Say a Little Prayer

Voris, Jenna. Say a Little Prayer. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780593692745.

Riley distanced herself from her church after realizing her homosexual identity wasn't accepted within the congregation. However, it was the shunning of her sister for having an abortion that ignited a fierce desire for rebellion. Ironically, a slap administered in defense of her sister lands Riley in the principal's office, leading to a spring break sentence at church camp to avoid a suspension that would prevent her from participating in the school play, something she's been looking for all year. The only silver lining is the presence of her best friend and neighbor, Julia, despite the complication of Julia's father being the pastor and in charge of the camp, and the further complication of Riley being attracted to Julia.

Determined to challenge the church's exclusionary doctrines, Riley abandons any pretense of repentance and instead sets out to commit all seven deadly sins during her time at camp. Her audacious plan is to demonstrate to the other campers that sometimes acting "badly" can serve a greater good, hoping to spark a righteous revolution against the church's judgmental stance. Can Riley manage to convince the church congregation that Julia's father is wrong?

Slip

McCoola, Marika and Aatmaja Pandya, Illustrator. Slip. 2022. 208p. ISBN 9781616207892. Available on the graphic novels section of the library.

Jade's plans for a summer of intensive art camp that could lead to a college scholarship are abruptly derailed when her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide, forcing Jade to grapple with guilt and responsibility. Despite her emotional turmoil, Jade attends the Art Farm, where she finds artistic fulfillment and forms a budding romantic connection with the free-spirited Mary. Jade channels her anxieties and insecurities into her ceramic creations, crafting monstrous figures that serve as physical manifestations of her inner struggles.

However, Jade's attempt to compartmentalize her problems takes a surreal turn when her ceramic monsters come to life, demanding that she confront her unresolved issues. These living creatures force Jade to acknowledge the emotional baggage she's been avoiding, including the fear of losing Phoebe. Jade's journey becomes a blend of artistic exploration and emotional reckoning, as she learns that ignoring her problems only allows them to manifest in more tangible and disruptive ways.

Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope

Krosoczka, Jarrett. Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9781338356328. Avaialble at B KRO on the library shelves.

Sunshine recounts the author's transformative experience as a high school camp counselor at Camp Sunshine, a haven for seriously ill children and their families. The camp bills itself as a space where individuals can find freedom from the constraints of their illnesses, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Initially apprehensive about the somber nature of the camp, Jarrett discovers a vibrant community brimming with resilience and hope. Instead of the expected despair, he encounters extraordinary children and dedicated counselors who face their challenges with unwavering determination. He participates in typical camp activities, from wilderness adventures to campfire stories, while also witnessing the profound impact of a safe and supportive environment on those facing life-altering illnesses.

Through his interactions with the campers and fellow counselors, Jarrett gains a deeper understanding of the struggles associated with chronic illness, but more importantly, he witnesses the power of human connection and the strength of the human spirit. Jarrett shares his personal journey, introducing readers to the remarkable individuals who profoundly influenced his life and reshaped his perspective on resilience and hope.

Honor Girl

Trash, Maggie. Honor Girl. ISGN 9780763687557. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Now 15, Maggie has spent every summer at Camp Bellflower for Girls. From Atlanta, Maggie travels to the heart of Appalachia and enjoys the amenities that camp offers, from arts and crafts to archery and shooting. This year is harder than most, however. Being a teen is hard, and being attracted to girls is even harder. Maggie has never been kissed, and she finds herself attracted to Erin, a talented camp counselor. She's also in competition to complete the distinguished expert gun certification. 

Maggie's nascent feelings for Erin threaten both the stability of camp life and her own attitude towards life. Camp expects conformity, but Maggie is finding it increasingly difficult to stay within the boundaries of what is considered "normal." Can Maggie discover her voice and explain how she feels about Erin and her life?

Be Prepared

Brosgol, Vera. Be Prepared. 2018. 244p. ISBN 978-1-62672-445-7. Available in the graphic novel section of the library.

Vera arrived in the United States from Russia when she was five. She can still speak Russian without an accent, but reading the language is difficult. Vera doesn’t fit at school. Her friends are all solidly middle class, and they throw lavish birthday parties. Vera’s single mother is struggling to make ends meet. Vera never has the right gift to give, and the only time she has a birthday party at her house her friends leave in the middle of the night. With summer getting closer every day, her friends are gushing about the camps they will be attending. Vera would love to go to camp, but there’s no way her mother could ever afford it. Until, that is, they discover that their Orthodox Church sponsors children to attend a Russian language camp in Connecticut. Suddenly, Vera’s prospects are looking good. Plus, she’s sure to finally fit in.

Nothing could have prepared Vera for the reality of summer camp. First, she’s there four weeks instead of two. Being a late registrant, she’s the youngest camper and has to room with the oldest girls at camp. She has nothing in common with them. The activities are terrible, the weather is awful, and the outhouse crawls with spiders. Camp is nothing like she imagined it would be. Forced to adapt, Vera decides to befriend her cool cabinmates. Unfortunately, her plan backfires, and she finds herself on the outs with both of them. Thankfully, her counselor provides her with sound advice, and soon Vera is determined to make the most of what’s left of camp.

Told through a graphic novel format, this camp story is inspired by the author’s first summer camp experiences. The images really contribute to visually tell the story and support the text. Fans of misfits and stories where the little guy (or in this case girl) overcomes obstacles and grows as a person will appreciate Vera’s attempts at fitting in a different group.