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Sami's Sleepaway Summer
Is Sami ready for summer camp . . . and is camp ready for her?
Samantha "Sami" Bloom is going to sleepaway camp for the first time. Sami's big sister, Maya, has always loved her summers at Camp Cedar Lake, but Sami isn't so sure she'll feel the same way. She's nervous about being away from home, trying new food, and doing the super-scary ropes course. Worst of all, Sami's annoying cousin, Daniel, is attending the same camp. It's sure to be a disaster!
But Sami never counted on delicious Shabbat dinners, funny new friends, and more than a handful of surprises -- one including Daniel himself.
No matter what, this will be a summer to remember!
Samantha "Sami" Bloom is going to sleepaway camp for the first time. Sami's big sister, Maya, has always loved her summers at Camp Cedar Lake, but Sami isn't so sure she'll feel the same way. She's nervous about being away from home, trying new food, and doing the super-scary ropes course. Worst of all, Sami's annoying cousin, Daniel, is attending the same camp. It's sure to be a disaster!
But Sami never counted on delicious Shabbat dinners, funny new friends, and more than a handful of surprises -- one including Daniel himself.
No matter what, this will be a summer to remember!
- GenresChildrens
120 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2012
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Meyerhoff
17 books22 followers"As a child in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Jenny Meyerhoff often read a book a night. In third grade, she readAre You There God? It’s Me, Margaret twenty-one times. Her first attempt at a children’s book, The Leprechaun Who Never Found a Pot of Gold, was written when she was in first grade. From that moment on, Jenny has dreamed of becoming a professional children’s book writer.
Jenny studied creative writing at the University of Michigan, and received her master’s degree in education at Northwestern University. She then became a kindergarten teacher because, in addition to loving children’s books, Jenny enjoys sitting on the floor. (That’s also why she practices yoga.)
Jenny is now a full-time writer and a full-time mom, which means that she never sleeps. She lives in Riverwoods, Illinois, with her husband and three children." (http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennym...)
Jenny studied creative writing at the University of Michigan, and received her master’s degree in education at Northwestern University. She then became a kindergarten teacher because, in addition to loving children’s books, Jenny enjoys sitting on the floor. (That’s also why she practices yoga.)
Jenny is now a full-time writer and a full-time mom, which means that she never sleeps. She lives in Riverwoods, Illinois, with her husband and three children." (http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennym...)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 11, 2025
Cute little book I read on a camping weekend. Better for older/middle elementary. It’s a quick read and might be good for those considering camp the first time, or even if you need a light summer read. The whole thing takes place over about 5 days. The story doesn’t drag and the kids are cute, if not a little annoying.
May 23, 2013
I picked up this cute little book as something I could read to my campers this summer (and also to prepare me for camp counseling).
This book is suitable for late elementary to early middle school students (the main character is nine years old). I did not realize that the characters were Jewish until I actually started the book, but I think the references to Judaism were appropriate for the age level and provided a sense of peace for Sami in the tumult of her first overnight camping experience. The plot is well developed, shows multi-dimensional characters, and provides a positive experience relating to summer camping.
I recommend this book!
This book is suitable for late elementary to early middle school students (the main character is nine years old). I did not realize that the characters were Jewish until I actually started the book, but I think the references to Judaism were appropriate for the age level and provided a sense of peace for Sami in the tumult of her first overnight camping experience. The plot is well developed, shows multi-dimensional characters, and provides a positive experience relating to summer camping.
I recommend this book!
August 14, 2018
Love the character of Sami and Meyerhoff does a marvelous job conveying the feelings of a kid like her. Love the Yiddish element!
April 8, 2025
**Possible Spoilers??**
This is the first book I've read by this author. I normally enjoy books meant for this age group. This one, however, was not enjoyed. I hate saying this, but it's the truth. The entire book is just one big whine-fest. The main character, a girl called Sami, is an annoying, whining, chicken. She hates all but eleven foods, she's scared of all camp activities, she's scared to be away from home (only four days/three nights mind you), and she is a little you-know-what towards her sister and cousin. I will admit that her cousin deserves her initial distaste. I honestly think the kid just needs a good swift kick in the tuchus. On the whole, it's a very aggravating book. The only positive I can think of is that if you have a Jewish little girl that is driving you nuts about having to go to summer camp, then maybe this will help her.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I normally enjoy books meant for this age group. This one, however, was not enjoyed. I hate saying this, but it's the truth. The entire book is just one big whine-fest. The main character, a girl called Sami, is an annoying, whining, chicken. She hates all but eleven foods, she's scared of all camp activities, she's scared to be away from home (only four days/three nights mind you), and she is a little you-know-what towards her sister and cousin. I will admit that her cousin deserves her initial distaste. I honestly think the kid just needs a good swift kick in the tuchus. On the whole, it's a very aggravating book. The only positive I can think of is that if you have a Jewish little girl that is driving you nuts about having to go to summer camp, then maybe this will help her.
August 2, 2023
It's another Green Eggs and Ham! Except Jewish and camp!
Like, 100% predictable, Girl doesn't want to go to camp, Parents force her to go, she takes the entire trip to admit she likes it (except for like a few things but learns they aren't so bad with friends to share the experience with).
The good addition is "Everyone should do most things but you don't HAVE to do anything that makes you uncomfortable." Although she did try the green eggs and ham (tofu) and didn't like it, fair enough, they didn't force her to have more.
Like, 100% predictable, Girl doesn't want to go to camp, Parents force her to go, she takes the entire trip to admit she likes it (except for like a few things but learns they aren't so bad with friends to share the experience with).
The good addition is "Everyone should do most things but you don't HAVE to do anything that makes you uncomfortable." Although she did try the green eggs and ham (tofu) and didn't like it, fair enough, they didn't force her to have more.
September 3, 2023
Overall a cute and sweet enough book to add to my youngest book group.
I was concerned that Sami would be coerced into thinking camp was great without any actual evidence that camp was great *for her*, but there are enough moments when camp is genuinely a good experience for Sami. Friendship is handled well and the experience of having sisters at camp is also handled well. The camp counselors are pretty good at their jobs, although they are also pretty flat characters.
This isn’t a book to rock the world, but it’s charming and likable and has plenty to talk about with 7-8 year olds.
I was concerned that Sami would be coerced into thinking camp was great without any actual evidence that camp was great *for her*, but there are enough moments when camp is genuinely a good experience for Sami. Friendship is handled well and the experience of having sisters at camp is also handled well. The camp counselors are pretty good at their jobs, although they are also pretty flat characters.
This isn’t a book to rock the world, but it’s charming and likable and has plenty to talk about with 7-8 year olds.
March 14, 2019
Cute story about a girl learning to like sleep away camp. It had some cool Yiddish words and Jewish fables.
June 7, 2021
Decent book for 1st-2nd graders. Not particularly mind blowing for me, but, nothing stood out as exceptionally bad either.
June 22, 2021
Cute and quick read. Learn to try and like new things with Sami while she stays overnight at a summer camp and make new friends.
July 22, 2021
This was a fun summer book.
May 4, 2015
This was a great book and a quick read. The book was amazing and it really helps make girls that are scared to go to a sleep away camp not so scare anymore. I know it helped me. Overall it was a fantastic book with great morals.
January 16, 2016
Super cute and helped me go to sleep away camp for the first time.If you are nervous about sleepaway camp this is the book for you.(Remember this is a jewish book).
February 6, 2017
Short read.Good for kids that are scared of going to camp that away form home.Good reads for ages 9&up
April 21, 2017
Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer
I got Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer in the mail and I read it seven times. It is such a good book and there is so much to learn. The main characters are Sammi, Maya, Mom, Becca, Yael, Gabby, and Dainel. My favorite character is Sammi because she is the main character and because she loves to sing. I love her personality.
The problem is that Sammi does not want to go to camp and she is very worried about her food, clothes, and activities. Sammi is very nervous for camp because she does not know anyone except for her sister.
At the end of the book you should see how Sammi feels. At the end of the book I felt good inside. I felt happy. I think you will feel the same way.
I recommend this book to you because you can learn a lot like new songs, mottos, and feelings. You will love this book. So I hope you read Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer. Enjoy Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer! Can’t wait to here comments.
- Racheli
I got Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer in the mail and I read it seven times. It is such a good book and there is so much to learn. The main characters are Sammi, Maya, Mom, Becca, Yael, Gabby, and Dainel. My favorite character is Sammi because she is the main character and because she loves to sing. I love her personality.
The problem is that Sammi does not want to go to camp and she is very worried about her food, clothes, and activities. Sammi is very nervous for camp because she does not know anyone except for her sister.
At the end of the book you should see how Sammi feels. At the end of the book I felt good inside. I felt happy. I think you will feel the same way.
I recommend this book to you because you can learn a lot like new songs, mottos, and feelings. You will love this book. So I hope you read Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer. Enjoy Sammi’s Sleep Away Summer! Can’t wait to here comments.
- Racheli
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews