ALA Booklist (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

After a particularly embarrassing playground incident draws the sympathy of her well-connected teacher, lonely Abby is given the opportunity to attend Camp Summerah, a remote summer camp for starlets escaping the spotlight. An ordinary child suddenly surrounded by performers and a princess, 11-year-old Abby pretends to be a famous author with a pseudonym, allowing her to fit in among the camp's UFCs (unrecognizable famous campers). As the lies build, Abby crumbles, recognizing that "lying, faking, pretending to be somebody different was not the answer." A second chance from her new camp pals helps Abby realize that being true to yourself is enough to make you special, and genuine friendships follow. Although close readers may pause over gaps in time and superficial characterizations, the short chapters, generous margins, and relatable themes of insecurity will broaden the book's appeal. Blecher (Out of Place, 2019) delivers a satisfying middle-grade story showcasing the makings of real friendship and the possibilities that await over a summer of growth (even if your summer doesn't include a royal BFF).

Horn Book (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Abby longs to leave the troubles of fifth grade behind for a typical overnight summer camp experience. Instead, her teacher, noticing Abby's social troubles and unhappiness at school, finagles her a place at Camp Famous, where celebrity kids go to escape the pressure of the public eye. Finding herself among royalty, pop stars, children of social media influencers, science prodigies, and even Oliver -- a classmate from school who, it turns out, does reporting for national news outlets -- Abby feels self-conscious about being "regular" and pretends to be a best-selling author. Meanwhile, the famous kids all like Abby immediately -- and she could develop close friendships were she not hindered by the false identity she has created. The atmosphere is idyllic: likable counselors in cozy cabins, a lake, evening campfires, loads of activity choices and free time blocks, and a tightknit group of campers with complicated lives and a desire for real connection. Abby's first-person narration, alternating with journal entries in her green fuzzy notebook, builds as the summer of her dreams unfolds, until her secret comes out, upending everything. This enjoyable story of finding self-acceptance through a summer escape is ideal for veteran campers as well as for those who daydream about the experience -- and the new friends they might make there. Julie Roach

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Abigail Herman spends a lot of time trying to figure out the mysterious rules of fifth grade friendship.Everyone knows that you should tuck in your shirt before doing a cartwheel. Everyone, that is, except 11-year-old Abby. Just like she doesn't know the words to the latest songs or the names of the characters on the popular TV shows her mom won't let her watch. She thinks a fresh start at summer camp might be the answer to her friendship problems, and she has her sights set on Camp Longatocket, which her old babysitter reminisced about. But when her teacher, Ms. McIntyre, arranges for Abby to go to a camp run by her brother, it's someplace completely different: Camp Famous, where the high-profile campers include a princess and a pop star. Being the only nonfamous kid makes her feel like an outsider, so Abby pretends to be a bestselling author to fit in. She can only be her true self when she's writing in her fuzzy, green, sequined notebook and when she's spending time with Oliver Frank, her classmate and fellow camper who promises to keep her secret-and has one of his own. This plot-driven, upbeat novel will have readers relating to Abby's awkwardness while enjoying the fanciful situation in which she finds herself. At its heart, it's a sweet story of friendship, being true to yourself, and finding common ground. Most characters default to White.A quirky and fun summer read. (Fiction. 8-12)

Publishers Weekly (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Eleven-year-old white Abby Herman attempts to make friends in Blecher’s (Stick with Me) bighearted novel about truth and self-acceptance. When “ordinary” Abby gets the opportunity to attend sleepaway camp, she’s excited for a new cohort of eligible friends. It’s not until she arrives at the airport that her parents reveal that this is not a typical camp: Camp Famous is where famous kids go to get away from the pressures of public life. Despite the other campers’ inviting personalities, Abby pretends to be a famous writer to fit in, and ropes preeminent child reporter Oliver Frank, who’s white, into her scheme. As Abby finally makes friends, she begins to understand fame’s complexities, and realizes that her popular peers are not so different from her. Even so, she’s scared to admit her lies, and as these mistruths grow bigger, tension brews within her fledgling relationships. Through Abby’s fully realized loneliness and desire for connection, Blecher cleverly presents the pain of being left out, the joy of being seen, and the challenges along the road to accepting and celebrating oneself. Ages 8–12. Agent: Alexander Slater, Trident Media Group. (May)

School Library Journal (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 47 Blecher's latest is a fun summertime romp with a spotlight on coming into your own. Abby is an ordinary 11-year-old white girl, trying to navigate who she is and what she wants. After an embarrassing incident at school alerts Abby's teacher to possible bullying, her parents give in and enroll her in a summer sleepaway camp she has always wanted to attend. Little does she know that she is in for anything but a typical summer camp experienceshe is headed to Camp Famous, where famous kids escape to be themselves. Abby isn't famous but wants to fit in, so tells a lie about being a renowned author. Keeping up the lie and making friends with celebrities isn't easy, but Abby will do anything to make this summer the best ever. Readers will be connect with Abby as the story unfolds. Blecher skillfully crafts relatable experiences and feelings within a unique story arc. Abby is a great example of a kid learning to be patient and comfortable with who she is; growing up can be tough, but being true to herself wins in the end. VERDICT A sweet summer read for realistic fiction fans. Recommended for tween readers who enjoy light coming-of-age tales. Elizabeth Pelayo