Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tweens face mind control, tie-dye in zany, relatable tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Emerging from assorted narrow escapes, surprising discoveries, and bitter betrayals in Book 2, 12-year-old Theodora and Alexander Sinister-Winterbottom, along with their big sister Wil and teen friend Edgar, land at their next vacation destination -- CAMP CREEPY -- as part of their quest to find both sets of parents, who have disappeared for no reason. True, the place doesn't seem creepy at first -- it's got every normal, happy summer camp activity you can imagine, from canoeing and rope swings at the lake to campfires and arts and crafts, especially tie-dye. What it has to do with the lost parents remains to be seen, but -- as the twins both notice -- everybody is very, very cheery, very, very polite, and very, very concerned about the summer every kid should have. Especially after they visit the tie-dye cabin.
Is It Any Good?
Kiersten White's surprising, spooky, relatable tale finds tweens Theo and Alexander seeking lost parents, dodging villains, and landing in a summer camp that's their scariest summer adventure yet. At first glance, Camp Creek, soon to be known as Camp Creepy, seems like a lot of fun, and also refreshingly normal. But this is Sinister Summer, so there's a dark side. One that offers plenty of opportunity to consider important issues like when to be yourself, when to fit in, and when it really is a time to worry.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the summer camp in Camp Creepy. Why have scary stories set in summer camps been so popular for generations? Do you have any favorites?
Do you ever feel like people are always telling you what you should think and what you should feel, when that's not what you think and feel at all and you'd rather make up your own mind? When does this happen, and how do you deal with it?
Being deprived of their phones has a big impact on the characters at e. How do you think it would affect you to have no phone and no internet for a week?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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