Books about summer camp

Welcome to Camp Spirit Moon, where the campfire stories are more than just legends. In Goosebumps: Ghost Camp, brothers Harry and Alex are excited for a summer of fun, but they quickly realize something is deeply wrong. The other campers have strange habits, like poking sticks through their own feet without flinching, and the counselors seem to be hiding a dark secret. This classic R.L. Stine thriller takes the traditional summer camp experience and turns it into a heart-pounding supernatural mystery.

Ideal for readers interested in spooky adventures and paranormal twists, this book is a staple for any middle-grade horror collection. It is perfect for children who love stories about ghosts, urban legends, and the thrill of the unknown. As Harry and Alex try to survive the summer, they must uncover the truth about the 'Ghost Camp' before they become part of the legend themselves. This gripping tale keeps young readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced plot and signature Goosebumps surprises.

Highlights:

• A chilling summer camp setting filled with eerie atmosphere and suspense.
• Engaging mystery involving supernatural entities and body-snatching ghosts.
• Relatable protagonists navigating sibling dynamics and terrifying situations.
• The iconic R.L. Stine twist ending that leaves readers questioning everything.

Sarah Maas is not having a good time at Camp Cold Lake. She hates the outdoors, she's not making any friends, and the water is freezing. In a desperate attempt to get some attention and sympathy from her fellow campers, Sarah decides to pretend to drown. But her plan backfires in the most terrifying way possible when she realizes she isn't alone in the water. A pale, ghostly girl named Della is watching her from the depths, and she wants Sarah to be her "buddy" forever—even if it means Sarah has to stay in the lake for eternity.

R.L. Stine delivers another classic spine-tingler that is perfect for children who love ghost stories and supernatural mysteries. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in summer camp adventures with a dark, paranormal twist. It captures the universal feeling of wanting to fit in while amping up the stakes with genuine chills and a haunting atmosphere that has made the Goosebumps series a staple for generations of young readers. Parents looking for a way to engage reluctant readers will find the short, punchy chapters and cliffhanger endings incredibly effective.

Highlights:

• A chilling ghost story set in a classic summer camp environment.
• Explores themes of social pressure and the consequences of seeking attention.
• Fast-paced plot with the signature Goosebumps "twist" ending.
• Great for readers who enjoy high-tension stories and supernatural thrills.

School is out, but the crime-fighting never stops! In Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown, our favorite spatula-wielding hero and the Breakfast Bunch kids head off to summer camp for some much-needed relaxation. However, they soon discover that even the woods aren't safe from strange occurrences and mysterious figures. This action-packed graphic novel is perfect for children who love fast-paced mysteries, slapstick humor, and unlikely heroes using high-tech kitchen gadgets to save the day.

Ideal for readers interested in funny adventures and secret identities, Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s fourth installment in the popular series keeps the energy high and the jokes flying. It is a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy the visual storytelling of comics combined with a compelling whodunit plot. Whether they are battling swamp monsters or uncovering camp legends, the Lunch Lady and her team prove that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes—even in a hairnet!

Highlights:

• Engaging graphic novel format that appeals to reluctant readers.
• Hilarious kitchen-gadget spy gear and creative action sequences.
• A fun summer camp setting that many children can relate to.
• Promotes themes of teamwork and problem-solving.

Danny Dragonbreath is back for another hilarious adventure in Revenge of the Horned Bunnies. This time, Danny, his best friend Wendell, and their classmate Christiana are heading off to summer camp. While Danny is looking forward to the usual camp activities, things take a turn for the weird when his annoying seven-year-old cousin, Spencer, joins the group. The situation goes from irritating to mythical when Spencer discovers a real-life jackalope, leading the gang into a wild encounter with legendary creatures.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love the hybrid format of prose and comic illustrations. Ursula Vernon's signature wit makes it an ideal read for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a mix of fantasy and laugh-out-loud humor. If your child is a fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but wants a magical twist, this installment in the Dragonbreath series is a fantastic pick that explores themes of friendship and family dynamics in a fun, accessible way.

Highlights:

• A unique blend of traditional storytelling and graphic novel-style illustrations.
• Relatable themes of navigating summer camp and dealing with annoying younger relatives.
• Engaging introduction to mythical creatures like the jackalope.
• Fast-paced plot that keeps young readers entertained from start to finish.