Unhappy Camper

Gr 6 Up–When sisters Michelle and Claire start to drift apart, their parents send them to a Taiwanese American sleepaway camp together. Claire is proud of her heritage, and has enjoyed time at camp in the past. However, Michelle doesn’t share her sister’s comfort with her identity, having been shamed by classmates at a young age, and now as a teen, tries hard to fit in with the popular girls. Despite Michelle’s protests, the two arrive on an island off the coast of WA where they learn Taiwanese songs, cook delicacies, engage with the outdoors, and interact with campers from other cultural programs. Michelle resists but eventually gives in to the engaging activities and authentic friendships that form. Once home, she has to reconcile her desire to fit in with being true to herself. Through realistic dialogue and whimsical drawings, the creators explore the universal desire for acceptance through the all-too-familiar interactions of teenage girls. Some scenes are humorous, others are heartwarming and emotional, and the book captures the range of the girls’ moods, fears, and dreams perfectly. With compassion, the story teaches the benefits of embracing one’s identity. Details about Taiwanese culture, including songs, symbols, and letters, are sprinkled throughout.