Reviews

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy

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Mini Book Review: Once I heard Julie Murphy was doing a middle grade school with the idea of Heavyweights in mind, I knew I had to read it. Heavyweights was such a formative movie for me growing up as a chubby kid and it was during the time where tween films were top notch (Mighty Ducks, Big Green, Little Giants, etc).

I thought this was such a cute read! Even reading as an adult, I was enthralled into the premise and needed to know what was going to happen. And knowing it is going to be a series I can't wait to see what other adventures the kids of Camp Slyvania are going to get into. I love Murphy's style of writing and she definitely had me chuckling while reading this one.

If you are looking for a quick read during the Halloween season that takes place at a summer camp with a fun cast filled with middle schoolers - check this out! It is fun for all ages!

thekatreturns's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

The weight loss industry really does want to suck you dry, huh?

Fat kids deserve the world, and they definitely deserve stories of resilience and adventure like this. I’ll be recommending this to kids in my life (precocious 3rd grade-8th grade, I’d say)

Content Warnings

simp_librarian's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I will definitely be recommending this to kids at my library.

reading_and_wrighting's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I almost didn't give this a 5, but it's a great middle grade read. Maggie is psyched for performing arts camp, but her hopes are dashed when her parents drop that they've signed her up for fat camp instead. The workout, weird food, and blood donation (what?!) would be bad enough, but then campers start disappearing. Maggie and her new found friends have to figure out what's going on or this summer camp nightmare might never end. The characters are fun and well written, and topics like body shaming and body neilutrality are addressed in a direct but caring way. Spooky without being scary, and it doesn't feel like the writer is talking down to the audience.

Content Warnings

lispylibrarian's review

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5.0

As soon as Julie Murphy appeared in my middle grade thrillers and horror panel at #NTTBF, I knew I absolutely had to read whatever she was promoting and omg I’m so glad I did! Heavyweights meets the Bailey School Kids in this adorable and fun middle grade horror story!

Maggie is planning on an epic summer with her best friend at Camp Rising Star but Instead is sent to a weight loss camp. When she arrives at camp she starts to notice that things are very strange and not what they seem. While making friends, working on a camp musical, and learning to love who she is Maggie and her new friends uncover what’s REALLY going on at Camp Sylvania!