In her middle-grade novel, Ciera Burch masterfully blends mystery, self-discovery, and a touch of horror in "Camp Twisted Pine." This spooky outdoor adventure published by Margaret K. McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) immerses readers in a summer camp setting with a twist, delivering a heartfelt and suspenseful story perfect for back-to-school reading and Halloween for young readers and adults alike.
Title: Camp Twisted Pine
Author: Ciera Burch
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Pages: 272
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
About the book:
Eleven-year-old Naomi loves all things outdoors—birds and beetles, bats and bunnies—in theory. She explores nature in the best possible way: the cold, hard facts in books. So when her parents’ announcement of their impending divorce comes hand in hand with sending Naomi and her younger twin brothers to summer camp while they figure things out, it’s salt in the wound for Naomi and her avoidance of hands-on experience.
Camp Twisted Pine could be worse. The counselors are nice, and Naomi likes
her cabinmates, especially Jackie, whose blunt personality and frank dislike of the camp draws Naomi in quickly. Jackie is also hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid, and the girls quickly develop a routine of sign language lessons in their free time, which Naomi sees as a welcome break when all the s’mores-making and nature walks get to be a bit much.
But the campers aren’t the only ones who roam the grounds of Camp Twisted Pine. When people start to go missing, including Jackie, Naomi has to find a way to save everyone—and herself. Her practical knowledge of the outdoors may still be rudimentary at best, but she has years of studying and the scientific method to fall back on. Can Naomi identify and stop the dangerous predator before it’s too late?
My Review
A Perfect Mix of Adventure and Suspense at Camp Twisted Pine
At first glance, "Camp Twisted Pine" seems like your typical summer camp adventure: kids outdoors, making s’mores, and learning to deal with homesickness. But Ciera Burch elevates the story by weaving in deeper themes of change, friendship, and a thrilling mystery that unfolds against the natural backdrop of a creepy camp setting.
Eleven-year-old Naomi is at the heart of this tale, and she’s not your average outdoorsy kid. She loves the idea of nature but prefers to experience it through the pages of her books rather than hands-on. With her parents in the midst of a divorce, Naomi and her twin brothers are sent to Camp Twisted Pine, an outdoorsy nightmare for Naomi, but her growing friendship with Jackie—a frank, hard-of-hearing camper—provides a silver lining.
While Camp Twisted Pine offers the usual camp activities, from nature walks to campfires, things quickly take a dark turn when campers start to go missing, including Jackie. Naomi soon realizes her vast, book-learned knowledge of nature might be the only thing standing between the other campers and a mysterious predator lurking in the woods.
An Engaging Protagonist
Naomi is instantly relatable, especially to young readers who may also be uncomfortable in the outdoors or resistant to change. Her character growth, as she learns to trust her instincts and apply the scientific method to her real-world predicament, is deeply satisfying. Naomi's practicality and resourcefulness shine as she faces increasingly eerie challenges, and her evolving friendship with Jackie adds heart to the story.
Jackie, with her bold, no-nonsense personality and her use of sign language, is a refreshing and strong presence in the novel. Burch portrays her hearing impairment in a way that feels authentic and never forced, giving readers valuable representation. The sign language lessons between Naomi and Jackie add an interesting dynamic to their friendship, giving Naomi an unexpected refuge amidst the chaos of camp life.
The Perfect Creepy Atmosphere
The atmosphere of Camp Twisted Pine adds an essential layer of suspense. The camp is surrounded by dense woods and has an air of mystery, enhanced by the looming sense that something sinister is hiding in the forest. Burch builds this tension gradually, keeping readers on edge as the mysterious disappearances begin.
The author’s ability to balance spooky elements with the charm of a summer camp experience is impressive. It’s not all doom and gloom—there are moments of lightness and fun, making the darker twists even more effective. The camp’s setting serves as both a character and a catalyst for Naomi’s personal growth.
What Worked Well
Relatable Protagonist: Naomi’s reluctance to embrace camp life and her bookish personality are easy for many middle-grade readers to identify with.
Representation: Jackie’s character and the use of sign language add diversity and meaningful representation without feeling tokenistic.
Balanced Tone: The story is spooky but not overly frightening for its target audience. It manages to keep tension high without overwhelming younger readers.
Friendship and Growth: Naomi’s journey of friendship, survival, and learning to navigate real-life challenges is beautifully handled.
What Could Have Been Stronger
Pacing Toward the Climax: While the buildup is engaging, the climax feels slightly rushed. The mystery’s resolution, though satisfying, might have benefited from a bit more detail and time to play out fully.
The Supporting Cast: Some of the camp's other characters feel underdeveloped. A bit more backstory or depth would have enriched the story further.
Final Thoughts
"Camp Twisted Pine" is a captivating read that combines the fun of a summer camp adventure with the chilling thrills of a suspenseful mystery. Naomi’s journey from a book-smart, nature-averse girl to a clever, problem-solving hero is heartwarming and empowering. Readers who love stories about friendship, outdoor adventures, and a dash of supernatural mystery will be hooked from start to finish. Ciera Burch’s debut has just the right amount of creepiness to keep young readers engaged without sending them running to sleep with the lights on.
For those looking for a spooky yet heartwarming middle-grade novel, "Camp Twisted Pine" is a must-read!
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Perfect for:
Middle-grade readers who love adventure and mystery
Kids who prefer brains over brawn
Readers looking for diverse characters and representation
Fans of spooky, but not too scary, stories
About the author:
CIERA BURCH (she/her/hers) is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She is the author of the middle grade novels Finch House and Camp Twisted Pine, and the young adult novel Something Kindred. She has a BA from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in The American Literary Magazine, Underground, Five Points, Stork, and Blackbird. Her work was also chosen as the 2019 "One City One Story" read for the Boston Book Festival. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, DC, with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books. Visit Ciera at CieraBurch.com.
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