We Suggest: Our Favorite Books Set at Summer Camp/the Great Outdoors
Summer may be synonymous with sunscreen, sweat and the salty sea but it’s also the season of camp and the great outdoors.
We asked our staff to suggest their favorite camp or outdoor-set books! Here’s what they said.
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy by N.D. Stevenson
“Five best friends are determined to have an amazing summer at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. While the name of the camp is a mouthful, the plot is fun and easy to follow. I love the humor and the ridiculous situations the friends get themselves in.”
– Carrie Ratterman, branch supervisor, Alexandria Branch
The Curse of Camp Cold Lake by R.L. Stine
“This book is one of three classic summer camp lake stories by R.L. Stine.”
– Cody Elliott, adult/teen services programmer, Newport Branch
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
“It’s about a little girl who gets lost in the woods, but has a radio, so she listens to baseball games for comfort and company. Gets very spooky very fastβ¦ just how I like it!”
– Julie Pergrem, patron services assistant, Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch
Β Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
“I am very biased, because Tingle is very vocal about being autistic, and the main character is also autistic (as am I). It feels good to be represented in pop culture/literature. The narrative is woven together in a way that is seamlessly sinister. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it is very satisfying.”
– Anonymous staff member
Camp by Kayla Miller
“It is a very relatable graphic novel about middle school best friends, Willow and Olive, who attend summer camp together. The girls struggle to find the balance between fostering their close bond and making new friends. This story can help readers learn about friendship, communication, and conflict resolution.”
– Molly Walker, children’s services librarian, Cold Spring Branch
Holes by Louis Sachar
“A humorous, middle grade classic that offers mysterious twisting timelines and a band of boys with inventive nicknames.”
– Rebekah Napier, patron services assistant, Alexandria Branch
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
“This is a PERFECT summer camp adventure series! I re-read this every single summer and desperately wish I could pick strawberries with the satyrs and play Capture the Flag with Annabeth. My favorite of the series would have to be the fourth book, The Battle of the Labyrinth, but they’re all so good it took a while to make that decision!”
– Stephanie Daugherty, patron services assistant, Newport Branch
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