“How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer,” by Taryn Souders, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, June 7, 2016, softcover, $7.99 (ages 8-12)
Chloe McCorkle has one goal this summer — earn enough money to buy a new, less babyish bike. Her plan is to take a babysitting class at the local library and then cash in on all the moms who need a break during summer break.
The only problem with Chloe’s plan is her parents. They have something else in mind. It’s their fifteenth wedding anniversary, and they’ve booked a two-week cruise to Alaska at the exact same time the class is offered. But Chloe won’t be enjoying Alaska with them. No. While their floating around the Pacific, Chloe will be at Camp Minnehaha where you get to try out a vocation for two weeks.
Chloe is willing to make the best of things. After all, if she learns how to decorate cakes, she may be able to make some money this summer after all. But it’s going to take more than positive thinking to survive the camp’s many spiders, a diva cabin mate, and King Arthur, a goat with an attitude.
“How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer” is as fun as the book’s description sounds. There’s lots of action and slapstick silliness, as well as personal growth and ingenuity. Chloe is the kind of character you’d like as a friend — even though she has some seriously grumpy moments. There are some nice twists and turns throughout, even if the end is somewhat predictable. If you’re looking for a fast, amusing summer read, “How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer” is a good choice.
