Review by GiGi Kang
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2024
272 pages, Hardcover, $17.99 CAD, 9781665930574
Middle Grade, Ages 8-12
Fiction, Horror/Thriller
LGBTQIA+, Disability
This was a far cry from home. There, it was cars and people you had to be careful of. Here? Who knew what hid itself in and behind the trees. Even in the daytime it was dark. The trees blocked out a good part of the summer heat but they also blocked out most of the sun. Dappled bits of light pierced the canopy, leaving enough light to see by but nothing to remind her of just how bright the sun had been on the drive to the Pine Barrens.
Magic amongst the trees, a rumour of a devil, and friends going missing—Camp Twisted Pine is not the pleasant summer camp that was promised. Booksmart Naomi, who prefers the indoors, was already hesitant about the camp before hearing of its legends, unlike her energetic younger brothers. She only agrees after learning that her parents are experiencing a rough patch in their marriage and could benefit from a break from the kids as they troubleshoot.
Naomi’s nervousness continues as she arrives at Camp Twisted Pine. One of her first observations is the communal nature of the camp that she can’t connect with at first. Then, she notices the camp counsellors all wearing the same yellow shirts and matching temporary tattoos given to the campers. It’s only when Naomi meets her cabinmates that she begins to participate in the community too. Through Naomi’s cabinmates, Burch presents an incredibly diverse cast of characters with varying personalities that they bring to Camp Twisted Pine. Naomi is especially drawn to Jackie.
Through her quick-witted dialogue with Naomi, we learn that Jackie is fiery. On their first day, she tells Naomi, “I plan on making sure Twisted Pine doesn’t want me sticking around,” and when Naomi asks how, Jackie replies, “I’m gonna break as many rules as possible” (page 35).
Naomi learns that Jackie has a hearing impairment. The camp includes an interpreter during Spooky Hour, “the nightly ghost stories and s’mores time before curfew,” (page 51) which is Naomi’s first interaction with an interpreter and she is fascinated. Jackie even teaches Naomi some sign language which is a heartwarming scene because it brings the two girls closer together.
Unfortunately, most scenes including Jackie mention this impairment and it becomes her defining quality. While Burch writes Jackie as a sharp and brave girl, not allowing her impairment to define her strength, we still do not get to learn about Jackie beyond this. Being the love interest, readers will find Jackie as charming as Naomi does, but it would have been wonderful to be introduced to more sides of her, such as her interests or who she is outside of camp.
The novel has a slow start, focusing on Naomi’s adjustment period as she becomes familiar with Camp Twisted Pine and creates relationships that will aid her when she begins to encounter the mysteries of the camp and the legend of the Jersey Devil. Burch spends the start of the novel world building and creates an immersive reading experience for the kids who might have wished to experience summer camp. In her dedications, Burch writes, “For all the kids who wanted to go to summer camp but weren’t allowed to, this one’s for you.”
The pace of the novel quickens when Naomi notices unexplainable happenings in the forest surrounding the camp. As she tries to make sense of it all, we learn that Naomi is not a perfect hero—she makes mistakes out of fear and hesitancy. But ultimately, Camp Twisted Pine is a representation of friendship, and it shows how meaningful connections, like the ones Naomi creates with her cabinmates, can inspire one to choose bravery.
The middle grade novel would be enjoyed by young readers who appreciate thriller and adventure stories that are not too frightening. The novel also represents queer love and centers on POC characters.
GiGi Kang studied English Literature and Creative Writing at UBC. In addition to her creative writing, she is a music writer at LA-based magazine The Luna Collective where she interviews creatives and enjoys learning of their stories. You can read more of her work at gigikang.com.
YOUNG ADULTING 