Welcome to the next Book-ation destination! In this roundup, we’re going camping. As summer approaches, it’s time to dive into stories that evoke the thrill of camping and the nostalgia of summer camp adventures. From heartwarming tales of friendship to gripping narratives set in the great outdoors, we’ve compiled a list of must-read books that will transport you to the campsite, complete with crackling campfires and starlit skies. So pack your virtual backpack and get ready for an unforgettable literary journey into the wild!
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Until Next Summer by Ali Brady
As kids, Jessie and Hillary cherished their summers at Camp Chickawah, dreaming of becoming counselors together. But when Hillary broke their pact, the two drifted apart, leaving Jessie to climb the ranks to camp director on her own. Upon hearing that the camp is being sold, Jessie organizes a final reunion for former campers, including Hillary, turning it into a nostalgic “adult summer camp” extravaganza. As they revisit their cherished memories, Jessie and Hillary rekindle their friendship amidst campfire stories, skinny dipping, and new romantic adventures. Hillary embarks on a carefree fling with the camp chef while Jessie finds herself attracted to a brooding writer renting a cabin to work on his novel. Realizing that their shared history and love for Camp Chickawah could pave the way for a future together, Jessie and Hillary set out to save the camp.
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When She Was Me by Marlee Bush
Since that fateful night, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable, living quietly at their isolated Tennessee campground cabin. Shielded from prying eyes and true crime enthusiasts, they cling to their peace, almost forgetting the past. But when a teenage girl camping at a neighboring cabin vanishes, buried memories resurface. With the crime hitting eerily close to home, suspicion grows between them, each thinking the other knows more than she admits. Isolated in the dense wilderness, Cassie and Lenora must unravel the mystery of the missing girl and confront the dark secrets of their own past before time runs out.
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One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
Clara Millen’s life is unraveling— her dream job is a nightmare, she’s painfully single, and she hasn’t taken a break in years. To fix at least one problem, she joins friends at their childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape. Upon arriving at Pine Lake Camp, Clara discovers the owners are selling the property, turning her plans for fun into nostalgic reflection. A surprising heart-to-heart with Mack, her old rival, reignites sparks. As their passionate nights multiply, Clara wonders about a future with Mack. When her boss finally offers her a dream role, Clara must choose between ambition and true happiness.
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Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center
A year after her divorce, thirty-two-year-old Helen Carpenter is persuaded by her younger brother to join a wilderness survival course. Expecting a disaster, especially with her brother’s irritating best friend along, Helen embarks on an unexpected adventure in Wyoming’s remote mountains. Over three challenging weeks, she endures mosquitoes, a surprise blizzard, and a pack of sorority girls. Yet, the vast wilderness makes her reevaluate her life. The people she finds most annoying teach her invaluable lessons: standing up for herself, embracing fear to find courage, and understanding that getting lost is sometimes necessary to truly find oneself.
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You Have A Match by Emma Lord
Abby signs up for a DNA service to encourage her crush, Leo, to do the same. Confident in her identity as a photographer and tree-climbing klutz, she is shocked to discover she has a secret sister—Savannah Tully, a glamorous Instagram star and health enthusiast just a year and a half older. They decide to meet at summer camp to uncover the truth about Savannah’s adoption. Complications arise: Savvy’s rule-following nature clashes with Abby. Despite the chaos, Abby learns that facing challenges can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
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The Counselors by Jessica Goodman
In the heart of Roxwood, where Alpine Lake reigns supreme, Goldie returns to her childhood sanctuary, the summer camp that shapes the town’s destiny. Despite her humble roots, Goldie thrives among the privileged elite, yearning for the arrival of her closest friends, Ava and Imogen. Yet, beneath the surface of tranquility lies a chilling truth. When tragedy strikes, Goldie’s trust in her friends shatters. Secrets unravel, exposing a web of deception and danger lurking within the shadows. As friendships fracture and alliances shift, Goldie races to uncover the truth before it consumes them all.
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How We Roll by Natasha Friend
In How We Roll Quinn grapples with a condition causing hair loss as she heads to a summer camp for kids with disabilities. Amidst her struggle for acceptance, she discovers unexpected friendships and learns the power of embracing her differences. Through heartfelt moments and authentic emotions, Natasha Friend delicately navigates Quinn’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance. This book offers a poignant and uplifting narrative, reminding readers of the importance of resilience, friendship, and embracing one’s uniqueness, making it a touching and memorable read for all ages.
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Camp So-And-So by Mary McCoy
In mid-February, letters were sent out, inviting recipients to a week-long stay at Camp So-and-So, situated in the Starveling Mountains. Accompanying each letter was a glossy brochure showcasing activities like rock climbing, outdoor theater, and volleyball. Signed by Inge F. Yancey IV, a renowned businessman, twenty-five applications were promptly mailed to a post office box in an obscure Appalachian town. However, had any of the girls attempted to locate the camp, they would have found no trace of it.
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Not Your All-American Girl by Wendy Wan-Long Shang and Madelyn Rosenberg
In Not Your All-American Girl Lauren embarks on a summer journey that promises new melodies of self-discovery and belonging. As she attends a summer music camp, the harmonies of her Chinese-American heritage blend with the rhythms of friendship and identity exploration. Amidst the melodies of campfire sing-alongs and late-night jam sessions, Lauren finds her voice, weaving threads of cultural pride and acceptance into the symphony of her experiences. Through laughter, tears, and the shared language of music, Lauren’s summer reaches a poignant climax, revealing that being true to oneself is the ultimate harmony of life.
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The Field Guide To The North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
The Field Guide To The North American Teenager follows Norris Kaplan, a Black French Canadian teenager, who finds himself uprooted to Texas. Amidst the trials of a new high school, Norris encounters the complexities of teenage life. A pivotal part of his journey unfolds during a summer camp experience, where he navigates cultural clashes, budding friendships, and unexpected romance. Through witty observations and genuine introspection, Norris grapples with identity and belonging, challenging stereotypes along the way. Ben Philippe’s novel offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of adolescence, capturing the essence of the teenage experience amidst the backdrop of a transformative summer camp.
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Camp by L. C. Rosen
Sixteen-year-old Randy Kapplehoff eagerly anticipates his summer at Camp Outland, a haven for queer teens. It’s where he forged lasting friendships and discovered his passion for performing. Despite his unrequited crush— Hudson Aaronson-Lim, prefering “straight-acting” guys, Randy is determined to win his affections. Rebranding himself as ‘Del’ he adopts a more masculine persona to attract Hudson’s attention. However, as their bond deepens, Randy grapples with sacrificing his true identity for love. The poignant question lingers: Is it genuine love if he must hide his authentic self? Randy faces a pivotal choice between conformity and self-acceptance.
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Give Me A Sign by Anna Sortino
Lilah, grappling with her hearing impairment, seeks change this summer. Joining a camp for the deaf and blind as a counselor, she aims to enhance her ASL skills but finds unexpected camaraderie. Amidst aspiring YouTubers and her overwhelming duties, Lilah forms a connection with Isaac, a fellow counselor. Romance wasn’t part of her plans, but signs suggest otherwise. Unsure if Isaac shares her feelings, Lilah navigates the complexities of affection. Anna Sortino’s novel offers a tender coming-of-age tale, embracing the intricacies of human connection and self-discovery.
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