Even when kids are back in the swing of school, sports and neighborhood activities, it’s always fun to open up a book and dive back into the wilderness adventures of summer camp. Whether your youngster likes funny stories, scary tales or friendship sagas, there are treasure troves of books that take place at sleepaway camp. You can get in the campfire spirit, even when the snow flies, when you slip between the pages of these popular summer camp novels and story books.
Plantzilla Goes to Camp by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by David Catrow - ages 4-8
Really young kids about to head off for their first summer of camp will love the story of Mortimer Henryson, off to sleepaway camp for the first time. With a text laid out in letters, telegrams and post cards, the vividly illustrated book tells the story of Mortimer as he sets off to continue the family tradition of attending the same camp his dad went to as a boy. Poor Mortimer reluctantly leaves his dog and his pet exotic plant, nicknamed Plantzilla. To make matters worse, he’s assigned to a cabin with the camp bully. Sensing trouble ahead, the amazing Plantzilla heads off the rescue, with much merry mayhem to follow!
Camp K-9 by Mary Ann Rodman; illustrated by Nancy Hayashi - ages 6-8
Written by a former camper and counselor, this enchanting picture book will be a sure-fire favorite with the younger set. Illustrated with pretty pastels, the book tells the story of Roxie and her fellow dog campers and their adventures at Camp K-9. Unfortunately for Roxie, she’s paired up with a “mean girl”, trouble-making standard white poodle, Lucy. One day Lucy goes missing and a wild search ensues, culminating in Roxie finding Lucy and finding out Lucy has a secret. Will Roxie tell?
Camp Fear by Carol Ellis - ages 10-14
Kids who love stories of things that go bump in the night will love the story of Camp Silverlake, where a group of counselors share a deep, dark memory of one summer when they were campers themselves. That long ago summer one camper didn’t make it home and now someone or something has returned to Camp Silverlake to exact a terrible revenge.
Holes by Louis Sachar - ages 8-14
This contemporary classic follows the unusual adventures of Stanley Yelnats. Wrongly accused of theft, this perpetually unlucky young man ends up at a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake where there is no actual lake, just a lot of kids digging holes in the dirt. How Stanley survives a summer among the sadistic staff and crazy fellow campers to find out what all the frenzied digging is really about makes for a fascinating read.
Slept Away by Julie Kraut – ages 10 to 15
Tween girls will find a lot to love in the story of Laney Parker, a city girl with pots of money who is horrified to be sent away to the dreadfully rustic Camp Timber Trails. With no cell phone, no air conditioning and no idea of how to be cool when the in-crowd is determined by foreign things like swimming skills, Laney is in for the most surprising summer of her life.
P.S. I Hate It Here edited by Diane Falanga – all ages
You and your older campers will love this hysterical compilation of real letters parents kept from their kids away at camp. The letters, written by campers from eight to sixteen, will have you laughing out loud and reminiscing about days at camp, whether they were last summer or twenty years ago.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.
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