Common Sense Media Review
By Kya Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky tween has sweet adventures at summer camp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In MISS CAMPER, Sue is excited to attend her first year at summer camp with her best friend Sam and all of her other friends. It's the last year she can be a camper, so she has big plans, none of which include her sisters Carmen and Ester. Carmen, her older sister, is one of the counselors, and Ester, her baby sister, won't stop clinging to her. Sue is not going to let that get her down, though; this is going to be the best summer ever! At camp, Sue quickly realizes that things are not going the way she'd hoped. First, Sam has another camp friend and is spending more time with her, and Ester won't leave her alone. To make matters worse, her friend Izzy has a crush on her. Camp is starting to feel not so fun, but can Sue turn things around before it's too late?
Is It Any Good?
This is a delightful graphic novel about the misadventures of summer camp. Miss Camper is a heartwarming story that's not only fun, but full of age-appropriate lessons that middle grade readers will find relatable. Author-illustrator Kat Fajardo does a great job making Sue an endearing and relatable character that readers will root for time and time again. Fans of Miss Quinces will love hanging out with Sue and her friends again, but all readers can definitely enjoy this book as a standalone read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about empathy in Miss Camper. Sue is irritated by her sister Ester's clinginess and wishes she could have some time alone with her friends. What shifts her perspective on Ester's situation? Have you ever come to see someone differently and with more understanding? What did you learn from that experience?
Sue's summer isn't going as planned, so she starts to feel discouraged. How does she move through the unexpected challenges she's facing? How have you persevered when things don't go to plan or you've faced unexpected obstacles? What happened?
Izzy confesses that he has a crush on Sue, but Sue isn't sure she feels the same way. She's afraid to lose him as a friend, but ultimately decides to have an honest conversation with him. Have you found yourself in a situation where you had to act with integrity and tell a friend something that might hurt their feelings? What was the outcome?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kat Fajardo
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : July 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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