
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complexities of middle school social dynamics, especially if they are exploring their own identity or need a boost in self-confidence. It is a perfect choice for kids who feel a bit different and are looking for a community where their unique traits are celebrated as superpowers. The story follows a group of five inseparable friends at a summer camp filled with supernatural mysteries, focusing on the bravery required to face both literal ghosts and the figurative ghosts of self-doubt. While the plot involves spooky elements like a mysterious extra cabin and hauntings, the heart of the book is the supportive relationship between Mal and Molly. It provides a joyful and normalized depiction of LGBTQ+ identities, showing that being yourself is the greatest adventure of all. The humor and fast-paced mystery make it an engaging read that reinforces the importance of teamwork and unconditional friendship. It is an excellent resource for parents wanting to provide their children with inclusive literature that feels modern, fun, and deeply affirming.
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Sign in to write a reviewIncludes a sweet, age-appropriate depiction of a crush and relationship between two girls.
Spooky encounters with ghosts and mysterious cabins may be slightly tense for sensitive readers.
The book contains supernatural themes involving ghosts and hauntings, which may include mild spooky imagery appropriate for the target age group.
A 10-year-old who loves Scooby-Doo or Gravity Falls but is looking for a story where they can see their own queer identity or diverse friend group reflected without the plot being "about" the struggle of coming out. It is perfect for the child who feels like an outsider and needs to see that their "weirdness" is actually their strength.
This book can be read cold. It serves as a fantastic example of a "mirror book" where LGBTQ+ relationships and trans identities are treated with the same casual normalcy as any other character trait. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses fear about not fitting in at camp or school, or when a child mentions they have a crush on a friend and needs to see that those feelings are a normal, happy part of growing up.
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will focus on the slapstick humor and the excitement of the ghost hunt. Older readers (ages 11-12) will better appreciate the nuances of Mal and Molly’s relationship and the themes of maintaining self-confidence while moving toward adolescence.
Unlike many books that center queer or trans characters around a narrative of trauma or "the talk," this story allows its protagonists to simply exist as heroes in a fun, supernatural mystery. It prioritizes queer joy and female agency above all else.
In the final installment of the middle grade novel series based on the popular comics, the Roanoke cabin scouts are enjoying their summer at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. While the group usually tackles supernatural threats together, the focus shifts to Mal and Molly, a couple who discover a mysterious, hidden cabin that appears to be haunted by ghosts. The girls must use their scouting skills and bond of friendship to solve the mystery of the cabin while navigating their own feelings of belonging and bravery.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.