Mercado, Yehudi. Chunky Goes to Camp. Katherine Tegen Books, 2022. 978-1-668-83618-7. 188 p. $19.99. Grades 3-7.

It’s not easy being the class clown, but Hudi is up to the challenge. During the school year, he combines his love of comedy and art to make everyone laugh, but unfortunately, his antics land him in detention more often than not. When summer starts, Hudi’s parents decide he needs a change of scenery. When Hudi arrives at Camp Green, a Jewish sleepaway camp, he makes sure to bring Chunky, his personal mascot who is invisible to everyone except him. Hudi is nervous that he won’t make any friends, but when he meets Pepe, everything changes. For starters, Pepe is also a Jewish-Mexican comedian like Hudi. But what’s even more fantastic is that Pepe can actually SEE Chunky! Their friendship blossoms quickly, and the trio decide to prank some of the snobby kids at the camp. However, when some of the pranks go too far, Hudi realizes that Pepe is not just trying to make people laugh. In fact, he has a different, darker motive, and Hudi isn’t sure he wants any part of that. Hudi has to decide whether his friendship with Pepe is worth being labeled a troublemaker for the rest of his life.

THOUGHTS: In the sequel to his autobiographical graphic novel, Yehudi Mercado once again delivers. It is both heartwarming yet hysterical with jokes peppered throughout the story, proving that the real-life Hudi is as funny as he is a talented storyteller. Mercado’s books could be a great option for reluctant male readers in middle school.

Graphic Novel          Danielle Corrao, Manheim Central SD