A review by mrskatiefitz
Nerd Camp 2.0 by Elissa Brent Weissman
4.0
In this fast-paced and easy to read sequel to Nerd Camp, a wildfire has destroyed Camp Seneca, which neighbors Gabe's beloved Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment (the "nerd camp" for which the book is named.) This means that this summer, campers from Camp Seneca will share space and facilities with Summer Center - including Gabe's own stepbrother, Zack. In alternating chapters, the two boys narrate the events of a turf war wherein the nerds compete with the popular kids to achieve dominance.
Whereas Nerd Camp is a mere celebration of smart kids with nerdy interests, Nerd Camp 2.0 is a deeper story about problem solving and conflict resolution. Through a series of surprisingly uncliched camp activities, Gabe and his friends and Zack and his friends learn how to get along together. There are many bumps in the road on the way to a resolution, but refreshingly, peace is never negotiated for the kids by well-meaning adults. While adults do make their feelings known about the feud, it is the kids who ultimately figure out the terms for a truce to which everyone can agree.
Strong storytelling, an unpredictable storyline, and sympathetic and believable characters make Nerd Camp 2.0 one of the best-written middle grade novels of 2014 thusfar. (As the first book was a Cybils winner in 2011, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the sequel win this year!) It will certainly appeal to readers who enjoyed Nerd Camp, but it is also an excellent read-alike for The Clueless Girl's Guide to Being a Genius, Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea, and Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen. The role of science in the plot also makes this a perfect choice for this year's Fizz Boom Read! summer reading program.
Whereas Nerd Camp is a mere celebration of smart kids with nerdy interests, Nerd Camp 2.0 is a deeper story about problem solving and conflict resolution. Through a series of surprisingly uncliched camp activities, Gabe and his friends and Zack and his friends learn how to get along together. There are many bumps in the road on the way to a resolution, but refreshingly, peace is never negotiated for the kids by well-meaning adults. While adults do make their feelings known about the feud, it is the kids who ultimately figure out the terms for a truce to which everyone can agree.
Strong storytelling, an unpredictable storyline, and sympathetic and believable characters make Nerd Camp 2.0 one of the best-written middle grade novels of 2014 thusfar. (As the first book was a Cybils winner in 2011, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the sequel win this year!) It will certainly appeal to readers who enjoyed Nerd Camp, but it is also an excellent read-alike for The Clueless Girl's Guide to Being a Genius, Ruby Goldberg's Bright Idea, and Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen. The role of science in the plot also makes this a perfect choice for this year's Fizz Boom Read! summer reading program.