Summer Camp Books

Camp-themed books are great for getting kids in the mood, easing pre-camp jitters, or providing a realistic -- or wildly imaginative -- setting for relationships to play out by a lake or under the stars. Whether it's a gamer stuck in nature, a spy kid learning espionage techniques, or teen girls with romance on their minds, the kids in these books are sure to entertain.

Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom Poster Image
BOOK

Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom

age 7+

Funny diary of an 8-year-old worry wart braving summer camp.

By: Rachel Vail (2012)
My FANGtastically Evil Vampire Pet Poster Image
BOOK

My FANGtastically Evil Vampire Pet

age 7+

Fun, evilly funny mischief and pets at summer camp.

By: Mo O’Hara (2018)
Camp Poster Image
BOOK

Camp

age 8+

Cheery graphic novel shows camp routines, friend jealousy.

By: Kayla Miller (2019)
Camp Creepy book cover showing twins at campfire
BOOK

Camp Creepy: Sinister Summer, Book 3

age 8+

Tweens face mind control, tie-dye in zany, relatable tale.

By: Kiersten White (2023)
A Clatter of Jars Poster Image
BOOK

A Clatter of Jars

age 8+

Quirky blend of magic, issues, recipes in summer camp tale.

By: Lisa Graff (2016)
Galaxy's Most Wanted, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Galaxy's Most Wanted, Book 1

age 8+

Summer camp gets alien visitors in silly, fun adventure.

By: John Kloepfer (2014)
Roller Girl Poster Image
BOOK

Roller Girl

age 8+

With girl power galore, graphic novel is great for tweens.

By: Victoria Jamieson (2015)
Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill: Middle School, Book 4 Poster Image
BOOK

Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill: Middle School, Book 4

age 9+

Rafe goes to camp, faces bullying, copes with gross humor.

Applewhites at Wit's End Poster Image
BOOK

Applewhites at Wit's End

age 10+

Funny mayhem at creative family's unusual summer camp.

By: Stephanie S. Tolan (2012)
Be Prepared Poster Image
BOOK

Be Prepared

age 10+

Smart, funny account of summer camp discomfort.

By: Vera Brosgol (2018)
The Goats Poster Image
BOOK

The Goats

age 10+

Camp tale gives readers a lot to think about.

By: Brock Cole (2005)
Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Kitten Holy Poster Image
BOOK

Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Kitten Holy

age 10+

Wacky, action-packed camp adventures promote girl power.

Spy Camp: Spy School, Book 2 Poster Image
BOOK

Spy Camp: Spy School, Book 2

age 10+

Smart teen spy sequel ups the action and explosions.

By: Stuart Gibbs (2014)
Bless the Beasts & Children Poster Image
BOOK

Bless the Beasts & Children

age 13+

Misfit teens rebel at a Western summer camp in YA classic.

By: Glendon Swarthout (1970)
The Other Normals Poster Image
BOOK

The Other Normals

age 14+

Misfit gamer learns to connect in quirky dual-world fantasy.

By: Ned Vizzini (2012)
You Have a Match Poster Image
BOOK

You Have a Match

age 14+

Fun, heartfelt summer camp tale shows love in many forms.

By: Emma Lord (2021)
Dreams of Significant Girls Poster Image
BOOK

Dreams of Significant Girls

age 15+

Rich girls come of age in powerful book with mature themes.

By: Cristina García (2011)