Love and Pollywogs from Camp Calamity

June 1, 2010
Gr 3-5-In this follow-up to "My Big Sister Is So Bossy" (2005) and "10 Lucky Things That Have Happened to Me Since I Nearly Got Hit by Lightning" (2008, both Random), it's 10-year-old Effie's turn to attend Camp Wickitawa. She's so excited that she can hardly contain herself. Effie has big plans for the weekone that doesn't include her bossy older sister. She's finally going to learn how to swim, find her talent, make herself indispensable, and win the Outstanding Camper of the Week award. However, things don't go according to plan. First, the bad news: Maxey will be going to camp after all, as part of the kitchen staff. Then, when they arrive, Effie's feet mysteriously refuse to walk away from the bus and her stomach feels all jumpy. She's sure it's altitude sickness and that the cure is to send her right back home, or at least to let her call her mother. Occasionally Effie sounds older than her age. Still, she's spunky and likable, and the sibling rivalry rings true. Effie may not have found her talent in time for the talent show, but readers may guess it is her gift for friendship long before it is revealed. A light, fun read with a positive message."Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.