Justin Case

Gr 2-4–This summer, Justin is worrying much less than he used to. With his newfound bravery, he decides to sign up for the “runny-aroundy” summer camp with his second-best friend, Noah, instead of his usual science camp. Upon arrival, he finds himself overwhelmed by deep-ended swimming pools, rowdy sports, tough new kids, an “ouchy” game called knuckles, and a mean, camp counselor. Just when Justin thinks he can’t take any more, he finds a reserve of inner strength that allows him to shine and even save the day. Vail seems to know exactly what third graders are thinking. Justin is a wonderful, worried, plucky main character to whom kids will relate. Humorous black-and-white cartoon illustrations appear throughout. The story is subtly lesson-filled, funny, and full of realistic summer-camp-kid situations. Recommend it to fans of Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series (Abrams).–Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ