Camp Strange

by Renee Perez

After destroying the school gym by igniting a 3.7 earthquake with his science fair project volcano, Ezekiel Raroso recalls a lifetime of strange occurrences (including his family never talking about the father he’s never met) which have made him a target for the school bully’s wedgies. Lucky for him, school is out for the summer and his mom is sending him to camp to get away from his misfortunes.

On the bus ride to camp he quickly realizes something is strange as the bus driver sends the bus flying off the side of a mountain and it continues to fly.

When Ezekiel reaches camp he quickly learns not is all as it seems. He has a run in with a sassy barfing gargoyle, meets a Master Chef Cyclops, and is pretty sure a minatour just walked by in a Hanson band T-shirt.

Oh yeah, and the kids are strange just like him.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Juvenile

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2019

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

Sort of a cross between Harry Potter and Out Of This World, as a kid finds out he isn't really human, but fey. He goes to camp, where he finds out he has all kinds of powers, and that there's a struggle between good and evil.

Not a classic, but somewhat entertaining.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camp Strange is a story of magic and fantasy with all the elements fantasy lovers crave.

Our main character is Ezekiel Raroso who is unfortunately bullied at school. Unknown to him is that he has magic in his blood. Therefore when strange things happen around him such as the disastrous eruption of his science project, he starts thinking of himself as just weird. This is not helping his self-esteem. Ezekiel has a few friends at school, but for the most part, he is shunned and bullied. His loving family has never told him the truth about his past, even after Ezekiel’s powers become too strong to cover up or explain away. This is the point when his parents ship him off to magic camp. Or Camp Strange, as Ezekiel refers to it. Here is where the story turns somewhat Harry Potterish. That’s definitely not a bad thing.

You will meet the Faerman children at this camp such as is Ezekiel. His good nature allows him to make friends with other Fledglings (first-year campers), and he soon begins to enjoy himself. He even sprouts wings. During camp, Ezekiel begins to gain confidence and acceptance unlike his school. Yes, Camp Strange seems great! But there is evil lurking behind the scenes. I’ll let you learn of the diabolical details as you read.

This is a good middle school read for fantasy lovers.

The story is long as fantasy novels tend to be, but it is high spirited and exciting to read about a powerful young hero.

[Rick Treon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camp Strange is a sweet middle-grade story for anyone's inner 10-year-old.

As a kid who oftentimes felt a little out of place and without his tribe, I connected with author Renee Perez's protagonist, Ezekiel Raroso. The mysteries surrounding Ezie intensify as summer approaches, and his parents send him to a summer camp, which he dubs Camp Strange.

He has no idea how strange it will end up being. Without giving away any spoilers, let's just say Camp Strange will appeal to those who enjoyed being transported to Hogwarts.

It's such a joy to watch a young man find friends who are like him and discover the excitement of a first crush. Along the way, Ezie and the reader discover more about his lineage, his parents' past, and how having a group of friends is necessary to get him out of the clutches of a friend-turned-foe with malevolence on her mind!

Camp Strange is a heartfelt read for young readers on their own journeys, where making lifelong friends and learning about themselves is always a magical adventure.

[Alicia LaFontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this and should've finished it a long time ago. And, now, having finished it, I don't know why I didn't because it was absolutely captivating. The story was so much fun, so enchanting. I wish I had had this book to read when I was a kid.

[Allyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camp Strange puts all your favorite fantasy elements in one place! The main character tugs at the realities of growing up a little bit different as he struggles to unpack who he is and who he wants to become. Set in a delightfully magical world that tantalizes all of your senses with a uniquely diverse cast, there are endless possibilities for the range of readers this book can reach. As a former special educator, I highly recommend this text to engage all readers. Perfect for small groups to really dig into themes, character analysis, plot development, and more. Whether reading for pleasure or purpose, you won't be disappointed!

[Raul Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a grown man but boy did I love this magical adventure with a spunky sense of humor. Camp Strange is fun and certainly leaves obvious “nuggets” and not so obvious “nuggets”if you read between the lines that everyone can enjoy. Strange also incorporates a diverse group of characters which reflects our current society which I absolutely love. I really enjoy what Renee Perez did with Camp Strange and highly recommend it to all lovers of a great read.

[Phyllis Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camp Strange is such a great book that it will literally suck you in! I know this book is intended for a younger audience but you can throw that out the window because it’s clearly not true. . . I loved it and I’m semi-quasi “older.” Camp Strange is a tantalizing story of a young boy named Ezekiel Raroso who is having identity issues because of the absence of his father, strange events that keep happening to him, and the trials and tribulations of 5th grade all while being sent to summer camp against his wishes. Little does Ezekiel know what camp has in store for him but it will make everything in his life make sense while simultaneously presenting new adventure and mystery. Get ready to be introduced to a new water sport that will make you want to go swimming, food description that will probably make you eat something you’ll regret later, and classic adolescent tales with a “strange” twist. Pick Camp Strange up because I have a feeling you’ll want to tell your friends you knew about the book before everyone else!

[David Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to recommend this book to my students. As a teacher of students with visual impairments and learning disabilities, I have a hard time finding books that interest them. This was such a fun book. It created a magical world of fairy people and silly, cute creatures and mysterious villains. Most importantly, at the center of the story, was a well-written protagonist. He reminded me of myself as a kid--an awkward loner who feels different, like the world is acting against him. He's a perfect role model for my students. I know how lonely, how different they feel because of their disabilities, and I am happy to be able to share a character that'll remind them that they aren't alone. There are characters in stories, people in real life, that face these feelings and overcome them.

Ooh, and that ending!

[Sydney Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who enjoyed the action of Harry Potter, the adventure of Percy Jackson, and the humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will take to this middle grade story about a young boy named Ezekiel who heads to Camp Strange for the time of his life...while learning about the mysteries surrounding it. This is a fun and fantastical read with strong parallels to the three books previously mentioned. A story of friendship, growth and acceptance with a bit of mystery to boot. I’m knocking off a star and a half for typos, grammatical errors, inconsistent tense, awkward sentence structures and the wrong use of words. (For example, peaked was used in place of peeked, or peddle instead of paddle.) I was given an early preview of this book, so I’m hoping these errors will be corrected. If so, I would rate the book higher.

[Steve Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter one opens with Ezekiel Raroso in the school gymnasium ready to display his science fair project. Unfortunately for Ezekiel, where school is a haven for some students, Winfrey Elementary is a danger zone, filled with personal threats. Perez draws parallels to many of our childhood experiences by painting a vision of a giant, spine-chilling, and torturous bully who haunts many of our dreams.

Ezekiel's nightmare soon dissipate as he embarks on a magical journey - an expedition filled with mystery, themes of friendship, darkness, and self-realization. At Camp Strange, he learns why he is 'raro' - an exceptional boy who comes to celebrate his differences as gifts.

[Caleb Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed camp strange By Renee Perez. This was a charming tale that I picked up off a free ebook promotion that I'm glad I took advantage of!! I love the adventure, the creative concepts and magical world building that this debut author displayed! Ezekiel Raroso is a lovable boy who is struggling to understand his differences within. He is different from the other kids in his school which makes it a little harder to fit in. To make things worse, he is a victim of bullying. He is also struggling to understand who his absent father is as his mother seems to keep this information distant. A boy with personal hardships finds a magic within and learns about his families lineage belonging to that of a Faerman world! (Great Setup) The time comes for Ezekial to ship off to Camp Strange for the summer where he meets others like him who hold similar abilities. It is there he learns how to develop his skills in flight and magic. The adventure really takes off once he is inside these hidden lands including uncovering a mystery of the Hematites (Dark Faerman) as well as, what happened to his father. Perez did a fantastic job creating an abundant setting, several appealing characters and vast details that bring the magic to life in Camp Strange. If you have a child who enjoys reading, than this is a must!! The timing couldn't be better for a perfect summer read. With a surprising twist and an open ending, I hope this author continues on with the story!

[Lori Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camp Strange is a good little read-aloud book for your middle-grade or elementary reader. Poised to enter sixth grade, Ezekiel discovers the cause of all the strange things happening to him and around him.

Children who are interested in the Harry Potter series will enjoy the interactions between Ezekiel and his friends and Perez’s vivid storytelling. Perez has a knack for getting into the heads of eleven-year-olds, and Ezie's internal conflict and emotions were believable. I was fortunate to receive an early ARC of the novel. I’m looking forward hearing about more from Perez.

[Alana Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for a middle grade audience. The humor is great, the characters realistic and fairly free of stereotypes and the plot is very fun without being over the top.
Now, I started reading this before I saw the cover. I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't go the super hero route that I thought it was. It felt fresh.
I did not see the final plot twist coming, at all. I thought that was extremely well done and genuinely shocking.
Overall the whimsy and fun spirit in this book is fantastic. It never talks down to the audience but stays very approachable. I'd easily recommend this to anyone with a child that loves to read.

[Lisa Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book may have been written for kids and teens I absolutely loved this book. What a wonderful escape into the world of the Faerman, the adventures of the Fledglings and the wonderful journey they go on. So exciting when they got their powers to fly and rally around one another. I’ll save any spoilers because the joy of the book is escaping into their world. So many lessons as adults we could all take from this book. You will fall in love with Ezekiel’s struggles and then his joys. This book was so exciting to read as a 61 year old. I hated when it was over.
Parents, you can rest assured this book is highly recommended for your kids. You will want to read it as well. Forget Harry Potter, welcome the Faermans into your lives. Great lessons in the book for young and old. Can’t wait for Renee’s next book.

[Michael Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has taken real-world scenarios and events that we have all been privy to or at least witnessed second-hand and creating a magical realm to rival even the most established writers and novels we have come to know and love. A must read! Mrs. Perez is a creative force to reckon with and it shows! Loooking forward to more!

[Paulette Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read!!!! So much Creativity and the characters are adorable absolutely love it!!!

[Sandra Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Job God Bless you with your future💞🦋

[1034132 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m 12 years old and this really got my imagination running! The description and setting just screams magical and odd. The characters are diverse and all have their own personalities. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Mary Alice Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter your age!

No matter your age this is a wonderful warm book about all the quirks and differences that make us all unique. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I’m in my third childhood (or is it my fourth?) Hard to remember at my age. I would recommend this book especially to middle-schoolers, as that’s the age where differences can be especially daunting. Look forward to further adventures at Camp Strange!

[Shantelle Berrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story to be told! Now my daughter can’t put it down. Watching your kid get sucked into a story and saying “one more page?” at bedtime makes a mom’s heart happy. Highly, highly recommend for your middle school kiddos. They’re going to love it.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uplifting YA Tale

Except for the editing, i enjoyed the story and the characters brought to life by the author. A gentle, compassionate treatment of a difficult stage if development.

[christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Harry Potter, there is a new kid in town! You will fall in love with Ezie in this mystical and magical adventure! A “Strange Camp” where a boy who never feels like he fits in, finds the answers he has been searching for and so much more! I loved the page turning excitement as his story took me away and into an enchanted place where anything is possible! I highly recommend this book, it is great read for the young and old!

Renee Perez, well done! I can't wait to read more!

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Bechdel Test: Fail.

[Jennifer Chokemesil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a middle grader named Ezekiel Raroso and his adventures at Camp Strange. Would recommend to middle graders

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this e-book free through Goodreads First Read.

A fun magical fantasy story for kids. Reminded me of the Percy Jackson books because it was set in a camp and the boy didn't really know what he was.

[Susan Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This was a great book. My client really enjoyed it. I hope to find other books similar. Very enjoyable and funny

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway which in no way influenced my review. This middle-grade book is like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson had a baby. If anyone saw The Simpsons episode with Neil Gaiman on how to write YA, this is what you have to have, that played on a loop in my brain as I read this.

It's not that I disliked it. I thought it was cute and I'm sure readers of the intended age group would enjoy it. The author had a touchingly sweet reason for writing this as well.

Ezkiel "Ezie" is a strange young man being raised sans father by his mom, grandma and uncle. He, of course, feels his father's absence and clings to the red bow tie that was his father's enjoying wearing it. But strange things keep happening around him like earthquakes or a Chuck E. Cheese knock off spitting out tons and tons of tickets.

His Mom sends him off to the titular Camp Strange (Ezie's term for it) where he learns he's a Faerman, a fairy complete with wings that bud out at camp which is basically where it happens for all the faerman who are sent at this age to camp to learn their magic. He meets up with who'll be his team of friends, Dara and Ethan, the twins (and he has a crush on Dara), Aubrey, Kalas and Miles.

Naturally there has to be some bad guy and in this case it's the Hematites who want to change the Faermans' place in this world. However, in this volume, they're more of a camp fire story kind of thing and we don't really see them until the end. This story is more about making friendships and finding your place in the world. There is a sweetness to it.

Ezie has found an older friend in an old age home he has to do community service in, an elderly lady who wants to teach him various things like card games and dance. There is however a bully, Fabian and a crazy game they need to learn, Padsphere and there are pegasi to ride.

It's in Ezie's point of view and not all the characters are as well drawn as they could be (Miles and Aubrey notable) This does have some story telling elements that annoyed me. Of course being a middle-grade book, the kids are doing things better left to adults. One of the kids says this repeatedly but they easily convince themselves the adults aren't listening (especially after a Pegasus goes missing) but they also don't act quickly on things that probably should have been of much more concern. This was especially true of when a boy goes missing and Ezie has a vision of him, knows he needs to help now but tells no one and does not much. Granted later there is a reason for it but some simple restructuring would probably have made them look less callous or foolish

I thought it was cute. I think kids would like it. I do have one big negative to say that I almost never do. If this was self published I might have left it slide (as it's an homage to her autistic son) but this thing needed line edited in the worst way. I know Black Rose Writing is a small indie publisher but they should be editing. This thing had so many grammar issues. Paragraphs run together, missing punctuation, confusion of your/you're there/their and the use of 's instead of the plural (repeatedly with the peggies (as they call the Pegasus)) and even wrong words. I felt like this was a draft.

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange events have followed Ezekiel his entire life. These events have set him apart from his classmates. The bully that plagues adds to his troubles along with the mystery behind his father. When school lets out for the summer, his mother sends him to camp over the summer, where he discovers the truth about who he is.

This book reminded me of Percy Jackson at times. I loved the magical setting. The camp was tons of fun and I especially loved reading about the bakery. The idea of a cake sized doughnut was hilarious and sounded amazing.

I really loved Ezekiel. He was very well developed and written. At home he always felt like an outcast and had the king of all bullies after him. At camp, he was able to jump right in and make friends he truly cared about. Despite his past as a bullied outsider, he still truly cared for his friends and did whatever he could to do the right thing.

The diverse cast was amazingly written. Every character felt genuine. This was a truly funny and imaginative book. The descriptions were incredible, and the sweets sounded wonderful.

I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.

[Kimmarie Pozar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story of adventure

Ezekiel was a likable kid and the settings were relatable for the reader. Some of the relationships in the story felt like they needed to be filled out more but that could be done in future stories. A good story about feeling like you don’t belong and then finding out where you fit in.

However there were quite a few glitchy spots in the story that editing would clean up. I get stuck at errors and imagine others do also. It slows down the reading. I wanted to give this great middle school adventure a 5 because I felt it was a terrific high interest read.