Sammy Keyes trades in her hightops for hiking boots—and winds up with blisters.
This is not the summer camping trip of Sammy's ... read full description
This is not the summer camping trip of Sammy's ... read full description
reviews
Mar 06, 2011
Libby
rated it: 
I've been trying to expand my reading to what all kids would enjoy and not my personal preferences. Mystery is not my favorite genre, but my 8-year-old daughter loves it and Sammy Keyes mysteries are her favorites. I read this one at her recommendation. The story had a good pace and was age appropriate (no violence or questionable material). Sammy Keyes is an enjoyable character and I can how she interests my daughter. Anna learned to pick the bathroom lock with a bobby pin from reading Sam
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Apr 12, 2010
Jenn
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lately, the sammy keyes series has totally been my crack. i sped my way through all of them and am now waiting anxiously for the next one to be released in the fall. they are nothing like i thought they were and just so, so good overall. i think "and the art of deception" was my favorite, but this one is probably batting second.
Dec 17, 2009
Lea
rated it: 
The best Sammy book yet. Good mystery, fun new characters, and realistic developments in the Sammy/Casey romance. I wish these books had been around when I was that age.
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Jun 08, 2011
Nazik
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This book was truly amazing. Sammy's life change the day she decided to go camping. She had many problems, including with her crush, her friends, and rare birds called condors. The book showed Sammy's point of view towards nature. Even though condors were the ugliest mammals Sammy had ever seen, she still loved them. It was very difficult to put this book down. It was exciting and full of action.
Jan 13, 2009
Sarah
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My students love mysteries. I had heard a couple of things about Sammy and I was kind of hoping that her mysteries would work here, but I'm not so sure. I liked the book, but I think Sammy's a little too guy crazy and over the heads of my elementary school students. Any thoughts? Anyone have any suggestions for new mystery series for my older elementary kids?
Sep 25, 2011
Xiaoqing 703
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this book is totally kool its totally filled with casey. and condors? i know. you should get this book its the best book from the series even more than the search for snake eyes! waiting for the next book totally kills!!!!! this book is for teenagers too so dont feel embarrassed. MUCH LUV 4 THIS BOOK.
Jul 28, 2010
Shannon
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I really enjoyed this book. I found it interesting that you only hear about Cricket in this Sammy Keyes book. In all the other ones I have read, she hasn't been in there. I think that Sammy and Cricket would be better friends if they did more things like this camping experience.
Aug 13, 2011
m1 Gwen
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I thought this was funny, suspenseful, and definitely a good read. I love the whole series, including this one. A camping trip gone amiss and some unlikely run-ins in deep woods? Only to be expected in the life of Sammy Keyes. I suggest to boys and girls alike! I love the books!
Jan 29, 2012
Shelley
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Another winner in the Sammy Keyes series, but the story is starting to stiff in that Sammy seems to be a little bit too "boy crazy" with Casey. I hope the next book kinda tones it down a bit. Overall another great book and another 3-1/2 stars rating from me.
Jul 01, 2009
Victoria
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Sammy decides to go camping with Cricket because she has nothing else to do. {She also secretly hopes she'll see Casey.] But when one of the girls goes missing, Sammy and Cricket go out to look for her. But when you're in a forest there's never telling how wild things can get.
Dec 29, 2010
Margaret
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Thanks to this book, I learned a lot about condors. I really didn't know ANYTHING about this kind of bird so I was happy to learn something new.
It's easy to read and enjoyable. She's like Nancy Drew!
It's easy to read and enjoyable. She's like Nancy Drew!
Oct 20, 2010
ConwayCountyLibrary
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(youth review) I'd like to read this book again in the summer time since it talks so much about camp. I hope my camp isn't like the one in this book! ~Shelly, 3rd grade, MIS
Apr 14, 2009
Elaine
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Terrific! I'm surprised I haven't heard of this series before. I adore Sammy's voice; it's filled with life, spunk, humor. I would shove this book in the hands of any middle schooler, boy or girl.
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Feb 06, 2009
Cinnamon
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This is one of the better Sammy Keyes books that I have read. I enjoyed the setting, the somewhat kooky new friends, and the possibility of romance for Sammy.
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Jun 20, 2011
Julie
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Another great Sammy Keyes. Content got more mature with this one, but the mystery was great and I loved the setting of a backpacking trip.
Dec 31, 2008
Laurel
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All of the Sammy Keyes are really good. They are suspensful, well written mysteries. Read them, I tell ya.
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Dec 31, 2008
Lilly
rated it:
This was about really annoying birds and Sammy and Casey getting closer.
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May 17, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 10, 2010
Ashley
rated it:
Sammy Keyes is my fictional role model. She's the reason I wear high tops. :)
Jan 14, 2012
Susan
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Slow moving at first. Good mystery of younger readers.
Excellent book to teach about the balance of nature.
Excellent book to teach about the balance of nature.
May 02, 2009
Yamini
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The writing was fun and fresh, and hilarious! The main character is instantly lovable, as are her friends. The mystery is pretty fun, too. I will definitely be looking to read more of these books.
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Sep 23, 2008
Joy
rated it: 
Recent entry in the long-running mysteries series for teens. I am generally a big fan of girl detectives and probably would have loved this age 10; Sammy is a lot more appealing than, say, Nancy Drew. However, as an adult, I found the quality of the prose mediocre at best--it's an intentionally slangy first person that will feel dated in about three years--and that sort of detracted from the pleasure of reading.
