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Justin Case #2
Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom
Justin is going to start fourth grade—but first, he has to survive the summer. He “gets” to go to camp every day on a bus. He “gets” to experience all sorts of new things: Bugs. Mess hall food. Flip-flops (they hurt the space between his toes and they’re hard to walk in). And (gulp!) swimming.
Justin’s little sister, Elizabeth, seems to deal with camp just fine. So do his friends. Justin is trying very hard not to be a worried kid anymore, especially when it comes to making friends at camp, including a new kid who is kind of . . . rough. After all, Justin is going to be in fourth grade. It’s time to be brave. Right?
Justin’s little sister, Elizabeth, seems to deal with camp just fine. So do his friends. Justin is trying very hard not to be a worried kid anymore, especially when it comes to making friends at camp, including a new kid who is kind of . . . rough. After all, Justin is going to be in fourth grade. It’s time to be brave. Right?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2012
25 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vail
56 books455 followersBirth
I was born on July 25, 1966, in NEW YORK CITY, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY, with my mother, my father, and my younger brother Jon. (And down the street from my future husband, though of course I didn't know that until much later.)
Interests
Some details, I do know-I was very into reading and theater, so I read every book I could get my hands on (especially realistic fiction, either contemporary or historical) and took acting workshops and auditioned for every play in school, camp, or the community. I played Peter Pan, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and lots of extremely memorable chorus parts-for instance, I was "girl number two" in Fiddler on the Roof-the one who said "We heard about your sister, Chava". I didn't care -I just wanted to be on stage. Waiting backstage before curtain call, after giving my all in a performance, was the best feeling I knew. In seventh grade I started taking magic lessons, and by eighth grade I was making all my own spending money by performing at kids' birthday parties as a clown named Tallulah. I liked the freedom of wearing all that grease-paint-I could be as wacky and un-cool as I wanted. I tried dance but felt so clumsy. I faked a sprained ankle to get out of the recital. I took voice lessons which made me a little light-headed (and I was afraid of the voice teacher's growling, drooling Doberman) and both saxophone and piano, neither of which I ever practiced. I did well in school but started a lot of my work at the last minute, in a crazy mad dash, so that it was never late but there were usually careless errors or areas I had to fudge. I had this idea that to work hard at something was sort of a negative, an admission that I didn't have natural talent. If I wasn't going to be Mozart and have the music (or dance, or math, or social studies term paper, or whatever) channeled through me from God, then I was just embarrassing myself by all that workmanlike effort. I didn't get over that idea until after college, by the way.
Career Ambitions
I never really planned to be a writer. I planned to be a financial wizard after learning about option-spreading at age 10, then a poet after discovering Shakespeare at 11. After overhearing "the real power is held by the lobbyists" on a class trip to Albany, I planned to become a lobbyist. Secretly, of course I always imagined myself as an actress, but that didn't seem hard or important enough, and also I worried I wasn't naturally gifted enough.
Parents
My parents were always great. I liked to make them proud, and they trusted me and supported my efforts and interests, which was sometimes weirdly tough. There was so little for me to rebel against.
As a Kid
When people ask me what I was as a kid, I always feel like my answer is at best incomplete.What are you like, as a kid? I'm still trying to figure out what I'm like as an adult.
Socially
Well, things went in waves. Sometimes I felt very "in", very aware of and tied in to the whole scene, excited by who liked whom, all the gossip, some of it less than kind. Other times I felt so alone-like there was nobody like me, nobody who liked me, nobody to talk to. And much of the time it was somewhere in between. A best friend when I was lucky, and a few people in each crowd I liked and who liked me. I resisted being classified as a brain or a jock or alternative or popular-too limiting. I would have to shut down too many parts of myself to be just one type.
Adolescence
I went through a very intense stage in middle school (Junior High). I worried about being too ordinary. I also worried about being too weird. I also worried about changing states of matter, my inability to be morally certain, ignorance (my own and world-wide), and making a fool of myself.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rachel...
I was born on July 25, 1966, in NEW YORK CITY, and grew up in New Rochelle, NY, with my mother, my father, and my younger brother Jon. (And down the street from my future husband, though of course I didn't know that until much later.)
Interests
Some details, I do know-I was very into reading and theater, so I read every book I could get my hands on (especially realistic fiction, either contemporary or historical) and took acting workshops and auditioned for every play in school, camp, or the community. I played Peter Pan, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and lots of extremely memorable chorus parts-for instance, I was "girl number two" in Fiddler on the Roof-the one who said "We heard about your sister, Chava". I didn't care -I just wanted to be on stage. Waiting backstage before curtain call, after giving my all in a performance, was the best feeling I knew. In seventh grade I started taking magic lessons, and by eighth grade I was making all my own spending money by performing at kids' birthday parties as a clown named Tallulah. I liked the freedom of wearing all that grease-paint-I could be as wacky and un-cool as I wanted. I tried dance but felt so clumsy. I faked a sprained ankle to get out of the recital. I took voice lessons which made me a little light-headed (and I was afraid of the voice teacher's growling, drooling Doberman) and both saxophone and piano, neither of which I ever practiced. I did well in school but started a lot of my work at the last minute, in a crazy mad dash, so that it was never late but there were usually careless errors or areas I had to fudge. I had this idea that to work hard at something was sort of a negative, an admission that I didn't have natural talent. If I wasn't going to be Mozart and have the music (or dance, or math, or social studies term paper, or whatever) channeled through me from God, then I was just embarrassing myself by all that workmanlike effort. I didn't get over that idea until after college, by the way.
Career Ambitions
I never really planned to be a writer. I planned to be a financial wizard after learning about option-spreading at age 10, then a poet after discovering Shakespeare at 11. After overhearing "the real power is held by the lobbyists" on a class trip to Albany, I planned to become a lobbyist. Secretly, of course I always imagined myself as an actress, but that didn't seem hard or important enough, and also I worried I wasn't naturally gifted enough.
Parents
My parents were always great. I liked to make them proud, and they trusted me and supported my efforts and interests, which was sometimes weirdly tough. There was so little for me to rebel against.
As a Kid
When people ask me what I was as a kid, I always feel like my answer is at best incomplete.What are you like, as a kid? I'm still trying to figure out what I'm like as an adult.
Socially
Well, things went in waves. Sometimes I felt very "in", very aware of and tied in to the whole scene, excited by who liked whom, all the gossip, some of it less than kind. Other times I felt so alone-like there was nobody like me, nobody who liked me, nobody to talk to. And much of the time it was somewhere in between. A best friend when I was lucky, and a few people in each crowd I liked and who liked me. I resisted being classified as a brain or a jock or alternative or popular-too limiting. I would have to shut down too many parts of myself to be just one type.
Adolescence
I went through a very intense stage in middle school (Junior High). I worried about being too ordinary. I also worried about being too weird. I also worried about changing states of matter, my inability to be morally certain, ignorance (my own and world-wide), and making a fool of myself.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/rachel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 5, 2022
Move over, Judy Moody. Justin Case has actually finished the third grade. Just joking, Judy. It isn't your fault. We love having you in Mr. Todd's class for decades of delightful Judy Moody books. Now, back to Justin. In this second book in the series, the summer between third and fourth grade has arrived. Justin has decided go to the summer daycamp for "the runny-aroundy kids" called Camp Goldenbrook. Since Justin is more of a science camp kind of kid, there could be some adjustments to make. Can Justin stick it out? Can he learn the words to the songs they sing during Quad time (like Baby Shark)? Will he ever retrieve a penny from the bottom of the pool? All these questions and more will be answered as you read about Justin's summer. Along for the ride are those same quirky characters you loved from the first book like little sister Elizabeth, grandparents Gingie & Poopsie, that kooky dog Qwerty, and some new ones. I can so relate to Justin's flip-flop woes. Have never gotten used to them myself.
August 6, 2018
This was the perfect sequel and complement to the first Justin Case book, which we also loved. I think I enjoyed this one even more, actually. Really wonderful writing. I was ostensibly reading it to my nine- and eleven-year-olds, but I noticed that, as sometimes happens, most of the rest of the family gravitated into listening range and gave their attention to the story, as well. I compared the first book to the Wonder Years (the old television show) and to the best of Beverly Cleary, and I would absolutely reiterate those comparisons. I did not have big expectations for these books, but they really caught me by surprise is a most pleasant and positive way. Delightfully presented from the perspective of the third-grade boy of the title. Gently humorous throughout, but also touchingly sweet. Great for reading aloud, and highly recommended.
August 12, 2012
I have to remind myself that I need to look at books like this as if I were a member of the intended audience. I found it just a bit too much stream of consciousness for even a rising fourth grade boy. Lots of character names (even I had to pause a couple of times to recall their persona), some stereotyping of kids who would go to science camp, and a few other things bothered me. Sure, it's saying nerds are good, but is it? Kids might be a little confused by the "knuckles" game and a few other references. I did like how it treated bullying at times, and that Justin decided to go back to camp and face his demons.
Read
June 23, 2019the theme is overcoming to your fears because Justin is going on summer vacation and he hates swimming. he also has flip flops but the hurt in between his toes. he also has trouble coming up with new friends.
October 13, 2018
Thought it might be similar to the other "diaries" kids have been reading in past years, so I took a peek. It was entertaining, and sort of tragic. I am sure this is going to appeal to various children due to it's format- what kid doesn't enjoy peek reading other's diaries?! And of course, some kids are going to relate to Justin, who seems to be suffering from some sort of OCD or depression, or something..where are the adults??? The kid needs some help! And, of course, kids who know someone like this- most do- they will either be laughing or relating. For most kids, however, it's going to be a "I'm glad my life isn't that bad!" book. Kids 3-13 should enjoy the story series.
October 18, 2024
Cute but not outstanding. Justin has an annoying younger sister, a best friend he's not sure is his best friend anymore, a couple of kids who are almost bullies (definitely intimidating, but not really actively bullying), goofy grandparents, stuffed animals he won't admit he still plays with, and flip flops that irritate his feet. The book is written in diary entries that tend to be more reflections of his day than active play by play accounts of what happened. I enjoyed the book (and the first in the series), but also felt like I've read similar books that are better.
August 12, 2019
DNF for Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom. And not just because the title is too long! I didn't like the writing style, and I refuse to allow a character who seems to have an anxiety disorder to be a joke. Poor choices were made here.
Read
June 3, 2022🥰🥰 I am such a huge fan of this series! So glad I discovered it this year, and I’m glad there is still one more book left in the trilogy. Continues to be so relatable, comforting, amusing and heartwarming to my many-years-past-“the grades” self.
May 7, 2017
Justin chooses a summer camp that is more for "run-aroundy" kids and he rises to its challenges with pretty hilarious results.
December 16, 2018
This book wasn’t very good. Did Not Finnish on pg: 80
January 5, 2025
BORING!!!
December 19, 2016
With third grade behind him, Justin is convinced he can begin living a relaxed, worry-free life. After all, summer vacation is the time of Nothing to Worry About, which is tied with gummy worms as Justin’s favorite thing ever! The worries set in, however, when Justin decides to try Camp Goldenbrook, “where all the runny-aroundy kids go”, instead of science camp. Justin is absolutely sure he wants to go, but that doesn’t mean he won’t worry about walking in flip-flops, impressing his new friends, staying out of trouble with a teenage counselor who seems to be out to get him, and trying to pass a swim test.
Though I don’t think anything could ever compare to the original Justin Case, which was just wonderful, this book is a pretty decent follow-up. Justin’s slow evolution into a braver, stronger kid over the course of the book is very satisfying, and his voice remains the most appealing and well-developed aspect of the entire story. I didn’t laugh out loud as many times reading this sequel as I did during the first book, but there were lots of great jokes and observations that gave great insight into Justin’s way of thinking. One example I especially like is when Justin wonders, “How is Newcomb not volleyball?” I asked myself that question every day of elementary school. Another great line is “My favorite sport is just playing. The kind of playing where you make up some imaginary things like bad guys or evil planets or demonic zombies, and then everybody chases everybody else around. At Camp Goldenbrook, there are no demonic imaginaries and there is no playing. There are activities all day long.” Kudos to Rachel Vail for sneaking in this astute observation about the need for kids to just play and be kids without so much organization and scheduling!
Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom is a good read-alike for the Alvin Ho series, and a great, better-written alternative to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, albeit for a somewhat younger audience. The ending of the book seems like it could lead to another sequel - and I hope it does! I think it’s important for kids - especially those with quieter or more introverted personalities - to read about a character like Justin, and on top of that, the books are just so entertaining!
Though I don’t think anything could ever compare to the original Justin Case, which was just wonderful, this book is a pretty decent follow-up. Justin’s slow evolution into a braver, stronger kid over the course of the book is very satisfying, and his voice remains the most appealing and well-developed aspect of the entire story. I didn’t laugh out loud as many times reading this sequel as I did during the first book, but there were lots of great jokes and observations that gave great insight into Justin’s way of thinking. One example I especially like is when Justin wonders, “How is Newcomb not volleyball?” I asked myself that question every day of elementary school. Another great line is “My favorite sport is just playing. The kind of playing where you make up some imaginary things like bad guys or evil planets or demonic zombies, and then everybody chases everybody else around. At Camp Goldenbrook, there are no demonic imaginaries and there is no playing. There are activities all day long.” Kudos to Rachel Vail for sneaking in this astute observation about the need for kids to just play and be kids without so much organization and scheduling!
Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom is a good read-alike for the Alvin Ho series, and a great, better-written alternative to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, albeit for a somewhat younger audience. The ending of the book seems like it could lead to another sequel - and I hope it does! I think it’s important for kids - especially those with quieter or more introverted personalities - to read about a character like Justin, and on top of that, the books are just so entertaining!
December 20, 2014
For this and other reviews please check out my blog www.buzzonbooks.com
Justin is what I would call a worry-wort. He is nervous about everything and scared of most things. He loves his safe zone of nerdy type things and people (don't we all!). This summer, Justin forced to go to a REAL camp though, a camp with bugs, and swimming and physical activity.
All of these new, active, busy, rough kids intimidate Justin but it is time for Justin to grow up and be brave, he is going into the 4th grade after all! Justin Krzeszewski was named Justin Case by his classmates because of his cautious, nervous nature but he has decided that this summer is the time to get over all of his fears. Justin is afraid of things that most kids enjoy, running around, swimming and even wearing flip-flops (I do agree though, the first couple days of summer flip-flops CAN hurt between your toes).
In a way, I am proud of Justin for taking on these tasks head on, and although I found his efforts humorous, I was also a little scared of the reactions of readers his own age. Would they relate to someone this awkward? Would they mock someone because of their reactions or nervousness in these situations that can be seen as regular everyday or exciting things to some kids? What I realized while trying to decide what to write for this review is that most kids ARE awkward, and although they may not be afraid of swimming, they will relate to being nervous about a new place, new people, or a new activity. I think this book has many great discussion points about tolerance, inclusion and understanding. Plus, I DID find Justin funny. Despite all of my knowledge of disabilities, I did not find any situation in this novel to be mocking any disability in particular.
I would recommend this series of novels to anyone who enjoys Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I am however, finding it difficult to find the first book in stores. This is book #2 in the series, but I didn't have any difficulty catching up without having read the first book, Vail did a great job summarizing the characters.
Justin is what I would call a worry-wort. He is nervous about everything and scared of most things. He loves his safe zone of nerdy type things and people (don't we all!). This summer, Justin forced to go to a REAL camp though, a camp with bugs, and swimming and physical activity.
All of these new, active, busy, rough kids intimidate Justin but it is time for Justin to grow up and be brave, he is going into the 4th grade after all! Justin Krzeszewski was named Justin Case by his classmates because of his cautious, nervous nature but he has decided that this summer is the time to get over all of his fears. Justin is afraid of things that most kids enjoy, running around, swimming and even wearing flip-flops (I do agree though, the first couple days of summer flip-flops CAN hurt between your toes).
In a way, I am proud of Justin for taking on these tasks head on, and although I found his efforts humorous, I was also a little scared of the reactions of readers his own age. Would they relate to someone this awkward? Would they mock someone because of their reactions or nervousness in these situations that can be seen as regular everyday or exciting things to some kids? What I realized while trying to decide what to write for this review is that most kids ARE awkward, and although they may not be afraid of swimming, they will relate to being nervous about a new place, new people, or a new activity. I think this book has many great discussion points about tolerance, inclusion and understanding. Plus, I DID find Justin funny. Despite all of my knowledge of disabilities, I did not find any situation in this novel to be mocking any disability in particular.
I would recommend this series of novels to anyone who enjoys Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I am however, finding it difficult to find the first book in stores. This is book #2 in the series, but I didn't have any difficulty catching up without having read the first book, Vail did a great job summarizing the characters.
October 29, 2012
Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom is a hilarious novel by Rachel Vail. Justin is a worried kid. He worried about everything, but now, he has decided to leave that behind and become a runny-aroundy kid. The best way to accomplish this goal is to go to Camp GoldenBrook instead of his usual Science Camp over the summer. But Justin, who gets his nickname from the tasks he completes out of worry “just-in case,” is not exactly a sports playing runny-aroundy kid and soon must deal with all that comes with Camp GoldenBrook. The constant clothes changing, endless sports, and a secret game that Justin is forbidden by his peers to tell any adults about, just to name a few activities. Oh, and the flip-flops that Justin must wear, but hurt between his toes. Justin learns a lot a camp, lessons he never imagined.
This book is recommended for grades 3-5. The book is written as a journal and in Justin, the almost fourth grader’s voice. Students will be able to relate to problems they face often as well as Justin’s perception of the situations. Also, the constant humor will keep students engaged. In my classroom, I would recommend this book to any student, especially students who are not “runny-aroundy kids.” Letting them know that they are not alone is very important. Also, this book would be terrific to read in a group to talk about journal writing. The way the author captures Justin’s time at camp is excellent and great for working on description in writing.
This book is recommended for grades 3-5. The book is written as a journal and in Justin, the almost fourth grader’s voice. Students will be able to relate to problems they face often as well as Justin’s perception of the situations. Also, the constant humor will keep students engaged. In my classroom, I would recommend this book to any student, especially students who are not “runny-aroundy kids.” Letting them know that they are not alone is very important. Also, this book would be terrific to read in a group to talk about journal writing. The way the author captures Justin’s time at camp is excellent and great for working on description in writing.
July 18, 2012
Justin makes me laugh. Oh, he makes me laugh.
Which is funny to say when I look back at the quotes I marked to share.
"Sometimes rain is just what a day needs." (p 7)
"I hate summer break. It goes too quickly. I've hardly done anything, and here we are already partway into July. The days are just flying by." (p 20)
"What Mom noticed: Elizabeth feeding most of her hot dog to Qwerty.
What Dad noticed: Qwerty throwing up the hot dog on the deck and then knocking over the lettuce plants when he tried to hide behind them.
What Qwerty noticed: that he is 100 times bigger than the lettuce plants ...
What Elizabeth noticedL the buns catching fire on the fill.
What I noticed: A person's red damaged knuckles are not so noticeable as you would expect to other people." (p 60)
"All you have to do is not let go of the metal bars and not fall in the mud.
Those are two fo the skills I apparently do not have. Add them to the list." (p 64)
"And also they could at least not keep saying they don't want to fight with me about it because they are pacifiers." (p 116)
Actually my most favorite quote of all is on the last page. I can't share it because that would be a spoiler. But it's good.
Which is funny to say when I look back at the quotes I marked to share.
"Sometimes rain is just what a day needs." (p 7)
"I hate summer break. It goes too quickly. I've hardly done anything, and here we are already partway into July. The days are just flying by." (p 20)
"What Mom noticed: Elizabeth feeding most of her hot dog to Qwerty.
What Dad noticed: Qwerty throwing up the hot dog on the deck and then knocking over the lettuce plants when he tried to hide behind them.
What Qwerty noticed: that he is 100 times bigger than the lettuce plants ...
What Elizabeth noticedL the buns catching fire on the fill.
What I noticed: A person's red damaged knuckles are not so noticeable as you would expect to other people." (p 60)
"All you have to do is not let go of the metal bars and not fall in the mud.
Those are two fo the skills I apparently do not have. Add them to the list." (p 64)
"And also they could at least not keep saying they don't want to fight with me about it because they are pacifiers." (p 116)
Actually my most favorite quote of all is on the last page. I can't share it because that would be a spoiler. But it's good.
March 7, 2012
VAIL, Rachel. Justin Case- Shells, Smells and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom. 192p. Feiwel & Friends. May 2012. ISBN: 978-1250000811. $16.99. F.
Gr 3-5
This summer, Justin is worrying so much less then he used to. In his bravery, he decides to sign up for the runny-aroundy summer camp instead of his usual sciencey camp. Upon arrival, he finds himself overwhelmed by deep-ended swimming pools, rowdy sports, tough new kids, an ouchy game called knuckles and a mean shouty camp councilor. Just when Justin thinks he can't take any more, he finds a reserve of inner strength that allows him to shine and even save to the day. Subtly lesson-filled, funny and full of realistic kid situations. Vail seems to know exactly what 3rd graders are thinking. Justin is a wonderful, worried, plucky main character with whom kids will relate. Black and white illustrations by Matthew Cordell. Recommended to readers of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney.
-Terry Ann Lawler - Phoenix Public Library, AZ.
Gr 3-5
This summer, Justin is worrying so much less then he used to. In his bravery, he decides to sign up for the runny-aroundy summer camp instead of his usual sciencey camp. Upon arrival, he finds himself overwhelmed by deep-ended swimming pools, rowdy sports, tough new kids, an ouchy game called knuckles and a mean shouty camp councilor. Just when Justin thinks he can't take any more, he finds a reserve of inner strength that allows him to shine and even save to the day. Subtly lesson-filled, funny and full of realistic kid situations. Vail seems to know exactly what 3rd graders are thinking. Justin is a wonderful, worried, plucky main character with whom kids will relate. Black and white illustrations by Matthew Cordell. Recommended to readers of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney.
-Terry Ann Lawler - Phoenix Public Library, AZ.
June 25, 2012
Nicknamed "Justin Case" by his classmates, due to his cautious nature, Justin Krzeszewski is looking forward to summer vacation, all 80 days of it. He is trying hard to be a brave kid (NOT a worried kid) but there is a lot on Justin's plate to cause anxiety. Leading the list of things to worry about are Summer Camp (which emphasizes "sweaty sports that require skills") and Cash (a rough newcomer).
Vail gets the voice of a geeky-third-grader-going-into-fourth-grade perfectly. Young readers will find many moments to relate to (keeping secrets, first crushes, mean teenagers, and group dynamics). Vail manaes to handle Justin's confusions, challenges, and small triumphs with deft humor and straightforward prose. I found myself chuckling out loud several times.
Readers who haven't read "Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters," will enjoy the characters so much they will go back to read the earlier volume, even though this one stands up well independently. They will also eagerly anticipate the next book.
Vail gets the voice of a geeky-third-grader-going-into-fourth-grade perfectly. Young readers will find many moments to relate to (keeping secrets, first crushes, mean teenagers, and group dynamics). Vail manaes to handle Justin's confusions, challenges, and small triumphs with deft humor and straightforward prose. I found myself chuckling out loud several times.
Readers who haven't read "Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters," will enjoy the characters so much they will go back to read the earlier volume, even though this one stands up well independently. They will also eagerly anticipate the next book.
April 17, 2012
I've been reading a fair amount of early chapter books lately because I have a kindergartner and a third grader. This book was great. This was the first one I found myself reading even when neither of them was there to listen.
This is the story, in diary form, of a rising fourth-grader's experiences at summer camp. He has to deal with both "cool" kids and "loser" kids. There are some great life lessons amid occasional rainbow vomit.
I think the author really captured the title character in his diary. And it was FUNNY. My son laughed over and over and the part where Justin goes over the schedule for the upcoming camp and explains that he "somehow managed to convince his parents to send him to Clothes Changing Camp" made me laugh so hard it brought tears to my eyes. I don't remember the last time any book has done that.
(This is a copy of the review I posted after receiving this book free from Amazon.)
This is the story, in diary form, of a rising fourth-grader's experiences at summer camp. He has to deal with both "cool" kids and "loser" kids. There are some great life lessons amid occasional rainbow vomit.
I think the author really captured the title character in his diary. And it was FUNNY. My son laughed over and over and the part where Justin goes over the schedule for the upcoming camp and explains that he "somehow managed to convince his parents to send him to Clothes Changing Camp" made me laugh so hard it brought tears to my eyes. I don't remember the last time any book has done that.
(This is a copy of the review I posted after receiving this book free from Amazon.)
June 27, 2012
Justin Case is a younger, more hesitant, and much more self-aware Wimpy Kid. The only issue I see is that the touching and/or funny parts of this book sometimes come from moments that don't feel authentically rendered in the voice of an actual child. I spend the majority of my time around kids, and know they can be hilarious and insightful, but Justin Case has a tendency to read a bit more like a choreographed routine of boy playing an overly introspective and worried child rather than feeling real.
There was one line that had me cracking up, but it was his grandparents at the 4th of July firework show, and it didn't rely on Justin's turn of phrase or Justin's heightened sense of "I am scared but know I should grow out of this so I will present this complex emotion in a very meta-cognitive way", which I remember wore me thin in book one.
Nonetheless, I'm sure my kiddos will eat this up.
There was one line that had me cracking up, but it was his grandparents at the 4th of July firework show, and it didn't rely on Justin's turn of phrase or Justin's heightened sense of "I am scared but know I should grow out of this so I will present this complex emotion in a very meta-cognitive way", which I remember wore me thin in book one.
Nonetheless, I'm sure my kiddos will eat this up.
September 29, 2014
This was a cute book, but it took me FOREVER to finish. Much of the storyline seemed repetitive. Perhaps that was why I had such a hard time getting through it When I normally read 2-3 books a day. One of the reviews on the back of the book compared it to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and I could see that, in some ways. Justin is an "uncool" kid that has a lot of mishappenstances. However, I think the appeal of the DOAWK books has a lot to do with the font choice...it makes the books seem longer than they really are, but they are quick reads. The Justin Case books use a tradition font and has just as many pages as DOAWK books, but take longer to read because of the font. I think, although it is on a higher reading level, 2nd and 3rd graders would enjoy this book...maybe 4th graders. Because Justin has "stuffies" and often comes off a little immature for his age, I think it might be a bit too juvenile for most 5th graders.
December 9, 2013
More lovable fun from the most earnest character in young middle grade fiction. Not quite as awesome as the first book (see my reverent review for the first book!), but I think that's only because I adore classroom humor, and this being a summer book, the setting is completely different, all camp and the pool, etc. But the book still delivers lots of heart. I really hope Vail takes Justin to fourth grade!
Also, I really like Matthew Cordell's illustrations. They remind me a wee bit of Quentin Blake's fanciful sketches. I like how the illustrations are all done from Justin's point of view. Xavier's kinda evil eyebrows and skull tee-shirt show Justin's fears and ambivalence toward such loud, "runny-aroundy" kids. As with the first book, the diary format and frequent illustrations will keep kids turning the pages.
Also, I really like Matthew Cordell's illustrations. They remind me a wee bit of Quentin Blake's fanciful sketches. I like how the illustrations are all done from Justin's point of view. Xavier's kinda evil eyebrows and skull tee-shirt show Justin's fears and ambivalence toward such loud, "runny-aroundy" kids. As with the first book, the diary format and frequent illustrations will keep kids turning the pages.
November 5, 2014
This very sensitive 4th grade boy is concerned because this summer instead of going to his normal science summer camp he is going to the dreaded summer camp. Where there will be swimming and games and all sorts of not fun activities. As he experiences summer camp he learns new skills and when to set his foot down and say no or join in and learn to like the new activity. This book is about perseverance, standing up for oneself, and enjoying life despite all that it throws at you. The story moves along quickly it doesn’t have a huge climax but the characters are believable and despite the seriousness of the topics the book is light and funny and his dog keeps barfing up gummy worms.
Recommended age 8-12
Reading Level 2nd- 4th grade
October 6, 2012
We used this book for our first book club read and I must say, although the theme was perfect for a July reading...I was a little disappointed. I read this aloud and found it to be hard to follow. I thought it was just me until another parent confirmed. A lot of the language used was hard for the younger kids to flow with. I think it had everything to do with the age group of our children. There were some cute and funny parts but I would definitely recommend this for older and experienced readers, 8 and above.
June 19, 2012
A touch of Alvin Ho, a bit of Wimpy Kid, but more reflective. Vail explores the inner and outer life of a geeky kid, just out of 3rd grade, who decides to tackle a sports camp for the summer. She gets the voice down perfectly--boys and girls will find many moments to relate to--mean counselors, the scary kid with all the power, the crushes, the secrets. As someone who has been an adult for a very long time, I was transported back to little confusions, worries, misunderstandings, challenges, and small triumphs. Lots of laughs along with some sweet wisdom. Quite successful!
October 23, 2013
Another read aloud that I really enjoyed with my son... there were a lot of laugh-out-loud parts. The character, Justin, is so relatable as he navigates through all his worries about summer camp. Even though this book is a much easier reading level and focuses on a character who is younger than my son, we enjoyed the book because you could almost see how Justin's misadventures could happen to your child or one you know. Plus, Justin is such a good kid all the way through that it is refreshing to read about a boy who is not mischievous or a troublemaker.
July 20, 2012
Grades 2-5
If you thought Justin had a worrisome and difficult third-grade year, just wait until you read about his summer at Camp GoldenBrook.
After third-grade, Justin is determined to stop worrying so much - until he finds out he's going to a camp that is probably going to kill him - if his flip-flops don't do the job first.
Fans of Alvin Ho or the Wimpy Kid series will love Justin's humorous attempts at bravery, and find Justin to be a welcome friend.
If you thought Justin had a worrisome and difficult third-grade year, just wait until you read about his summer at Camp GoldenBrook.
After third-grade, Justin is determined to stop worrying so much - until he finds out he's going to a camp that is probably going to kill him - if his flip-flops don't do the job first.
Fans of Alvin Ho or the Wimpy Kid series will love Justin's humorous attempts at bravery, and find Justin to be a welcome friend.
August 19, 2014
I read this book with my kids and it left a lasting impression! The 2nd of two books, this time sensory-challenged Justin is subjected to a nightmare of the most athletic of summer camps. The book is told in diary format and you read Justin's daily struggles with games and the dreaded swimming. In the end, Justin does come out of it all stronger and shining bright. I'm ready for the next Justin Case!
March 2, 2015
The book was a cool summer camp style story with a lot of challenges for Justin. The story itself had a good steady pace. Some of the characters were really interesting. Justin is the main character who is going to camp. Justin is the most interesting character because he develops a lot throughout the book. There are a few characters that are annoying. Overall SSATHFFOD (Shells, smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of doom) is a really good book and i would recommend this book for everyone.
June 9, 2012
Justin decides to attend a summer camp instead of the science camp he has previously attended. He feels like he doesn't fit in since he is not good at sports or outdoor stuff. Told in his wise beyond his years voice, this story shares Justin's insight into friendship and summer. Amazing he is only going into fourth grade. Looking forward to the next book.
August 26, 2012
My blog partner, Bill, said he thought this Justin Case book was better than the first and I have to agree with him. While Justin is still frightened of many things, it's nice to see him getting a little stronger as well. I'm glad Rachel Vail is letting his character grow and develop. Matthew Cordell's illustrations are perfect.
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