By Jennifer Rothschild, collection engagement librarian, Arlington public library
It may still be winter, but the days are getting longer, and warmer days are just around the corner. It’s time to make summer plans! Parents may dread summer camp sign-up season, but these books will have children and teens excited about what camp they might choose.
Picture Books
“Hello World: Let’s Go Camping”
Written and illustrated by Jill McDonald
This board book from the popular Hello World! series introduces the youngest of children to camping and the great outdoors. Easy-to-understand facts and colorful illustrations show everything from marshmallow roasts to stargazing to sleeping in a tent or camper van.
“Summer Camp Critter Jitters”
By Jory John
Illustrated by Liz Climo
While packing for camp, a variety of animals share their worries, such as not making new friends or not knowing how to swim. When they arrive, there’s a problem none of them had thought of—their counselor, Cat, is stuck up a tree. Working together to rescue their leader, their worries lessen, setting the stage for a great summer. A comforting and reassuring read for worried campers.
Early Readers
“The Giants Go Camping”
By Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Tomie DePaola
In the heat of summer, the giants Grizzle, Dazzle, Grab, Grub and Dab decide to leave Fe-Fi-Fo-Farm and go camping in the mountains. But the cool lake might not be as relaxing as they think when they have to deal with things like a swingy hammock and a shaggy bear. This book was originally released in 1979, but a new edition came out last fall, introducing the giants to a new generation of readers.
“Ty’s Travels: Camp Out”
By Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by Niña Mata
Ty and his family are all set for their camping trip when the weather cancels their plans. With the help of Ty’s imagination, they’re able to make the best of a disappointing situation by having a “camp-in,” where they fish and stargaze from inside their own house.
Middle Grade
“Braid Girls”
by Sherri Winston
Best friends Daija and Maggie are looking forward to a summer as junior counselors at a local day camp and starting their hair braiding business. But their friendship is threatened by Callie—a half-sister Maggie didn’t know she had. Daija reluctantly lets Callie join their braiding business, but then other counselors start a competing business. Told in alternating voices, this story shows how the girls learn to navigate friendship, family and business as the summer unfolds.
“Ben Lee: The Magic Black Belt”
by Hanna Kim
Ben and Emilio are excited for taekwondo camp, but when camp starts, Emilio shows natural talent and Ben struggles. Ben is frustrated and embarrassed by his lack of skill until he’s given a magic black belt by Mr. Wiz, the school janitor. With the magic belt, Ben’s skills rapidly improve, but at what cost?
Teens
“Give me a Sign”
By Anna Sortino
Lilah is excited to be a counselor at Gray Wolf—a summer camp for the Deaf and Blind. She was a camper when she was younger, and it was one of the few places she felt she belonged. But her American Sign Language (ASL) is rusty, and she’s caught between her disconnection in the hearing world and not feeling “deaf enough” for the Deaf community. Once at camp, she’s surrounded by a range of Deaf experiences, helping her embrace her identity. She also meets Isaac, a fellow counselor who helps her with her ASL as romance blooms between them.
“Look No Further”
By Rioghanch and Siofra Robinson
Laid-back California surfer Niko and ambitious New Yorker Ali are paired up for a personal history project at a prestigious art camp. They seem like complete opposites (they even work in different mediums!) but as they learn to work together, they discover they’re actually half-siblings. As they search for their elusive father and their conflicting feelings about him, they also each confront their feelings about being biracial, their families and art. Told in alternating chapters, this heartwarming story was written by real-life siblings.
