessible read that layers real-world trauma with ghost story chills.)
This author is officially an auto-buy for me. Not because she reinvents the genre, but because she just perfectly matches my reader vibe: she magically weaves character work to make it feel like I'm only reading plot and dialogue. It’s like she’s casting a spell and I barely notice I’m turning pages until it’s over.
As someone who grew up an undiagnosed autistic kid, Parker’s experience hit hard. She’s observant, thoughtful, and trying to crack the code of fitting in—while trying to guess what the "rules" of fitting in even are. The bullying in this story felt all too real, but the message? Even more powerful.
So yes, this is creepy. Although I was able to guess the first twist, the second one surprised me. But the heart of the story is about choosing to be yourself in a world that punishes you for it. And to me, that’s the scariest—and most inspiring—thing of al that Parker encompassed.
❓Were you ever the outsider trying to figure out the “rules” no one ever explained, or could you fit in pretty easily?
February 10, 2024
Ugh, the insidious pervasiveness of bullying. This book was painfully good at showing how there's not really anything adults can do about bullying no matter how much they're against it. I felt so bad for little Parker, and was perversely glad when she had taken so much crap that she just stopped caring and started speaking truth all the time. The fact that Parker ultimately had to solve her own bullying is both sad and empowering, but the utter mud she had to slog through to get there was heartbreaking.
July 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This has the summer camp goes wrong vibe down pat. Even though there was a cool supernatural thread to the story…it was more about bullying. For the target age group this would be a very good read.
June 25, 2023
3.5* an enjoyable spooky middle grade! i do wish there was a bit more spook factor, but i thought this had great internal conflict and a great message.
March 29, 2023
this book was good in the depiction of bullying and navigating situations like that, and a bit worse when it came to ghosts and paranormal stuff. it was also pretty slow and uneventful at times. however, i still liked and appreciated it because of the brave and hard-hitting portrayal of how mean and cruel both kids and adults can be. i was rooting for parker and wanted better for her. the writing was pretty good, too, i even highlighted some passages along the way. some scenes were truly just so frustrating, but they were described with honesty and understanding of the main character's pain.
"but that's the thing about bullying, isn't it? adults always say they'll help, but then they don't. it's like they think a bully is this tall kid who punches you in front of everyone in the hallway for your lunch money, when really it's a pretty girl with a smile saying things that could almost sound nice if she wasn't sneering."
i think that ultimately this is a valuable story, but it really could have been much more creepy. camp settings are perfect for that kind of stuff. the ending, unfortunately, wasn't my favorite (again, the paranormal thing was a bit too lukewarm), but everything was resolved and questions were answered. maybe 3.25 stars.
"but that's the thing about bullying, isn't it? adults always say they'll help, but then they don't. it's like they think a bully is this tall kid who punches you in front of everyone in the hallway for your lunch money, when really it's a pretty girl with a smile saying things that could almost sound nice if she wasn't sneering."
i think that ultimately this is a valuable story, but it really could have been much more creepy. camp settings are perfect for that kind of stuff. the ending, unfortunately, wasn't my favorite (again, the paranormal thing was a bit too lukewarm), but everything was resolved and questions were answered. maybe 3.25 stars.
October 3, 2023
2.75 stars. You know there’s a reason why The Childern of the Corn are depicted as middle schoolers!!! Like damn why are middle schoolers so evil?!?! Ya’ll be doing too much. And the adults in this book are no better. Bunch of bing bats
August 24, 2022
Heathers meets Jason Voorhees in a fun YA summer camp.
November 7, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this paranormal middle grade story.
Young Parker has a history with bullies. She's been tormented by the popular kids at school, so when school is out, it's the perfect opportunity for her to broaden her horizons at Camp Care. But when she arrives she is shocked to find one of her bullies at the camp. As her hopes for a new way forward become tricky and strange happenings occur around camp, can Parker get to the bottom of it?
I love camp-themed stories. There's just something magical about it. I didn't enjoy my time at camp in fifth grade, and Parker is much the same, which helped me relate to her a lot. There's a constant sense of mystery and some light chills as strange things happen around camp that I really loved. Each chapter was fast paced, and the drama was balanced well with the creepy happenings. The writing was well done and flowed smoothly from page to page.
Parker herself was easy to understand, and her POV came off as an authentic tween to me. She's intelligent and resourceful, but those traits seem to be ignored by most. Her strange friend Jenny was an interesting character, and her antagonistic cabin mates helped amp up the dramatics. Many people (myself included) have been bullied in grade school, and this is a prominent theme throughout the book.
I would have liked to see Parker given a bit more leeway in her arguments. It felt that everyone around her was ignorant to a fault, and that took me out of the story a bit. I also felt that the big reveal was easy to predict, even for a younger reader, so that lessened the spooky parts for me.
Overall, not a bad book if you want to introduce your younger reader to paranormal fantasy or need a quick read with some light thrills.
Young Parker has a history with bullies. She's been tormented by the popular kids at school, so when school is out, it's the perfect opportunity for her to broaden her horizons at Camp Care. But when she arrives she is shocked to find one of her bullies at the camp. As her hopes for a new way forward become tricky and strange happenings occur around camp, can Parker get to the bottom of it?
I love camp-themed stories. There's just something magical about it. I didn't enjoy my time at camp in fifth grade, and Parker is much the same, which helped me relate to her a lot. There's a constant sense of mystery and some light chills as strange things happen around camp that I really loved. Each chapter was fast paced, and the drama was balanced well with the creepy happenings. The writing was well done and flowed smoothly from page to page.
Parker herself was easy to understand, and her POV came off as an authentic tween to me. She's intelligent and resourceful, but those traits seem to be ignored by most. Her strange friend Jenny was an interesting character, and her antagonistic cabin mates helped amp up the dramatics. Many people (myself included) have been bullied in grade school, and this is a prominent theme throughout the book.
I would have liked to see Parker given a bit more leeway in her arguments. It felt that everyone around her was ignorant to a fault, and that took me out of the story a bit. I also felt that the big reveal was easy to predict, even for a younger reader, so that lessened the spooky parts for me.
Overall, not a bad book if you want to introduce your younger reader to paranormal fantasy or need a quick read with some light thrills.
November 6, 2022
In CAMP SCARE, written by Delilah S. Dawson, seventh grader Parker Nelson wants nothing more than to fit in, so when Cassandra DiVecchio—one of the popular girls from school—invites Parker to her house under the guise of working on a class project, the bullying that ensues goes viral.
As a way to make ‘amends,’ the school awards Parker with a scholarship to attend a week-long summer camp four hours away called Camp Care, a mountain setting in Georgia—a place known for its ‘commitment to emotional health and its zero-tolerance stance toward bullying,’ according to its website, that is anything but.
From day one, Parker is turned on and made to feel like an outsider by fellow campers and counselors who don’t believe her protests of innocence, that is, until Parker meets her new friend, Jenny, the only one who believes her.
As someone who was bullied as a kid many, many moons ago, and believe it or not, even as an adult, I can definitely relate to what Parker goes through and what she is forced to endure from kids and adults, which is more than heartbreaking.
Let us not forget CAMP SCARE is a Children’s Horror Novel that uses these elements to amp up the tension by revealing an even darker side of Camp Care’s history that refuses to be buried.
Is This A Difficult Read In Terms Of Subject Matter?
Yes!
Is CAMP SCARE A Book I Recommend To Create Awareness And Necessary Change?
Most Definitely!
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books (Delacorte Press), for providing me with an eARC of CAMP SCARES at the request of an honest review.
Ages: 10 & Up
Grades: 5 – 7
As a way to make ‘amends,’ the school awards Parker with a scholarship to attend a week-long summer camp four hours away called Camp Care, a mountain setting in Georgia—a place known for its ‘commitment to emotional health and its zero-tolerance stance toward bullying,’ according to its website, that is anything but.
From day one, Parker is turned on and made to feel like an outsider by fellow campers and counselors who don’t believe her protests of innocence, that is, until Parker meets her new friend, Jenny, the only one who believes her.
As someone who was bullied as a kid many, many moons ago, and believe it or not, even as an adult, I can definitely relate to what Parker goes through and what she is forced to endure from kids and adults, which is more than heartbreaking.
Let us not forget CAMP SCARE is a Children’s Horror Novel that uses these elements to amp up the tension by revealing an even darker side of Camp Care’s history that refuses to be buried.
Is This A Difficult Read In Terms Of Subject Matter?
Yes!
Is CAMP SCARE A Book I Recommend To Create Awareness And Necessary Change?
Most Definitely!
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books (Delacorte Press), for providing me with an eARC of CAMP SCARES at the request of an honest review.
Ages: 10 & Up
Grades: 5 – 7
October 14, 2023
Don’t forget your flashlight.
🏕️
Parker Nelson is so ready for camp after she was bullied by Cassandra and her friends during the school year. The bullying was so bad that she got a scholarship to Camp Care. When she arrives, she can’t believe Cassandra is there too and immediately starts spreading rumors about Parker. Camp Care is not living up to its name. Parker befriends fellow outcast Jenny, who gets how Parker is feeling. When campers start getting hurt, everyone blames newcomer, Parker, but there are more sinister works at play here.
🔥
This cover has you thinking this is going to be a horror novel but honestly the scariest part for me was the bullying that occurred throughout the book. I felt so bad for Parker the entire time and just wanted her to leave this awful camp. I think this will spark empathy in kids, especially those who also love a good ghost story too. This one is for upper MG readers. It’s also a great title to recommend for antibullying week coming up.
CW: bullying, self-harm, suicide, gaslighting, theft, cyberbullying
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Parker Nelson is so ready for camp after she was bullied by Cassandra and her friends during the school year. The bullying was so bad that she got a scholarship to Camp Care. When she arrives, she can’t believe Cassandra is there too and immediately starts spreading rumors about Parker. Camp Care is not living up to its name. Parker befriends fellow outcast Jenny, who gets how Parker is feeling. When campers start getting hurt, everyone blames newcomer, Parker, but there are more sinister works at play here.
🔥
This cover has you thinking this is going to be a horror novel but honestly the scariest part for me was the bullying that occurred throughout the book. I felt so bad for Parker the entire time and just wanted her to leave this awful camp. I think this will spark empathy in kids, especially those who also love a good ghost story too. This one is for upper MG readers. It’s also a great title to recommend for antibullying week coming up.
CW: bullying, self-harm, suicide, gaslighting, theft, cyberbullying
December 27, 2022
Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with a complimentary audiobook of Camp Scare!
10/10 recommend Camp Scare to all of the middle graders in the world! Not only is there a spooky setting, but important messages are woven throughout the story. Also, there are some solid creepy scenes!
10/10 recommend Camp Scare to all of the middle graders in the world! Not only is there a spooky setting, but important messages are woven throughout the story. Also, there are some solid creepy scenes!
October 22, 2024
This was more about bullying than it was a horror. I felt so bad for Parker. She just wanted to be treated well and everyone was so mean to her. I didn't find the ending satisfying because no one really got their just rewards. We don't know if anyone truly changed. Poor Parker.
August 23, 2024
3.5 stars. Quite enjoyable to read but better suited for a much younger audience.
May 5, 2025
This one surprised me and was pretty good. The one scene actually made me a little squeamish. I very rarely read middle grade anymore, but I would recommend this one.
July 4, 2024
Solid YA horror/mystery.
November 23, 2024
I read this to my boys at bedtime… Gory Tori got a little scary for them at night but they all loved it and it was a page turner for them.
September 12, 2025
2.5 stars
I know this is a middle grade book, but the same thing happened over and over and over. And the suicide plot at the end came out of nowhere and seemed unnecessary.
I know this is a middle grade book, but the same thing happened over and over and over. And the suicide plot at the end came out of nowhere and seemed unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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