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Camp Outlier #1
Float
From the critically acclaimed author of the Edge of Extinction series comes this fast-paced, action-packed, and heartfelt adventure about a group of kids with uncontrollable abilities, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman, Lisa McMann, and Dan Gutman!
Emerson can float…he just can’t do it very well.
His uncontrollable floating is his RISK factor, which means that he deals with Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind. The last place Emerson wants to be is at a government-mandated summer camp for RISK kids like him, so he’s shocked when he actually starts having fun at camp—and he even makes some new friends.
But it’s not all canoeing and capture the flag at Camp Outlier. The summer of fun takes a serious turn when Emerson and his friends discover that one of their own is hiding a deadly secret that puts all of their lives in danger.
It’s up to the Red Maple boys to save themselves—and everyone like them.
Emerson can float…he just can’t do it very well.
His uncontrollable floating is his RISK factor, which means that he deals with Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind. The last place Emerson wants to be is at a government-mandated summer camp for RISK kids like him, so he’s shocked when he actually starts having fun at camp—and he even makes some new friends.
But it’s not all canoeing and capture the flag at Camp Outlier. The summer of fun takes a serious turn when Emerson and his friends discover that one of their own is hiding a deadly secret that puts all of their lives in danger.
It’s up to the Red Maple boys to save themselves—and everyone like them.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
155 people are currently reading
2907 people want to read
About the author
Laura Martin
11 books353 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 10, 2018
*WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD*
As a librarian, I read a lot of books; it's one of my favorite ways to pass the time. This is the 207th book I've read this year.
"Float" is Laura Martin's third book. Her first two novels, "The Ark Plan" (2016) and "Code Name Flood" (2017), which comprise her "Edge of Extinction" duology, were instant favorites of mine, and I eagerly anticipated whatever she wrote next. I love them so much that, if you haven't read them -- what are you, living under a rock? -- I suggest you finish reading this review, and then immediately snatch up copies of "The Ark Plan" and "Code Name Flood." You know what? Skip that. Do yourself a favor and throw in "Float," as well. Just get your hands on all three of her books. Rush into your favorite bookstore; visit your local library; or download them, if you so desire.
Our main character, Emerson, is a long way from home in Phoenix, Arizona. At the beginning of the story, he finds himself in the Michigan wilderness at a summer camp called Camp Outlier. It's an off-site government facility for RISK kids -- those who deal with Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind. Emerson's RISK factor is that he can float; if not for his weighted vest and rubber-and-metal shoes, he would just drift away. At Camp Outlier, he meets and gets to know other kids who are just like him.
After a bit of a slow start, the story picks up steam and hurtles forward to a well-earned and rewarding conclusion. Along the way, there are high jinks galore and revelations a-plenty. Throw in some time travel and budding romance, and this is the sort of experience I yearned for as a youngster. It makes me wish even more that I could have gone to summer camp as a kid.
In my opinion, Laura Martin has emerged as one of the great new talents writing for middle graders. I think all of her books have been fantastic, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
As a librarian, I read a lot of books; it's one of my favorite ways to pass the time. This is the 207th book I've read this year.
"Float" is Laura Martin's third book. Her first two novels, "The Ark Plan" (2016) and "Code Name Flood" (2017), which comprise her "Edge of Extinction" duology, were instant favorites of mine, and I eagerly anticipated whatever she wrote next. I love them so much that, if you haven't read them -- what are you, living under a rock? -- I suggest you finish reading this review, and then immediately snatch up copies of "The Ark Plan" and "Code Name Flood." You know what? Skip that. Do yourself a favor and throw in "Float," as well. Just get your hands on all three of her books. Rush into your favorite bookstore; visit your local library; or download them, if you so desire.
Our main character, Emerson, is a long way from home in Phoenix, Arizona. At the beginning of the story, he finds himself in the Michigan wilderness at a summer camp called Camp Outlier. It's an off-site government facility for RISK kids -- those who deal with Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind. Emerson's RISK factor is that he can float; if not for his weighted vest and rubber-and-metal shoes, he would just drift away. At Camp Outlier, he meets and gets to know other kids who are just like him.
After a bit of a slow start, the story picks up steam and hurtles forward to a well-earned and rewarding conclusion. Along the way, there are high jinks galore and revelations a-plenty. Throw in some time travel and budding romance, and this is the sort of experience I yearned for as a youngster. It makes me wish even more that I could have gone to summer camp as a kid.
In my opinion, Laura Martin has emerged as one of the great new talents writing for middle graders. I think all of her books have been fantastic, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
June 7, 2020
I was disappointed in this book (after loving Martin’s The Ark Plan) but I’m not sure how much of that was the book’s fault and how much was my own expectations. I was expecting a much bigger, more complicated story that what is delivered but that is no fault of the book. We essentially have a summer camp story featuring kids who have unusual abilities (think X-Men). Emerson, our protagonist, has a RISK factor for floating… he must constantly be anchored by his weighted vest, his weighted shoes… or he could float up through the atmosphere to his death. Hank turns invisible at random (and not always all at once). Andy spontaneously catches fire. Gary sticks to things. I think the point is that none of these would be considered “super powers” – they are RISK factors, things that put the children or those around them in danger. The kids have to deal with the constant anxiety and pressure of this. The hope is that summer camp will be a place where they can be free of all the government intervention, the school accommodations, the societal pressures, the parental anxiety. It’s a great premise. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel it really delivered.
Instead, the plot mostly involved a lot of camp hijinks and chasing after girls… lots of potty humor (lots! Including one whole chapter in which they have to clean the bathroom as a punishment for setting the lake on fire) The main tension comes when we learn that Murphy, one of Emerson’s campmates, is a time traveler – on one of his trips to the future, he sees his own funeral and realizes that sometime during the summer camp, he will time travel and not make it back. Emerson tries to figure out a way to save him. I find even the best written time-travel stories to be somewhat mind-bending; this one was aggravating because we didn’t know all of the time travel rules, and those we did know were constantly being broken. It sort of worked if I didn’t think too hard about it.
Martin is a good writer and I think she meant well with this book. I appreciate the values places on friendship, on getting outdoors, enjoying life, not living in fear, not letting your physical limitations dictate how you’re going to live your life. Based on reviews, most readers loved it. So, I should preface the rest of my review by saying I am clearly not the target audience for this book. That said, some aspects did really bother me.
I’m not such a fuddy-duddy that I would raise an eyebrow at a few instances of “rude humor” but this book was so full potty humor that it almost felt pandering, as if that was the only way to capture the attention of tween boys.
The antics the boys engaged in and the lack of responsibility or accountability really bothered me. The initiation night in which the older boys haze the newbies and make them dress in 80s prom dresses (and one of the boys almost dies due to his RISK factor not being properly monitored); sneaking out at midnight and making a huge bonfire with gasoline (here’s where the setting-the-lake-on-fire comes in); terrifying a bunch of pigs on a farmer’s land by lassoing one (without asking permission from the farmer) and one boy being trampled (but unharmed); sneaking to the girls’ cabin and rifling through their suitcases then tying their clothes together and hanging them in trees outside the cabin (talk about invasion of privacy). I realize it’s not the worst thing these boys could be doing, and in some ways they do get comeuppances for it, but it’s also all just laughed off as good fun and no one really takes accountability or makes amends. Emerson’s conscience prickles him a little sometimes, but he just goes along with what the other guys are doing. That standing by while your buddies do something you believe to be wrong just really bothers me, especially right now with what is happening in the world. This could have been a learning experience for Emerson, realizing that his friends may have good qualities as well as some that are not quite as admirable… he may have learned to speak up for what he thought was right. But, none of that happened. The boys don’t ever seem to learn and mature from these experiences. The point seems to be that they did these things to have fun and go outside their comfort zone (and the book is all about going outside your comfort zone to really live life to the fullest) so yay, let’s do more of the same. I say, there are plenty of ways to go outside your comfort zone without encroaching on or doing harm to other people, animals, property or almost getting yourself killed.
I was also bothered by the way the boy/girl relationships were portrayed. Hank is basically Barney Stinson at twelve years old. He is fun-loving and a good friend but he is obsessed with girls, trying to seek them out and impress them at every opportunity, and one of his top goals at camp is to French kiss one of them. All the boys have a similar goal, though they are less overt. While there is nothing wrong with the blossoming interest, I think it would have been more realistic if at least a few of the boys were not so totally into girls yet (some twelve year old boys aren’t) and I also objected to the way in which their interest plays out. The girls are constantly referred to as “hot” and “smokin’” (even to their faces). We know nothing about them as individual human beings aside from the fact they are good-looking and have RISK factors. Molly, the girl Emerson likes, is pretty and randomly turns into a dog. That is all we know about her for about 2/3 of the book. Later on, she finally has a few brief conversations with Emerson and they bond over both being RISK kids, but she still is not a well-developed character. When Hank finally does get a kiss from one of the girls, he fist pumps the air. But, he’s not able to cross it off his Life List because “there was no tongue.” It just felt kinda disrespectful to me.
Finally, there’s a chapter near the end in which Gary, who is pretty morose for most of the book, finally bursts out that he feels all the RISK kids are is a liability and a burden to society. That they have nothing positive to contribute to the world and only mess things up. I think it's a really genuine moment, it really touched me. But, if you’re going to share this book with young readers (and, by the way, despite this being marketed to ages 8-12 I personally think 8 or 9 is too young for this book) I encourage you to preview that chapter as well as the end of the book to see if you feel it’s appropriate for your child. I’ve heard some people say that these RISK kids could be seen as a fictional counterpart to many of today’s children who are faced with various labels and accommodations at school and such. I’m not sure what the final takeaway would be here for those real-life kids. If you feel you are basically worthless, is being an accidental hero enough? When is okay for you decide how you want to handle your challenges, throwing caution to the wind perhaps, versus following the advice of parents, doctors or teachers? Part of me cheered Emerson and how much happier he is by the end of camp, and surely the value on being outdoors, setting life goals and celebrating and supporting friendships is worth emulating, but I also am not at all sure I can condone his approach or that it is a realistic or helpful conclusion for real life kids.
Instead, the plot mostly involved a lot of camp hijinks and chasing after girls… lots of potty humor (lots! Including one whole chapter in which they have to clean the bathroom as a punishment for setting the lake on fire) The main tension comes when we learn that Murphy, one of Emerson’s campmates, is a time traveler – on one of his trips to the future, he sees his own funeral and realizes that sometime during the summer camp, he will time travel and not make it back. Emerson tries to figure out a way to save him. I find even the best written time-travel stories to be somewhat mind-bending; this one was aggravating because we didn’t know all of the time travel rules, and those we did know were constantly being broken. It sort of worked if I didn’t think too hard about it.
Martin is a good writer and I think she meant well with this book. I appreciate the values places on friendship, on getting outdoors, enjoying life, not living in fear, not letting your physical limitations dictate how you’re going to live your life. Based on reviews, most readers loved it. So, I should preface the rest of my review by saying I am clearly not the target audience for this book. That said, some aspects did really bother me.
I’m not such a fuddy-duddy that I would raise an eyebrow at a few instances of “rude humor” but this book was so full potty humor that it almost felt pandering, as if that was the only way to capture the attention of tween boys.
The antics the boys engaged in and the lack of responsibility or accountability really bothered me. The initiation night in which the older boys haze the newbies and make them dress in 80s prom dresses (and one of the boys almost dies due to his RISK factor not being properly monitored); sneaking out at midnight and making a huge bonfire with gasoline (here’s where the setting-the-lake-on-fire comes in); terrifying a bunch of pigs on a farmer’s land by lassoing one (without asking permission from the farmer) and one boy being trampled (but unharmed); sneaking to the girls’ cabin and rifling through their suitcases then tying their clothes together and hanging them in trees outside the cabin (talk about invasion of privacy). I realize it’s not the worst thing these boys could be doing, and in some ways they do get comeuppances for it, but it’s also all just laughed off as good fun and no one really takes accountability or makes amends. Emerson’s conscience prickles him a little sometimes, but he just goes along with what the other guys are doing. That standing by while your buddies do something you believe to be wrong just really bothers me, especially right now with what is happening in the world. This could have been a learning experience for Emerson, realizing that his friends may have good qualities as well as some that are not quite as admirable… he may have learned to speak up for what he thought was right. But, none of that happened. The boys don’t ever seem to learn and mature from these experiences. The point seems to be that they did these things to have fun and go outside their comfort zone (and the book is all about going outside your comfort zone to really live life to the fullest) so yay, let’s do more of the same. I say, there are plenty of ways to go outside your comfort zone without encroaching on or doing harm to other people, animals, property or almost getting yourself killed.
I was also bothered by the way the boy/girl relationships were portrayed. Hank is basically Barney Stinson at twelve years old. He is fun-loving and a good friend but he is obsessed with girls, trying to seek them out and impress them at every opportunity, and one of his top goals at camp is to French kiss one of them. All the boys have a similar goal, though they are less overt. While there is nothing wrong with the blossoming interest, I think it would have been more realistic if at least a few of the boys were not so totally into girls yet (some twelve year old boys aren’t) and I also objected to the way in which their interest plays out. The girls are constantly referred to as “hot” and “smokin’” (even to their faces). We know nothing about them as individual human beings aside from the fact they are good-looking and have RISK factors. Molly, the girl Emerson likes, is pretty and randomly turns into a dog. That is all we know about her for about 2/3 of the book. Later on, she finally has a few brief conversations with Emerson and they bond over both being RISK kids, but she still is not a well-developed character. When Hank finally does get a kiss from one of the girls, he fist pumps the air. But, he’s not able to cross it off his Life List because “there was no tongue.” It just felt kinda disrespectful to me.
Finally, there’s a chapter near the end in which Gary, who is pretty morose for most of the book, finally bursts out that he feels all the RISK kids are is a liability and a burden to society. That they have nothing positive to contribute to the world and only mess things up. I think it's a really genuine moment, it really touched me. But, if you’re going to share this book with young readers (and, by the way, despite this being marketed to ages 8-12 I personally think 8 or 9 is too young for this book) I encourage you to preview that chapter as well as the end of the book to see if you feel it’s appropriate for your child. I’ve heard some people say that these RISK kids could be seen as a fictional counterpart to many of today’s children who are faced with various labels and accommodations at school and such. I’m not sure what the final takeaway would be here for those real-life kids. If you feel you are basically worthless, is being an accidental hero enough? When is okay for you decide how you want to handle your challenges, throwing caution to the wind perhaps, versus following the advice of parents, doctors or teachers? Part of me cheered Emerson and how much happier he is by the end of camp, and surely the value on being outdoors, setting life goals and celebrating and supporting friendships is worth emulating, but I also am not at all sure I can condone his approach or that it is a realistic or helpful conclusion for real life kids.
July 7, 2019
Camp hijinks with a group of kids with unique abilities; Emeson can float, Hank can turn parts of his body invisible, Gary sticks to things, Anthony can start on fire and Murphy can travel through time.
June 27, 2019
This is one of those books that has aspects I loved, and aspects that really made me cringe. In the end, it's a book that isn't "OK" ... it's a book that is quite good, with high kid appeal, but with some disturbing flaws that should not have made it past an editor. It's always hard to know what to do with that.
So, on the plus side: great premise, great (overall) execution. A very slightly slow start but the pace picks up quickly and then doesn't slow down. The main characters are a bit flat, but they work for this type of story. Lots of humor and yet still some interesting points to ponder--the RISK kiddos really, for me, are in many ways allegorical representations of kids with disabilities in an absolutely fascinating way. I think most kids will see this and appreciate it. Also, the idea of living life to the fullest, with the subtle reminder that playing outdoors can be as (or more) fun than using electronics, is also an admirable theme.
But. In her author's note, Martin says that the book was inspired by her father's summer camp days, which perhaps explains the sexism in the book--explains it, but does not forgive it. The book might have at least made a little more sense if she'd set it in the 1980's (although even then it would be problematic), but it's set present day. There's hazing (disturbing in itself) which involves forcing boys to wear girls' dresses and put on makeup . . . UGH. A boy catcalls a girl, and it's just funny. UGH. Girls are treated as alien objects, something to be both terrified of and to be conquered (here, the desired conquest is a "french kiss," but still, the implication is that girls are something to be checked off a list, and anyone reading this knows what these boys will put on their list in a few years). Boys smell bad, but girls always somehow smell like flowers, even after they've been playing outside (seriously?? Flowers? I work in a middle school; I can attest this is not true). Also, the boys and girls are kept strategically apart by the camp administration, and their joint activities carefully monitored . . . . it sounds like the place is run by the 1950 Catholic Church. I could go on. It is really hard to believe a book published in 2018, especially one written by a woman, is full of this stuff.
So, love the story, love the concept; I think that middle school kids will enjoy it; but there are other books that I'd recommend before this one. However, it's a PA Young Reader's Choice book, so many of my students will be reading it. I'll be curious to see what they think.
So, on the plus side: great premise, great (overall) execution. A very slightly slow start but the pace picks up quickly and then doesn't slow down. The main characters are a bit flat, but they work for this type of story. Lots of humor and yet still some interesting points to ponder--the RISK kiddos really, for me, are in many ways allegorical representations of kids with disabilities in an absolutely fascinating way. I think most kids will see this and appreciate it. Also, the idea of living life to the fullest, with the subtle reminder that playing outdoors can be as (or more) fun than using electronics, is also an admirable theme.
But. In her author's note, Martin says that the book was inspired by her father's summer camp days, which perhaps explains the sexism in the book--explains it, but does not forgive it. The book might have at least made a little more sense if she'd set it in the 1980's (although even then it would be problematic), but it's set present day. There's hazing (disturbing in itself) which involves forcing boys to wear girls' dresses and put on makeup . . . UGH. A boy catcalls a girl, and it's just funny. UGH. Girls are treated as alien objects, something to be both terrified of and to be conquered (here, the desired conquest is a "french kiss," but still, the implication is that girls are something to be checked off a list, and anyone reading this knows what these boys will put on their list in a few years). Boys smell bad, but girls always somehow smell like flowers, even after they've been playing outside (seriously?? Flowers? I work in a middle school; I can attest this is not true). Also, the boys and girls are kept strategically apart by the camp administration, and their joint activities carefully monitored . . . . it sounds like the place is run by the 1950 Catholic Church. I could go on. It is really hard to believe a book published in 2018, especially one written by a woman, is full of this stuff.
So, love the story, love the concept; I think that middle school kids will enjoy it; but there are other books that I'd recommend before this one. However, it's a PA Young Reader's Choice book, so many of my students will be reading it. I'll be curious to see what they think.
August 13, 2022
My number #1 favorite single book ever. This is my third time reading and I love it! ITs not for everybody to read but its still a awesome book
Still the best single book ever.
5th time reading it I enjoy it more then the first time this is a great book, its got great messages and helps remind me of the smaller things in life.
Still the best single book ever.
5th time reading it I enjoy it more then the first time this is a great book, its got great messages and helps remind me of the smaller things in life.
June 27, 2019
Oh my gosh, I LOVED this book!!! I read this out loud with my 11 year old son. (If it wasn't for that, I would have read this in one sitting.) We both cracked up hysterically during several parts in this book. This book was just plain fun. Great, unique, lovable characters, full of action and tons of humor. There is no way to not finish this book. A situation in the story had me begging to find out how this would end. I am going to really push this book at school when school starts back up in the fall. The students will love this one. I believe it would make a fantastic read aloud as well. I can see students begging the teachers to keep reading. This one got put on my favorites shelf! (My son agrees!)
May 4, 2020
I really wanted to like this one - the idea was interesting and for the most part I really enjoyed the group of boy characters in Cabin Red Maple. The problem was that for a book that centers around a place called Camp Outlier and with strong messages of inclusivity, all the women and girls in the book were really... outliers. They weren't really developed and didn't serve a purpose other than as objects of not-particularly-respectful romantic interest of the group of boys (aside from a few moms and a nurse, none of which were fully developed characters either). I found that hugely disappointing.
May 5, 2022
Boys and I haven't had such a fun read aloud in awhile. Great humor. Some on-the-spot editing to avoid explaining french kissing and young adolescent romance stuff.
January 24, 2022
This middle school reader will be a big hit for kids who like books about kids with special powers. Much like the X-Men universe, these kids are all born with a power. But none of them can control their powers, and at this point on earth, these kids are seen as more of a hinderance than a help to society.
Enter Camp Outlier--a special summer camp where risky kids can bond with others that also have similar social and life challenges. It's not quite like Xavier's school for gifted youngsters, because these kids aren't really taught or helped to refine their skills. But it does give them a place to meet other kindred spirits and form friendships. And like most summer camp stories, they have plenty of adventures.
The characters are endearing. There are some life and death moments and a mystery of sorts. There is also the burgeoning of interest in the opposite sex, so plenty of talk about crushes and girls, but not a lot of action.
It was a fun book. I'd recommend it to most all 5th-6th graders.
Enter Camp Outlier--a special summer camp where risky kids can bond with others that also have similar social and life challenges. It's not quite like Xavier's school for gifted youngsters, because these kids aren't really taught or helped to refine their skills. But it does give them a place to meet other kindred spirits and form friendships. And like most summer camp stories, they have plenty of adventures.
The characters are endearing. There are some life and death moments and a mystery of sorts. There is also the burgeoning of interest in the opposite sex, so plenty of talk about crushes and girls, but not a lot of action.
It was a fun book. I'd recommend it to most all 5th-6th graders.
June 12, 2022
This book was a pure joy!! Lots of laughs and a well thought out premise! Will be continuing this series!
May 14, 2024
Fun idea, some characters are loveable and some are forgettable. Not really homeschool material.
February 19, 2021
This was a fun book - a lighthearted story about finding acceptance and belonging.
July 18, 2023
All of my kids really enjoyed this book as a read-aloud! I did filter out a bit of the potty humor (nothing too inappropriate, but my girls only want so much of it). We're looking forward to the next adventure at Camp Outlier!
June 3, 2020
I thought the dust jacket blurb was misleading (this felt more like a boys-at-camp story to me rather than a save-the-world kind of book that my cover seemed to indicate) but I still really enjoyed it and thought it was a fun and easy-to-read summer book. I would have liked some clearer explanations about some of the kids' "powers" and some things were not really tied up, but overall I liked it a lot.
January 12, 2019
Fun story about a bunch of boys who are first time campers at a summer camp for kids with special powers.
Emerson is our narrator and the boy who floats. He’s never had friends and is surprised when this camp gives him several opportunities to make friends and have fun.
Murphy is a time traveler
Hank can be invisible
Gary sticks to things
Anthony has an incendiary problem
Eli is the counselor
Zeke has on-and-off x-ray vision
Our author does not offer any explanation about how/why these kids have special powers!
Not as good as Boy X by Dan Smith.
Emerson is our narrator and the boy who floats. He’s never had friends and is surprised when this camp gives him several opportunities to make friends and have fun.
Murphy is a time traveler
Hank can be invisible
Gary sticks to things
Anthony has an incendiary problem
Eli is the counselor
Zeke has on-and-off x-ray vision
Our author does not offer any explanation about how/why these kids have special powers!
Not as good as Boy X by Dan Smith.
February 23, 2020
Emerson is not thrilled about being forced by the government to attend a summer camp with other RISK kids. He's sure it is going to be awful. He's also freaked out that he'll lose his weighted vest or shoes and float to the moon (because he floats and has no control over it). And the first night proves his fears well-founded when the oldest campers drag his cabin of youngest campers out for a hazing and don't grab his vest or anything. But as the days go on, Emerson finds it very refreshing to be around other kids who have unique abilities and issues. His cabin mates are quite a mixed bag: Hank has an irrepressible attitude and turns invisible (not always at will), Zeke is legally blind but occasionally has bouts of x-ray vision (and he has a skunk as a service animal), Anthony lights on fire (again, not always at will), Gary has a major bad attitude and gets stuck to stuff (and has no control over when he gets unstuck), and Murphy is jumpy and can time travel (but he has little control over where or when). It soon comes out that Murphy is in danger and the Red Maple cabin must work together to see if they can figure out how to help him while also having the most epic summer possible.
This was absolutely loads of fun. Take a handful of misfits with weird abilities they can't control and are often teased for, all who are sure the summer is going to be miserable except for one wild, crazy, glass always half-full character, shake them together, add a good dose of capture the flag and the outdoors, and a touch of a mystery/problem for them to solve, and you get this book. Make sure you read the author's note about how many of the hijinks and hilarious misadventures the Red Maple cabin have were inspired by her father's true tales from his childhood. To paraphrase what she said, it was a miracle he survived his childhood. But he sure did provide plenty of great inspiration for one very entertaining book! I laughed out loud several times. I really liked the development of Emerson and the other boys' characters as they learn to accept their own unique quirks and each others in the midst of the friendship they develop. The world Martin has built is quite interesting and if she chose to, she could come back and continue to build on these characters. There's a lot of potential for more adventures here and the place the RISK kids hold in the world and the amount of government oversight of them raises a lot of human rights/ethical questions that could spark great discussions. So not only is it super entertaining, there's a bit of depth to the story too. Hand this to reluctant readers, kids who love reading about characters with powers/abilities, and fans of humorous tales. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: Occasionally some words considered mild swear words in some circles/age levels (like crap), nothing more serious than that. No sexual content beyond some little kisses (mostly between some of the guy and girl counselors or oldest kids). Some boys put getting French kissed on these life lists (like bucket lists) they develop, but no one gets to cross that off. Hank sometimes sheds his clothes when he's invisible to go completely unnoticed but since the invisibility can wear off without his control he occasionally streaks (no description of how he looks). There are some perilous situations but everyone makes it out ok with only some scratches and bruises.
This was absolutely loads of fun. Take a handful of misfits with weird abilities they can't control and are often teased for, all who are sure the summer is going to be miserable except for one wild, crazy, glass always half-full character, shake them together, add a good dose of capture the flag and the outdoors, and a touch of a mystery/problem for them to solve, and you get this book. Make sure you read the author's note about how many of the hijinks and hilarious misadventures the Red Maple cabin have were inspired by her father's true tales from his childhood. To paraphrase what she said, it was a miracle he survived his childhood. But he sure did provide plenty of great inspiration for one very entertaining book! I laughed out loud several times. I really liked the development of Emerson and the other boys' characters as they learn to accept their own unique quirks and each others in the midst of the friendship they develop. The world Martin has built is quite interesting and if she chose to, she could come back and continue to build on these characters. There's a lot of potential for more adventures here and the place the RISK kids hold in the world and the amount of government oversight of them raises a lot of human rights/ethical questions that could spark great discussions. So not only is it super entertaining, there's a bit of depth to the story too. Hand this to reluctant readers, kids who love reading about characters with powers/abilities, and fans of humorous tales. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: Occasionally some words considered mild swear words in some circles/age levels (like crap), nothing more serious than that. No sexual content beyond some little kisses (mostly between some of the guy and girl counselors or oldest kids). Some boys put getting French kissed on these life lists (like bucket lists) they develop, but no one gets to cross that off. Hank sometimes sheds his clothes when he's invisible to go completely unnoticed but since the invisibility can wear off without his control he occasionally streaks (no description of how he looks). There are some perilous situations but everyone makes it out ok with only some scratches and bruises.
December 14, 2020
My daughter and I both loved that this book took the "superhero" character trope and turned it on its head, and my son was super pleased to read a book that "had all boys as main characters." (Seriously, there's a dearth of boy-lit out there in MG right now.)
Being born with the power to float sounds fantastic -- if you can control it. If you can't, it's terrifying. You'd float away if you weren't anchored to something, all the time. That's the hard truth of life of a RISK -- Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind -- teen.
So what would summer camp look like? Being tied to the dock while others go swimming in a lake? Tied to your bunk while you sleep? Would you wear huge, clunky, heavy shoes? Maybe a super-heavy vest? You'd still have to be strong enough to carry the darn things and they'd make long hikes and nature trails pure misery.
That's what 12-year-old Emerson finds at Camp Outsider. His first friend, Hank, can turn invisible, but it's a pain to disappear when you're trying to chat up a girl. It's a pain in other ways as well for Hank, who embraces his invisibility and has no qualms about running around naked to be totally invisible.
Then there's Murphy, a teen time-traveler with his own federal agents / body guards who jump all over him when he gets back from his time travels (to prevent anyone else from taking advantage of them).
Gary's known as "Sticky" -- but imagine not being able to choose who or what to stick yourself to, and then being unable to unstick yourself, say, to a rock? Or a tree? For hours, or even days, at a time?
Zeke has "sporadic x-ray vision" and naturally bad eyesight to boot. His therapy skunk, Mr. Stink, makes quite an impression.
Slowly the boys realize Murphy's seen his own death. And they've got to find a way to save him. A fantastic boy book!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Being born with the power to float sounds fantastic -- if you can control it. If you can't, it's terrifying. You'd float away if you weren't anchored to something, all the time. That's the hard truth of life of a RISK -- Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind -- teen.
So what would summer camp look like? Being tied to the dock while others go swimming in a lake? Tied to your bunk while you sleep? Would you wear huge, clunky, heavy shoes? Maybe a super-heavy vest? You'd still have to be strong enough to carry the darn things and they'd make long hikes and nature trails pure misery.
That's what 12-year-old Emerson finds at Camp Outsider. His first friend, Hank, can turn invisible, but it's a pain to disappear when you're trying to chat up a girl. It's a pain in other ways as well for Hank, who embraces his invisibility and has no qualms about running around naked to be totally invisible.
Then there's Murphy, a teen time-traveler with his own federal agents / body guards who jump all over him when he gets back from his time travels (to prevent anyone else from taking advantage of them).
Gary's known as "Sticky" -- but imagine not being able to choose who or what to stick yourself to, and then being unable to unstick yourself, say, to a rock? Or a tree? For hours, or even days, at a time?
Zeke has "sporadic x-ray vision" and naturally bad eyesight to boot. His therapy skunk, Mr. Stink, makes quite an impression.
Slowly the boys realize Murphy's seen his own death. And they've got to find a way to save him. A fantastic boy book!
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
March 10, 2022
After reading (and loving) Laura Martin's Edge of Extinction duology I decided to pick this book up. I have read it twice and I'm planning on reading it hundreds more times. (ok maybe that's an overstatement but I really loved this book) I especially loved how strong the characters were. each had their own distinct voice and their actions really lined up with their characterization. Another rave-worthy aspect is the plot. I loved how she kept the main premise
January 1, 2021
Cute camp novel with fun, inconvenient super powers that over all works well as a metaphor for dis/abilities. Good pacing and characterization made for a quick and fun read.
My only qualm: some overly reductive portrayals of men and boys. Nothing so severe as toxic masculinity, but a few red-flags for me gender-wise. The boys are made to dress in goofy dresses as a humiliation and it isn't clear if it is the goofiness of the dress or the fact that it is a dress that is the humiliating part. The boys are also obsessed with the girls cabin and kissing in a way that kind of dehumanizes the girls. And for a book written by a woman there is a real dirth of female characters that get any kind of character depth.
Fans of Cynthia DeFelice's Fort or Savvy will find a lot to like here.
My only qualm: some overly reductive portrayals of men and boys. Nothing so severe as toxic masculinity, but a few red-flags for me gender-wise. The boys are made to dress in goofy dresses as a humiliation and it isn't clear if it is the goofiness of the dress or the fact that it is a dress that is the humiliating part. The boys are also obsessed with the girls cabin and kissing in a way that kind of dehumanizes the girls. And for a book written by a woman there is a real dirth of female characters that get any kind of character depth.
Fans of Cynthia DeFelice's Fort or Savvy will find a lot to like here.
June 10, 2022
Float by Laura Martin
345 pages
Topics: friendships, camp, differences, acceptance
Recommended: grades 4+
Emerson goes to Camp Outlier for the summer. He is a RISK person. This means he has a government rating of level five. He has to wear a weighted vest and weighted shoes to keep him grounded because gravity does not affect him and he can float!
RISK- reoccurring incidents of the strange kind
(Puff of smoke, flash of color, Head to toe protective gear, magnetic, ). Outcasts- The risk protective laws have been passed in the labeling evaluation systems were created allowed these children to go to regular schools.
Red Maple -12 yo Cabin
Hank- invisibility - uncontrollable - funny
Eli-counselor- shape changer
Gary- sticky, level 3, short, angry Dad
Zeke- sporadic X-ray vision , pet skunk
Anthony- spontaneous combustion
Murphy- travel time, skinny redhead, came with lots of security, TTBI ( Time traveling bureau of investigation)
Ch2- Team hides Flag for capture the flag. Emerson can’t run so Hank throws his weighted shoes in the lake. Eli takes the other one, tied their flag to it and tosses it in too. Emerson has to rely on his vest to keep him grounded.
Ch 3- Barracks have 1 large shower, making Emerson uncomfortable. At diner Gary gets KP duty. Murphy visits himself from another time. They meet some girls from the Monachs cabin. Lights out- Gary writes letter home to mom to come get him.
Ch5- The boys from cabin Redwood kidnap Red Maples. Bring them in woods and either the help of girls put them in dresses and makeup. They have to didn’t heir way back to camp. Meanwhile Emerson is floating and has no vest or tether.
Ch 6- capture the flag game includes Emerson’s sun Anthony getting caught while naked invisible Hank frees them. Murphy goes missing and Mr. Blue has Eli put the red rocks in a circle where he was last seen.
Ch 7-Murphy returns and confessed to Emerson that he dies during the summer. The camp was his last Make a Wish. He sees his friends at his funeral. His parents know and have accepted. Hank overhears and vows to stop it from happening.
Ch 8- Hank and Emerson make a list of crazy ideas to stop Murph from time traveling so he can’t disappear/die.
Ch 9-Hank convinced Emerson and Murphy to take a retired canoe out on the lake to serenade girls. It had snakes and a hole in it
Ch 10-The boys sneak out the cabin to have a bonfire with hot chicks. (An item in their life list aka bucket list)
Ch 11- the boys get caught throwing the gasoline can and lit twigs into the lake- which catches on fire! They have to clean the bathroom with toothbrushes. All the boys know about Murphy and want to help.
Ch 12-more plans to save Murphy. His future self shares that he lays until the lat week of camp. This chapter ends with letter home from zeke. (His skunk sneezes before Murphy time travels. )
Ch 13- The boys hike ten miles to an overnight campsite. Dig a Latrine . In the way Hank flirts with Girls by reciting Shakespeare.
Ch 14- future Murphy warns Emerson not to tell the TTBI about the four guys he talked to- Emerson is confused. Gary calls Emerson a RISK reject which is the worst insult ever. He walks into woods and gets his hand stuck to a tree while peeing. He has to have the group us acid to burn the tree off his hand. He gives a sincere apology to Emerson.
Ch 15-Emerson talks to Molly- nervous but it goes okay. Gary’s Wikipedia knowledge becomes more evident. They hike to a new camp with a farm/barn nearby.
Ch 16- Murphy wants to lasso a pig. His hand gets stuck in the rope and pig drags him. The boys end up in a pig poo fight until the owner Arnie Bickle comes out and stops them. Murphy has checked off an item in his life list.
Ch 17- The boys return to camp and soapy shower off the pig. Camp fire with girls and s’mores makes everyone relax. Emerson holds Mollys hand and she turns into a cocker spaniel and licks his face.
Ch 18- the team win capture the flag by distracting the other team with Hank and Murphy in dresses while Gary lefts Emerson float up to the branch and get the flags. They run back to camp and Zeke sneezes- Emerson grabs Gary’s hand and has him touch Murphy- unfortunately Gary’s other hand was stuck to the rope tied to Emerson.
Ch 19- Emerson and Gary time travel with Murphy and almost get shot by hunters. Gary blabs about being a time traveler and the men try to capture them for reward. The pop back tot the present and coerce a story to tell the TTBI. Emerson tells Murphy that future Murphy had earned him to not say anything about the hunters. They Agee to say they just wandered in woods and came back.
Ch 20-midnight meeting to debrief the events of the day and tell Hank etc what happened. They agree to come back next year and help Murphy pay back the Make a Wish foundation .
Ch 21-last day of camp included a prank on Monarch girls (tying ALL their clothes together) a polar plunge, and getting Emerson’s shoes out of the lake. When parent arrive to pick up kids there are lots of hugs and Emerson’s mom didn’t recognize him with his Mohawk, tan and black eye. She does recognize Murphy from last summer - except he was older version and Emerson has to change the subject before she talks too much. Molly wears his sweatshirt and says she’ll see him next year. Hank gives everyone alerted with things to accomplish by next summer. Emerson has grown so much.
345 pages
Topics: friendships, camp, differences, acceptance
Recommended: grades 4+
Emerson goes to Camp Outlier for the summer. He is a RISK person. This means he has a government rating of level five. He has to wear a weighted vest and weighted shoes to keep him grounded because gravity does not affect him and he can float!
RISK- reoccurring incidents of the strange kind
(Puff of smoke, flash of color, Head to toe protective gear, magnetic, ). Outcasts- The risk protective laws have been passed in the labeling evaluation systems were created allowed these children to go to regular schools.
Red Maple -12 yo Cabin
Hank- invisibility - uncontrollable - funny
Eli-counselor- shape changer
Gary- sticky, level 3, short, angry Dad
Zeke- sporadic X-ray vision , pet skunk
Anthony- spontaneous combustion
Murphy- travel time, skinny redhead, came with lots of security, TTBI ( Time traveling bureau of investigation)
Ch2- Team hides Flag for capture the flag. Emerson can’t run so Hank throws his weighted shoes in the lake. Eli takes the other one, tied their flag to it and tosses it in too. Emerson has to rely on his vest to keep him grounded.
Ch 3- Barracks have 1 large shower, making Emerson uncomfortable. At diner Gary gets KP duty. Murphy visits himself from another time. They meet some girls from the Monachs cabin. Lights out- Gary writes letter home to mom to come get him.
Ch5- The boys from cabin Redwood kidnap Red Maples. Bring them in woods and either the help of girls put them in dresses and makeup. They have to didn’t heir way back to camp. Meanwhile Emerson is floating and has no vest or tether.
Ch 6- capture the flag game includes Emerson’s sun Anthony getting caught while naked invisible Hank frees them. Murphy goes missing and Mr. Blue has Eli put the red rocks in a circle where he was last seen.
Ch 7-Murphy returns and confessed to Emerson that he dies during the summer. The camp was his last Make a Wish. He sees his friends at his funeral. His parents know and have accepted. Hank overhears and vows to stop it from happening.
Ch 8- Hank and Emerson make a list of crazy ideas to stop Murph from time traveling so he can’t disappear/die.
Ch 9-Hank convinced Emerson and Murphy to take a retired canoe out on the lake to serenade girls. It had snakes and a hole in it
Ch 10-The boys sneak out the cabin to have a bonfire with hot chicks. (An item in their life list aka bucket list)
Ch 11- the boys get caught throwing the gasoline can and lit twigs into the lake- which catches on fire! They have to clean the bathroom with toothbrushes. All the boys know about Murphy and want to help.
Ch 12-more plans to save Murphy. His future self shares that he lays until the lat week of camp. This chapter ends with letter home from zeke. (His skunk sneezes before Murphy time travels. )
Ch 13- The boys hike ten miles to an overnight campsite. Dig a Latrine . In the way Hank flirts with Girls by reciting Shakespeare.
Ch 14- future Murphy warns Emerson not to tell the TTBI about the four guys he talked to- Emerson is confused. Gary calls Emerson a RISK reject which is the worst insult ever. He walks into woods and gets his hand stuck to a tree while peeing. He has to have the group us acid to burn the tree off his hand. He gives a sincere apology to Emerson.
Ch 15-Emerson talks to Molly- nervous but it goes okay. Gary’s Wikipedia knowledge becomes more evident. They hike to a new camp with a farm/barn nearby.
Ch 16- Murphy wants to lasso a pig. His hand gets stuck in the rope and pig drags him. The boys end up in a pig poo fight until the owner Arnie Bickle comes out and stops them. Murphy has checked off an item in his life list.
Ch 17- The boys return to camp and soapy shower off the pig. Camp fire with girls and s’mores makes everyone relax. Emerson holds Mollys hand and she turns into a cocker spaniel and licks his face.
Ch 18- the team win capture the flag by distracting the other team with Hank and Murphy in dresses while Gary lefts Emerson float up to the branch and get the flags. They run back to camp and Zeke sneezes- Emerson grabs Gary’s hand and has him touch Murphy- unfortunately Gary’s other hand was stuck to the rope tied to Emerson.
Ch 19- Emerson and Gary time travel with Murphy and almost get shot by hunters. Gary blabs about being a time traveler and the men try to capture them for reward. The pop back tot the present and coerce a story to tell the TTBI. Emerson tells Murphy that future Murphy had earned him to not say anything about the hunters. They Agee to say they just wandered in woods and came back.
Ch 20-midnight meeting to debrief the events of the day and tell Hank etc what happened. They agree to come back next year and help Murphy pay back the Make a Wish foundation .
Ch 21-last day of camp included a prank on Monarch girls (tying ALL their clothes together) a polar plunge, and getting Emerson’s shoes out of the lake. When parent arrive to pick up kids there are lots of hugs and Emerson’s mom didn’t recognize him with his Mohawk, tan and black eye. She does recognize Murphy from last summer - except he was older version and Emerson has to change the subject before she talks too much. Molly wears his sweatshirt and says she’ll see him next year. Hank gives everyone alerted with things to accomplish by next summer. Emerson has grown so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
It's difficult to articulate why this book touched me so, but if you have a child in your life with special needs I think you should read this book. They truly do have super powers!!
February 19, 2019
Laura Martin’s book “Float” follows a young RISK kid named Emerson and his summer. RISK means some sort of paranormal ability such as Emerson’s ability to float. People with these abilities are outcasts of society and have a lot shorter life span than normal people. Emerson is sent to summer camp for the summer by his mom. Camp Outlier is a camp for RISK kids to make them fit in and feel normal. There we meet other RISK kids like Hank who can be invisible and Murphy who time travels. When reading the book we learn that Murphy is going to die. He is going to time travel and never come back. Now the campers have to work in secret trying to find a way not to make Murphy teleport. They end up saving him but not in the way they thought.
The book talks a lot about death and quality of life. Is it better to live longer by not doing anything or experiencing a lot but die younger? Why we age by year? Can you consider it aging if you just lie in your sofa doing nothing? The Campers we follow came up with this idea of a life-list. You mark these things you want to do and when you do those you age. This means you don’t age by year rather by living. In the book when Murphy realized that he is going to die he gave up on everything. He stopped caring and started “living” by crossing off things from his life-list by rapid pace. If you knew you were going to die what would you do? Not knowing when and why could be scary. But we all know that we are going to die at some point. Death is inevitable. Some of us die younger some of us older. It his something that everybody experiences. I think the book is trying to teach us not to care about death and just try to experience as much as you can before death knocks on your door.
The book is humoristic in its own way. I would recommend this book for teens who are thirteen to sixteen years old. The book fits into the genre of humor. The book follows kid’s that are 13-17 years old. They do all sort of activities that this age group might find fun. It is a fast-paced story which makes you laugh and makes you remember your own memories from summer.
The book talks a lot about death and quality of life. Is it better to live longer by not doing anything or experiencing a lot but die younger? Why we age by year? Can you consider it aging if you just lie in your sofa doing nothing? The Campers we follow came up with this idea of a life-list. You mark these things you want to do and when you do those you age. This means you don’t age by year rather by living. In the book when Murphy realized that he is going to die he gave up on everything. He stopped caring and started “living” by crossing off things from his life-list by rapid pace. If you knew you were going to die what would you do? Not knowing when and why could be scary. But we all know that we are going to die at some point. Death is inevitable. Some of us die younger some of us older. It his something that everybody experiences. I think the book is trying to teach us not to care about death and just try to experience as much as you can before death knocks on your door.
The book is humoristic in its own way. I would recommend this book for teens who are thirteen to sixteen years old. The book fits into the genre of humor. The book follows kid’s that are 13-17 years old. They do all sort of activities that this age group might find fun. It is a fast-paced story which makes you laugh and makes you remember your own memories from summer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2018
This book was almost the most best book I have ever read, not because of the kissing and romance parts,but because of the adventurous and dangerous parts. Those are my favorite parts next to drama scenes. :D I loved how they have powers that they can't really control because that causes most of the adventure that happens in the book. I really love a good book that involves powers or adventure.
This book is about a guy named Emerson that goes to a camp called " Camp Outlier". That camp is for kids who have RISK factors ( which is another way to say kids with powers that they can't handle.) that they have trouble controlling. Emerson meets new friends and discovers their RISK factors. His best friend Henry who likes to be called Hank, can become invisibility and another friend named Murphy that can see the future and past, but it happens so suddenly, it literally hurts and he always see's scary things in his visions. His other friend named Anthony, can light his body on fire while another guy named Zeke can see through walls/ X-ray vision while being legally blind without his glasses. Lastly there is a guy named Gary that has inconvenient stickiness. Murphy figures out that he is going to die during camp and makes Hank and Emerson not tell anybody, because they can get in big trouble. The boys try to find a way to stop Murphy from dying and also try to hide it from the TTBI. Will they be able to stop Murphy from dying or will they fail and sadly leave without him when they leave camp and let the prophecy be true?
This book is about a guy named Emerson that goes to a camp called " Camp Outlier". That camp is for kids who have RISK factors ( which is another way to say kids with powers that they can't handle.) that they have trouble controlling. Emerson meets new friends and discovers their RISK factors. His best friend Henry who likes to be called Hank, can become invisibility and another friend named Murphy that can see the future and past, but it happens so suddenly, it literally hurts and he always see's scary things in his visions. His other friend named Anthony, can light his body on fire while another guy named Zeke can see through walls/ X-ray vision while being legally blind without his glasses. Lastly there is a guy named Gary that has inconvenient stickiness. Murphy figures out that he is going to die during camp and makes Hank and Emerson not tell anybody, because they can get in big trouble. The boys try to find a way to stop Murphy from dying and also try to hide it from the TTBI. Will they be able to stop Murphy from dying or will they fail and sadly leave without him when they leave camp and let the prophecy be true?
August 7, 2018
Ok - I really REALLY liked this book, and now I'm excited for whatever Laura Martin has up her sleeve next! I'd love a sequel to this (the book leaves it open for one), but even if this ends up as a standalone, I think it's worth the read.
Emerson lives in a world where certain people are born with RISK factors, or Reoccuring Incidents of the Strange Kind. No one can control their RISK factors, and they’re often dangerous or even deadly. Emerson’s RISK factor is uncontrollable floating, meaning he has to wear a weighted vest and lead shoes everywhere he goes. He also has a terrible fear of heights, which makes throwing up and screaming while floating a frequent occurrence.
For the first time, RISK kids are being forced by the government to be monitored all summer, for ~their safety~. Emerson’s mom enrolls him in a government summer camp called ‘Camp Outlier’ where he becomes cabinmates with 5 other RISK boys – Hank, who is inconveniently invisible, Anthony, who bursts into flame, Zeke with unpredictable X-Ray vision, Gary, with literal sticky fingers, and Murphy, an unintentional time traveler.
As camp goes on, a terrible mystery surrounding Murphy and his time travelling comes to light, and it’s up to the boys to save their friend, themselves, and their summer. This is a camp read you won’t forget any time soon! Perfect for summer :)
Emerson lives in a world where certain people are born with RISK factors, or Reoccuring Incidents of the Strange Kind. No one can control their RISK factors, and they’re often dangerous or even deadly. Emerson’s RISK factor is uncontrollable floating, meaning he has to wear a weighted vest and lead shoes everywhere he goes. He also has a terrible fear of heights, which makes throwing up and screaming while floating a frequent occurrence.
For the first time, RISK kids are being forced by the government to be monitored all summer, for ~their safety~. Emerson’s mom enrolls him in a government summer camp called ‘Camp Outlier’ where he becomes cabinmates with 5 other RISK boys – Hank, who is inconveniently invisible, Anthony, who bursts into flame, Zeke with unpredictable X-Ray vision, Gary, with literal sticky fingers, and Murphy, an unintentional time traveler.
As camp goes on, a terrible mystery surrounding Murphy and his time travelling comes to light, and it’s up to the boys to save their friend, themselves, and their summer. This is a camp read you won’t forget any time soon! Perfect for summer :)
July 9, 2022
I loved Laura Martin's Glitch so I was very excited about this book. I read the ebook (I make note of that mostly because I typically listen to audios).
First off the concept is really fun. It seems like a familiar genre, a group of kids with special powers are grouped up in one place. They are all stuck together at camp for kids with special powers. What kid wouldn't find this?
It's fun and fast-paced and has a strong enough storyline that threads through the text to hold kids' attention. It's summer camp fun with the twist of superpowers. I might go so far as to think it has a Goonies or Stand By Me vibe in the motley group of friends aspect.
There are a lot of great messages about getting out of your comfort zone, taking Risks and putting yourself out there for the world. Enjoying and making the most of life. At the end what I really loved were the very clear messages about putting away electronics and getting back to things that really matter, exciting life journies. It wasn't a message throughout the book but BAM it was loud and proud right in the last couple of pages. As an adult, I was definitely cheering. It didn't sound preachy, after the storyline it seemed genuine and not forced.
I'm not convinced it's a great purchase for a K-5 library. It might be better in a middle school library. Read it yourself and decide.
First off the concept is really fun. It seems like a familiar genre, a group of kids with special powers are grouped up in one place. They are all stuck together at camp for kids with special powers. What kid wouldn't find this?
It's fun and fast-paced and has a strong enough storyline that threads through the text to hold kids' attention. It's summer camp fun with the twist of superpowers. I might go so far as to think it has a Goonies or Stand By Me vibe in the motley group of friends aspect.
There are a lot of great messages about getting out of your comfort zone, taking Risks and putting yourself out there for the world. Enjoying and making the most of life. At the end what I really loved were the very clear messages about putting away electronics and getting back to things that really matter, exciting life journies. It wasn't a message throughout the book but BAM it was loud and proud right in the last couple of pages. As an adult, I was definitely cheering. It didn't sound preachy, after the storyline it seemed genuine and not forced.
I'm not convinced it's a great purchase for a K-5 library. It might be better in a middle school library. Read it yourself and decide.
May 8, 2025
My mom got this book from the library for me and my brothers to read as kids...
Little did I know that it was about to become one of my most favorite books ever!!!
Boys with weird uncontrollable abilities at summer camp learning what it really means to live...I mean what's not to love? Or go wrong? I'll admit, this book has the kind of humor that little kids will love, but so may some adults! You are herby warned, but honestly, the level that this sense of humor goes to is not over the top or crude in any way.
I love the suprising wisdom of Hank...that life is meant to be lived in the here and now, in the moment. Would you rather stand by and just watch your life happen without you? Or are you going to jump in with both feet and get dirty in the pigpen of life? Sure, you'll mess up. Sure, there are things that will happen that you don't like and didn't plan for. But how can you make the most of it? How can you make memories like these boys did?
This is a summer they certainly will not forget...
And I want to be just like them!
Little did I know that it was about to become one of my most favorite books ever!!!
Boys with weird uncontrollable abilities at summer camp learning what it really means to live...I mean what's not to love? Or go wrong? I'll admit, this book has the kind of humor that little kids will love, but so may some adults! You are herby warned, but honestly, the level that this sense of humor goes to is not over the top or crude in any way.
I love the suprising wisdom of Hank...that life is meant to be lived in the here and now, in the moment. Would you rather stand by and just watch your life happen without you? Or are you going to jump in with both feet and get dirty in the pigpen of life? Sure, you'll mess up. Sure, there are things that will happen that you don't like and didn't plan for. But how can you make the most of it? How can you make memories like these boys did?
This is a summer they certainly will not forget...
And I want to be just like them!
July 11, 2018
I bought this on a whim, and I ended up reading the whole thing in one day, which is unusual for me. It absolutely sucked me in--great characters, great pacing, hilarious situations, and the whole story has a surprisingly touching and life-affirming message. I closed the book with a happy and very satisfied sigh.
I'm sure I'm not the target demographic the author had in mind. I bet she was thinking it would be picked up by kids in late elementary school and middle school. I'm sure kids like that would love it, but I'm a 45 year old man, married, with two kids, and I totally, totally enjoyed it anyway. Maybe that's a testament to my level of (im)maturity, but I like to think it's because Laura Martin is such a wonderful writer. I'd never heard of her before, but now I want to read more by her. I hope she makes this into a series--I'd love to follow these characters and see how they grow.
I highly, highly recommend it.
I'm sure I'm not the target demographic the author had in mind. I bet she was thinking it would be picked up by kids in late elementary school and middle school. I'm sure kids like that would love it, but I'm a 45 year old man, married, with two kids, and I totally, totally enjoyed it anyway. Maybe that's a testament to my level of (im)maturity, but I like to think it's because Laura Martin is such a wonderful writer. I'd never heard of her before, but now I want to read more by her. I hope she makes this into a series--I'd love to follow these characters and see how they grow.
I highly, highly recommend it.
July 31, 2018
4 stars. Middle grade summer camp romp with a fantasy twist--all the teenage campers have RISK factors. That is, Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind like floating, bursting into flames, x-ray vision, inconvenient invisibility, sticking to whatever you touch, or even time traveling. Those happen to be the individual traits of the 6 boys in Red Maple Cabin. Add to that the more typical pubescent traits of boys their age like trying to impress the Monarch Cabin girls, mix in the usual summer camp activities and escapades, and add in the complication of knowing one of their group might not survive the summer and you have a book full of humor, adventure, and begrudging teamwork that only this kind of summer could morph into tried and true friendship.
January 4, 2019
The "RISK" children have genetic mutation that set them apart from other children and society. Some can become invisible, some will float away if not tethered, some will spontaneously combust, some have x-ray vision, and some can time travel. None of them have great control over their abilities. This summer they meet at the government run Camp O. At first it doesn't seem to go well, then they discover how freeing it is to be just themselves. They start to bond and help each other out. They realize that they all have social or family problems and learn compassion. The main characters are thirteen and fourteen year old boys who have a great adventures that will make you laugh out loud!
February 26, 2021
Float by Laura Martin is about a boy named Emerson. Emerson is unusual because he floats into the air and he cannot control it, so he has to wear a heavy vest and shoes. Emerson's mom tells him he will have to spend the summer at with other kids with unusual abilities like invisibility and X-ray vision. At first, Emerson is angry, but at camp, he makes lots of new friends. But one day Emerson finds out that his friend Murphy, who time travels, will die at the end of the summer. Emerson and the other campers in his cabin try desperately to stop Murphy from dying. What will Emerson do? To find out, read the book. I think Float teaches that friends are one of the best things. I like this book because it is humorous. I hope you will too.
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