Campfires, Crushes, and Letters Home: Books About Sleepaway Camp for Tweens
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Sleepaway camp is rife with coming-of-age moments. Whether you went to one or not, there’s something about camp — maybe it’s the late nights or the fact that it’s so many tweens’ first time away from home — that feels like a rite of passage. Even kids who’ve never been to sleepaway camp can enjoy the spirit of it through these middle grade stories.
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Summer Vamp
Available from:When Maya learns she is heading to culinary camp, she’s not exactly thrilled — but it could be worse. She likes cooking, after all. However, things take a turn for the weird when she discovers her parents accidentally sent her to vampire camp! This hilarious and spooky-cute graphic novel is perfect for kids interested in reading a quirky sleepaway camp story.
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Sports Camp
Available from:Riley is nervous about being the littlest kid at his sports camp. To add to the pressure, each cabin is aiming to snag the Big Joe Trophy, and Riley’s worried he’ll let his cabin down. But, he begins to learn that being small doesn’t always mean you’re not as strong. Late-night campfires, ghost stories, sports competitions, budding male friendships, and tween antics abound in this tale about a boy’s first time at sleepaway camp.
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Holler of the Fireflies
Available from:This thought-provoking novel about a Brooklyn tween attending a STEM camp in Appalachia asks big questions and explores timely issues. Between math and engineering lessons, Javari learns about racism, gentrification, sexual identity, and class. Javari and his new friend Cricket have an unforgettable and life-changing camp experience.
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Ham Helsing #2: Monster Hunter
Available from:When Ham Helsing and his friends arrive at Camp Fish Head Lake, they expect a fun and monster-free week. Instead, they find an unpleasant surprise — no camp staff, plenty of monsters, vanishing campers, and upset parents. Graphic novel lovers will enjoy this hilarious sleepaway camp installment in the Ham Helsing series!
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Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief The Graphic Novel
Available from:Head to Camp Half-Blood with Percy Jackson in this graphic novel adaptation of the popular book. Readers will follow Percy’s adventures while he attends camp, fights monsters, and challenges the gods. The action-packed, full-color illustrations make this adaptation a must-read for new and seasoned fans alike.
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Cheesie Mack Is Cool in a Duel
Available from:Cheesie and Georgie are stoked to head to their summer camp in Maine this summer … that is, until they find out they’ll be bunking with campers who are two whole years older than them and who don’t treat the younger kids nicely. Then Cheesie puts everything on the line by challenging Kevin, the biggest bully of the group, to a “Cool Duel.” Written as Cheesie’s diary entries, this installment of the Cheesie Mack series is a fun romp for middle grade readers.
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Sink or Swim
Available from:You won’t find any monsters in this book, but young readers will love this gentle story about a boy finding his place. When Ty broke his arm, he had to quit swimming. As he heads to summer camp with his friends, anxiety about his softer body and waning swimming abilities rise to the surface. This book is another heartfelt story from the creators of Just Roll With It.
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Witches of Brooklyn: S’More Magic
Available from:Your favorite magic-wielding witch from Brooklyn heads to summer camp in this installment of the popular graphic novel series. Effie leaves the city and ventures into the woods to battle mosquitoes, make new friends, and learn new spells. Series fans and camping enthusiasts will love this book!
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Summer at Squee
Available from:As a senior camper at her summer Chinese culture camp, Phoenny can’t wait to welcome the newest campers and show them the ropes. However, Phoenny’s plans go awry when she discovers that many campers are adoptees and do not share her background or enthusiasm. This coming-of-age novel tackles timely themes such as community, inclusion, first crushes, and heritage.
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Genius Camp: The Smartest Kid in the Universe, Book 2
Available from:Jake must defend his title as The Smartest Kid in the Universe while attending genius camp this summer. The high-tech camp has everything a tech-obsessed kid could wish for, including the smartest machine in the universe — which Jake must compete against. Humor, puzzles, and action make this an excellent choice for kids who love Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series.
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Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: The Law of Cavities (Book 3)
Available from:Izzy and her science-loving friends head into nature for an overnight outdoor education camp. Mean girls, pranks, and a swamp monster have girls using their science smarts to survive the outdoors and save the day.
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To Night Owl From Dogfish
Available from:This epistolary novel is like a warm hug to tweens everywhere. When their dads fall in love, Avery and Bett find their worlds turned upside down. Now, they’re stuck at a sleepaway camp together and bond over searching for clues in their parents’ relationship. This heartfelt and humorous novel has many surprises in store for young readers.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024.