Tag Archives: Social Groups

Elem./MG – Unhappy Camper

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LaMotte, Lily. Unhappy Camper. HarperAlley, 2024. 978-0-062-97389-4. $12.99. 204 p. Grades 4-8.

Claire and Michelle are sisters and while they used to be close as they have gotten older they have drifted apart. As both sisters start to form their own identity, Michelle becomes more interested in fitting in with the “popular” girls at school, and seemingly ignoring her heritage, while Claire seems to embrace her Taiwanese-American heritage. When their parents tell them that they will both be attending the Taiwanese-American summer camp where Claire is a junior camp counselor, Michelle is less than enthused. It is bound to be a summer of learning for both girls.

THOUGHTS: This graphic novel did a really great job of showing how difficult it can be for those that are multicultural to accept and live out all the different pieces of themselves, especially when it goes against the norms of what is “cool,” and you are trying to fit in. It is a really accessible text for upper elementary school students as well as middle schoolers. 

Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction

Elem./MG – Crushed

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Conklin, Melanie. Crushed. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2024. 978-0-316-50917-6. $16.99. 256 p. Grades 4-8

Sophie Valentine would rather be at home than in any social setting (school, the mall, etc.) especially since the COVID lockdown. After her friend Eve tried to harm herself and was out of school for an extended period of time, Sophie is so excited for her to finally be back at school with her. But things between Sophie and Eve just aren’t the same as they were before Eve’s extended absence. Eve starts ditching Sophie to hang out with other kids who Sophie feels are not a good influence causing her to worry more about her best friend. But when Sophie finds out that Eve is hiding something painful from Sophie about what really caused her to harm herself, Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to her friend.

THOUGHTS: This novel is full of such great messages and will resonate with MANY middle level readers. The author tackles some tough topics such as anxiety, therapy, changing peer groups, and sexual harassment in a such an authentic and delicate manner. Highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle level readers!

Realistic Fiction 

MG/YA – Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

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Leitich Smith, Cynthia (Editor). Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids. Heartdrum, 2021. 978-0-062-86996-8. 320 p. $16.99. Grades 4-12.

A team of Native authors combine to create this collection of short stories that seamlessly flow from one to the next. With overlapping characters and/or events from each and dances, foods, and beautiful handmade creations, these stories celebrate Native traditions at a powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This collection demonstrates that those with differences (represented by the diverse tribes and ages at the powwow) can come together for a common goal.

THOUGHTS: A celebration of Native American identity, this collection is suitable for middle and high school libraries. Students will enjoy learning about the various traditions that make up a powwow.

Short Stories          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD
Realistic Fiction