Preteen readers will connect with Lucy’s personal struggles and be entertained by her disastrous attempts at camp life.” ≻ooklist Vrabel paints a realistic depiction of tween life, particularly its emotional confusion. Pack of Dorks is the pack I want to join.” ≺manda Flower, author of Agatha Award nominee Andi Unexpected

Lucy’s perfectly feisty narration, emotionally resonant situations and the importance of the topic all elevate this effort well above the pack.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review Praise for Beth Vrabel and Pack of Dorks: Honest, funny, and entertaining.' Kirkus Reviews This quick read nonetheless effectively delves into interpersonal pitfalls that will be familiar to most older grade schoolers, and Lucy's developing insight may even provide a few hints for staying on the right path. 'With good humor, Vrabel explores the pitfalls of emerging preteenhood.

VERDICT In Vrabel's capable hands, the ups and downs of adolescence shine through with authenticity and humor.' - School Library Journal 'Vrabel has a rare talent for expressing the tenderness, frustration, awkwardness, confusion, and fun of growing up. If she fails, the pack may be splintered for good. Soon Lucy finds herself alone, left to fix the messes she's made. Even worse? A thief is targeting everyone but Lucy, setting her up to look guilty.

But when the wrong campers pair up, the pack falls apart, all under the watchful eye of a secret blogger who's been writing about the camp's activities. One successful match made, Lucy starts to see potential lovebirds everywhere. The old man needs some softening up, and Lucy knows just the person for the job: Grandma. Bosserman, the grouchy camp leader who won't budge on the camp's caveman theme. Why does the word 'boyfriend' make her blush? She needs a distraction.Įnter Mr.

Lucy wonders why she misses him so much-it's not like he's her boyfriend. And Grandma's coming too-as the lunch lady for the camp next door.īut Sam backs out at the last minute to attend a gymnastics camp instead. Like cavemen, the campers are going to have to make do without air conditioning, and they'll dig for fossils during the day. Sheldon convinces Lucy, Sam, April, and Amanda to join him at Camp Paleo. The pack of dorks heads to camp-and this time the bully they face might just be one of their own.

Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel