Monster Camp by Sarah Henning

What worked:

The synopsis effectively summarizes what’s going on as Sylvie finds herself in a camp for monsters. All of the activities have monster campers in mind that includes an important program every morning called HURT. This acronym stands for Human Understanding and Resource Training and the daily activities are intended to help monsters live safely among humans. Sylvie is the odd camper out since she’s part of the human race that threatens the monster population. However, Sylvie actually received an invitation to the camp, and the director and his raven pay special attention to her so she, along with readers, will wonder if they already know her secret. Why would she be invited to a camp full of monsters that already don’t like humans?

Werewolves, ghosts, witches, a goblin, and other monsters are among the participants so Sylvie’s disguise as a vampire fits right in. However, there’s only one other vampire at the camp (although she’s half-human) and they share the same cabin. How is Sylvie supposed to hide her humanness when sharing the same space with Vera, an actual monster? How is Sylvie supposed to hide the fact that she doesn’t drink blood for meals, sunshine doesn’t bother her, and she can’t change into a bat? Readers will realize Sylvie will eventually be discovered but they have no way of knowing when or how this will happen. The anticipation creates tension and suspense since Sylvie has no idea how the monsters will react when they discover a human is living among them.

Vera is an intriguing character as she has her own internal conflicts overwhelming her mind. Being half-human makes her stand out from the other monsters and she’s constantly reminded of her differences. A werewolf bully takes every opportunity to torment Vera and Sylvie often feels the need to step in and defend her. Vera tends to clam up when she’s attacked and overcome with anxiety so readers are left to wonder what’s going on in her mind. Most of the story deals with prejudice and conflict between monsters and humans in general but Vera’s troubles are more personal. Sylvie shares some of the same issues as Vera so will Sylvie ever fully open up to her cabinmate?

What didn’t work as well:

There are sections of the story where the counselors explain human/monster relationships that come across as classroom lessons. They may not be as interesting as other parts although they serve a purpose. It’s an easier, quicker way to communicate important ideas that might be applicable to the monsters’ “real world” and to the lives of young readers.

The Final Verdict:

This book is much more than readers might expect as it presents monsters as the victims and the persecuted throughout history. Early clues may enable readers to foresee the climax but the author saves a huge surprise that they won’t see coming. Overall, this is a creative twist involving human and monster interactions and I recommend you give it a shot.