Camp

Randy Kapplehoff, a theatrical and flamboyant teen, spends his summers at Camp Outland, a haven for queer youth. This year, he arrives having traded his nail polish and show tunes for a hyper-masculine persona named 'Del' in a calculated attempt to win over Hudson, a 'straight-acting' boy who has previously ignored him. As the ruse succeeds, Randy must navigate the psychological toll of suppressing his true self while confronting the rigid, often toxic hierarchies of masculinity that exist even within safe spaces. SENSITIVE TOPICS: Internalized prejudice and self-erasure related to conforming to social expectations. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a tone of high-stakes romantic comedy and nervous excitement. It transitions into a more introspective and sometimes painful exploration of self-erasure and identity performance before reaching a triumphant, hopeful conclusion centered on radical self-acceptance. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who feels they are 'too much' for the world or who believes they need to dilute their personality, interests, or style to be considered desirable or to fit into a specific social group. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent hears their child say, 'I think people would like me better if I wasn't so loud,' or notices their child suddenly abandoning long-held hobbies or styles in favor of something that feels performative or out of character. PARENT PREP: This book can be read cold. Parents should be aware that it candidly discusses teen dating and the pressure to conform, making it a great springboard for conversations about authenticity. AGE EXPERIENCE: A 14-year-old may focus more on the 'fake dating' tropes and the excitement of the camp setting. An 18-year-old will likely connect more deeply with the nuanced critique of internalised prejudices and the complex social dynamics of the LGBTQ+ community. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many camp stories that focus on the struggle of coming out to the world, Camp focuses on the internal struggle of being 'out enough' and brilliantly deconstructs the 'masc-for-masc' culture, proving that the most revolutionary act is being exactly who you are. """