It’s summer camp season and the CAMP HILLSIDE series is a perfect choice to get you in the mood.

MISCOMMUNICAMP! is the second story, following HURRICAMP! from 2022. All the characters are back and if you haven’t read the first book, no problem as Miscomunicamp! stands well on its own.

Almost twleve-year-old Laura “Noodle” Newman narrates the story. Noodle is known for her successful in-camp radio broadcasts. They don’t always of as planned but play a necessary part in the plot. She’s also happy to reconnect with friends from last year’s camp.

All the traditional camp like experiences are here including living in a cabin, meals, campfires, hiking, and fun physical activities in the water. Conflict arises when best friend Aries decides to put all of her efforts into a camp performance of the musical Peter Pan, leaving Noodle on her own.

You’ll find lots of laughs along the way in addition to the drama. Full page photographic like illustrations are scattered throughout and show the emotions of each scene through the girls’ faces. MISCOMMUNICAMP! is recommended for girls, especially those who ever dreamed of or have gone to summer camp. It even brought back memories for me during my camp experiences as a kid.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In third grade, Steph Katzovi announced that she was going to be author when she grew up. Realizing that she might want to explore other career options first, Steph got her bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University before attending Brooklyn Law School. She spent the bulk of her 15+ year career at Deloitte as a speechwriter and strategic communications consultant. When the opportunity arose to raise her children and focus more fully on creative writing, Steph decided it was time to take her “When I Grow Up” essay from third grade a bit more seriously. If she’s not busy writing at her desk in New York City, Steph is a sports and exercise enthusiast. She also enjoys playing guitar and piano with her two sons, going out on date nights with her husband, and reading. Preferably poolside. Find her at www.StephKatzovi.com.

If you are curious why Steph decided to set her books at a summer camp, here’s why…

One of the main themes I explore in my books is adolescent independence.  The setting of sleepaway camp gives my characters a less supervised, but still controlled place to tackle the challenges of growing up. Counselors and peers act as the support network instead of parents, teachers, or relatives. In other words, the characters experience life without the safety net of “home.” By giving the characters a different lens for responding to various coming-of-age situations, it, of course, leads to plenty of drama and comedy!

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.