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Jul 22, 2013
Ten-year-old Gabe has been accepted to an unusual and rather elite camp: the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment. He knows that some kids would consider the camp - with its focus on science, logic and writing activities - to be a bit of a “nerd camp”, but Gabe is looking forward to his time there. However, he is worried what his soon-to-be stepbrother, Zack, might think of him – so he lets Zack think that it’s a normal “sleepaway” camp. Understandably, Gabe is also nervous about meeting his bunkmates and the other campers. Will he fit in? The camp turns out to be even more enjoyable than Gabe had expected. His bunkmates, though a little “quirky”, quickly become good friends. The activities – both outdoor and indoor - are awesome, and the counselors are friendly and inspiring. The campers find that they are never bored, and the six weeks go by very quickly. There’s even a midnight “invasion” by a UFO filled with aliens (who bear noticeable resemblances to the camp counsellors)! Gabe even undertakes an adventure on behalf of his camp team when he rows himself to Deadman’s Island, which is reputed to be haunted. (Only one other camper is brave enough to try the same stunt.) His teammates consider Gabe a hero, but Gabe is still worried about Zack’s opinion of him. His worries are put to rest, however, when Zack discovers the type of camp that Gabe has attended – and is very impressed. Gabe realizes that although he and Zack are different in various ways, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be friends as well as brothers Appealing and humorous, Nerd Camp carries an important message about self-acceptance, peer pressure and being “cool”. Weissman’s book will appeal to gifted kids, to those going to camp this summer … and to anyone who enjoys a good story.