Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom

Starred review from April 1, 2012
Justin tries to convince himself that, in spite of his well-earned nickname, he is not a worried kid anymore and that summer vacation means that there is absolutely nothing to worry about. He forgoes Science Camp for the kind of camp where he will encounter "runny-aroundy kids" and challenges of a different kind, which he looks forward to facing with grim determination. Some old fears do persist, like the evil Boiler in the basement, Jell-O and the rug-shampooer. Scary thoughts have a way of sneaking up on him and it turns out that camp provides an endless number of new things to worry about. Changing clothes, jumping in cold water, getting hit with a ball of any size, Swim Test, counselors, Color War and those horrible flip-flops all fill him with terror. Written again in the form of a journal, this sequel reintroduces the thoroughly delightful Justin Case in all his worried glory and very active imagination. Vail employs language and syntax that perfectly capture the thought processes of this precocious almost-fourth grader. Cordell's black line, scribble sketches depict some of the goofier actions and Justin's wildest imaginings. Justin's self-deprecating voice cannot hide his core sweetness and kindness, for he remains a great brother, a generous friend and a hero, too. Hilarious, laugh-out-loud fun for middle-grade readers. (Fiction. 7-10)

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September 1, 2012

Gr 2-4-This summer, Justin is worrying much less than he used to. With his newfound bravery, he decides to sign up for the "runny-aroundy" summer camp with his second-best friend, Noah, instead of his usual science camp. Upon arrival, he finds himself overwhelmed by deep-ended swimming pools, rowdy sports, tough new kids, an "ouchy" game called knuckles, and a mean, camp counselor. Just when Justin thinks he can't take any more, he finds a reserve of inner strength that allows him to shine and even save the day. Vail seems to know exactly what third graders are thinking. Justin is a wonderful, worried, plucky main character to whom kids will relate. Humorous black-and-white cartoon illustrations appear throughout. The story is subtly lesson-filled, funny, and full of realistic summer-camp-kid situations. Recommend it to fans of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series (Abrams).-Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
Grades 3-5 Justin has nothing to worry about the summer after the third grade (which he documented in Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters, 2010). That is, until he insists on attending Camp GoldenBrook, a day camp where all the runny-aroundy kids go. His exact motivation is unclear, and the subliminal message that sports camp is inherently cooler than science camp, with the nice calm worried kids, isn't one every reader wants or needs to hear. However, the positive and reassuring greater theme is one of sticking with something challenging and seeing it to completion. While unlikely to enter the pantheon of superior summer storieswith its occasionally inauthentic language, seeming incongruities (do many sports camps serve croissants for Bastille Day?), flat secondary characters, and somewhat boringly depicted activitiesthe short paragraphs, quick chapters, and the frequency of Cordell's funny line drawings (happily increased since the first book) may win kids over in the end.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)