Holes-like camp story about friendship

Holes-like camp story, a story about discovering who your friends are... and yourself.

Frederick Frederickson really NEEDS his family holiday on the cruise ship. He's feeling like a 'flea on the butt of a meerkat', not the lion the middle-school dodgeball star is. But a storm cancels his holiday plans and he ends up accidentally 'borrowing' a friend's boat and lost down the river, near a disciplinary camp. Mistaken for a notorious trouble-maker, Frederick gets to know some of the other boys and enjoys feeling like a 'lion' for a change, using his stolen reputation to his advantage.

Of course, adversity always has to offer a challenge to a protagonist, and this book is no exception - Frederick may get the chance to understand what a real friend is, and who he really is.

A flawed 'hero', one who you can't quite get behind but to empathise with. Some funny camp scenes that ring true. An exciting climax and some satisfying character development.

I listened to the Audible version of this, which was a pleasurable few hours, a narrator who gave a young-sounding performance, and made Frederick sound a little whiny though still likeable as an underdog.

I would say this would suit a 10-13 year old best, fans of Holes will like the camp setting. A fairly mature look at what a friend is.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!