As we start into our first review for this year's annual Summer Camp Marathon I thought it would be fitting to take a look at a children's book.
As with all book reviews for children's and young adult books we are looking at these from the perspective of a parent or potentially a teacher who may be looking for a good mystery/horror book for kids.
For many years mystery books have been fairly popular among kids. For kids ages 5 to 9 there aren't so many "horror" themed books--it would be too frightening to try and write true horror, even if it was for that age group. We don't get into Goosebumps style horror until kids are 10 or 11 years old.
On the other hand mystery books often takes a front row seat in children's fiction. And often times these mysteries will involve elements that are recognizable from the horror genre.
Such is the case with Ron Roy's The Ghost at Camp David, a book from the Capital Mysteries series. (Series books are very popular among children and young adults). Capital Mysteries is an odd series where the President of the United State's step daughter, KC, goes on adventures. It is almost like National Treasure for kids.
In The Ghost at Camp David KC and her friend, Marshall, go with the President to Camp David, a private spot for high up government officials to go camping. KC and Marshall soon learn the legend that ghosts of past Presidents will supposedly visit Camp David on their birthday.
This scares the two kids. But when they start to hear knocking noises from underneath their cabin, a cabin which supposedly doesn't have a basement or cellar, they start to really get scared. The two set out to find out what is really going on. And what they find is much more sinister than a simple ghost.
The Ghost at Camp David is a well written and fun book for any kid ages 5 to 9. It has easy to read prose while still being interesting and engaging. The subject matter is a little more mature than other books of this caliber, but--in my opinion--this actually makes the book better.
As with all book reviews for children's and young adult books we are looking at these from the perspective of a parent or potentially a teacher who may be looking for a good mystery/horror book for kids.
For many years mystery books have been fairly popular among kids. For kids ages 5 to 9 there aren't so many "horror" themed books--it would be too frightening to try and write true horror, even if it was for that age group. We don't get into Goosebumps style horror until kids are 10 or 11 years old.
On the other hand mystery books often takes a front row seat in children's fiction. And often times these mysteries will involve elements that are recognizable from the horror genre.
Such is the case with Ron Roy's The Ghost at Camp David, a book from the Capital Mysteries series. (Series books are very popular among children and young adults). Capital Mysteries is an odd series where the President of the United State's step daughter, KC, goes on adventures. It is almost like National Treasure for kids.
In The Ghost at Camp David KC and her friend, Marshall, go with the President to Camp David, a private spot for high up government officials to go camping. KC and Marshall soon learn the legend that ghosts of past Presidents will supposedly visit Camp David on their birthday.
This scares the two kids. But when they start to hear knocking noises from underneath their cabin, a cabin which supposedly doesn't have a basement or cellar, they start to really get scared. The two set out to find out what is really going on. And what they find is much more sinister than a simple ghost.
The Ghost at Camp David is a well written and fun book for any kid ages 5 to 9. It has easy to read prose while still being interesting and engaging. The subject matter is a little more mature than other books of this caliber, but--in my opinion--this actually makes the book better.
Summing it Up
The Ghost at Camp David is perfect summer reading for any kid. The camp theme is fun, if a bit light. The scary elements are just interesting enough to make kids interested in the book without getting too scared. Additionally, kids will get to learn about the history of Camp David and the President's who stayed there.
Deaths: 0
Language: 0
Gore Factor: 0
Scare Factor: 2
Fun Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 4
Deaths: 0
Language: 0
Gore Factor: 0
Scare Factor: 2
Fun Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 4