Quick Take

Neither artistic, dreamy Jenna nor surly, delinquent Lucas expected to find themselves at an invitation-only summer camp that turns problem children into prodigies. And yet, here they both are at Camp Fielding, settling in with all the other losers and misfits who've been shipped off by their parents in a last-ditch effort to produce a child worth bragging about. But strange disappearances, spooky lights in the woods, and a chilling alteration that turns the dimmest, rowdiest campers into docile zombie Einsteins have Jenna and Lucas feeling more than a little suspicious...and a lot afraid.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Brain Camp

Introduction

"Brain Camp" by Susan Kim is a graphic novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into a mysterious summer camp where problem children are transformed into prodigies. With its unique blend of horror, suspense, and characters that resonate with readers, this book has gained significant attention from both young and adult readers. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author information, analysis of common opinions, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending.

About Susan Kim

Susan Kim is the author of "Brain Camp" and cowrote the graphic novels "City of Spies" and "Brain Camp" with Laurence Klavan. Kim is a five-time Emmy nominee for her work in children's television and a Writers Guild Award winner for best documentary. She wrote the stage adaptation of Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club" and teaches writing at Goddard College. With her background in children's literature and television, Kim brings a wealth of experience to her writing, making her a highly regarded author in the field.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Plot: Readers appreciate the book's plot, which combines elements of horror and suspense to create a thrilling reading experience. The idea of a summer camp that transforms children into geniuses is intriguing and keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
Relatable Characters: The characters in "Brain Camp" are relatable to many readers, particularly those who have experienced sibling rivalry or struggled to meet their parents' expectations. Jenna and Lucas, the main protagonists, are portrayed as flawed but determined individuals who strive to uncover the truth behind the camp's mysterious happenings.
Artistic Graphics: The graphic novel format adds an extra layer of appeal to "Brain Camp." Readers enjoy the vivid artwork, full-color illustrations, and unique artistic styling that enhance the storytelling experience. The visual elements contribute to the overall appeal of the book.
Mysterious Atmosphere: The book's atmosphere is shrouded in mystery, creating a sense of intrigue and suspense that keeps readers engaged. The eerie setting, spooky lights in the woods, and unexplained disappearances contribute to the eerie atmosphere that permeates the story.
Unconventional Storytelling: Readers appreciate the unconventional storytelling approach in "Brain Camp." The explanation behind the zombie-like behavior is out of the ordinary, adding an element of surprise and originality to the narrative. This deviation from traditional storytelling conventions appeals to readers seeking something fresh and unpredictable.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Plot: The book's plot is captivating and keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The combination of horror, suspense, and mystery creates a thrilling reading experience that appeals to both young and adult readers.
Relatable Characters: The characters are relatable and resonate with readers who can relate to their struggles with self-doubt, sibling rivalry, and parental expectations. Jenna and Lucas' journey of self-discovery adds depth to the story and makes them compelling protagonists.
Artistic Graphics: The graphic novel format adds visual appeal to the storytelling experience. The vivid artwork, full-color illustrations, and unique artistic styling enhance the overall reading experience, making it visually appealing to readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Unclear Motivations: Some readers find the motivations behind certain characters' actions unclear or lacking in depth. The lack of explanation for certain plot points may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied with the story's resolutions.
Suggestive Content: A few readers express concerns about the book's suggestive content, including cursing and illustrations that may be considered inappropriate for younger readers. These elements may be a turn-off for some readers who prefer more family-friendly content.

Conclusion

"Brain Camp" by Susan Kim offers a thrilling reading experience with its engaging plot, relatable characters, artistic graphics, and mysterious atmosphere. While some readers may find certain aspects unclear or inappropriate for their taste, the book's unique storytelling approach and overall appeal make it a recommended read for those seeking a combination of horror, suspense, and character-driven narratives. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels or simply enjoy a well-crafted story with unexpected twists and turns, "Brain Camp" is worth exploring for its captivating journey into a world where problem children become prodigies under mysterious circumstances.