Camp X by Eric Walters Date of Publication: 2003 ISBN: 0141313285 Number of Pages: 234

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Average
GENRES: Mystery, Historical Fiction
THEMES: Appearance versus Reality, Good versus Evil, Coming of Age, Survival, Family, Bullying, Prejudice

SUMMARY:
Jack and George are two young brothers living in Whitby, Ontario in the time of World War II. Their mother has had to go to work in the local ammunition plant to support the family while their father is overseas fighting in the war. They have moved into town from the country, and the brothers often find themselves with time on their hands through the summer.

One day, in their never-ending quest for something to do, Jack and George find themselves in an unfamiliar part of the countryside. Curious, they wander into what turns out to be a secret military training area they later learn is called Camp X. Through a series of adventures and near misses, Jack and George learn more and more about the camp, and eventually become pals of the people who run it, including William Stephenson, the “Man Called Intrepid,” who really did train spies for the Allies in WWII.

The boys also peak the interest of some local folk, one of whom turns out to be a Nazi spy in disguise. When the boys are taken captive by the Nazi infiltrators, the identity of the spy in their midst is revealed. It is up to them to escape the villains, get to Camp X, and tell their story in order to save the ammunitions plant (and their mother) before time runs out.

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

• enjoys books about spies
• like adventure and suspense stories
• is interested in Canadian history
• likes stories that have male protagonists
• can relate to sibling rivalry
• has dreams of being a hero
• is interested in World War II
  

WHAT ELSE?
This book was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award in 2003, and won the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award in 2003. It is wonderful for reluctant readers, as there is excitement and action throughout the story, and appeals to junior students as well.

RELATED LINK:
Author's website