MISS CAMPER

One year after her quinceañera and her abuelita’s passing, Sue continues her adventures at summer camp in this companion to Miss Quinces (2022).

Sixteen-year-old Suyapa “Sue” Gutiérrez (who uses she/they pronouns) can’t wait to spend two weeks at summer camp, taking classes like LARPing and archery and sharing a bunk with her best friend, Sam. Even with older sister Carmen for a camp counselor and younger sister Ester attending camp, too, Sue is determined to have the perfect summer. Her high expectations start to crumble, however, as Ester clings to her side and Marisol, a camp friend from last year, claims Sam’s attention. Separated from Sam and thrust into new activities, Sue finds herself pushed out of her comfort zone. Complicating matters, her friend Izzy confesses he has a crush on her, and Sue doesn’t know if she feels the same way. The art and dialogue reflect diversity in the world around Sue, depicting characters with a range of skin tones from pale to dark brown who express a variety of gender identities. Although Sue and her friends are teens, her troubles with friendship, siblings, crushes, and camp experiences will appeal to a wide audience. Diving right into the summer, this sequel relies on context as well as familiarity with characters and events from the first book to be fully appreciated.

A sweet and encouraging coming-of-age story.