CAMP, written and illustrated by Kayla Miller. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2019. $15.50 ages 9 and up

"Come on, Willow.
Can't you sit with me
instead. 
We can all sit together ...
I don't want to sit with 
Max's friends. Or anyone. 
You spent all day hanging 
out with people, can't we 
eat dinner at our own 
table? 
Okay ... "

Following the success of Click (HMH, 2019), Kayla Miller takes readers along as Olive and her friend Willow attend summer camp. This graphic novel begins by showing the two girls saying a quick goodbye to family and boarding the bus that will transport them to Acorn Lake Camp. They are new recruits, keen to be together and to experience camp life ... at least, it starts out that way!

Assigned to the same cabin and sharing a bunk bed, they spend their time together learning the ropes and enjoying all of the activities together. It isn't long until Willow begins to feel homesick and uneasy. As Olive meets new people and revels in camp life, Willow finds little that she likes about it. The food does not appeal, she is uncertain when faced with new experiences, and then becomes overly dependent on Olive and their established relationship.

Olive wants to be a good friend, supporting and encouraging Willow to take part. The strain is too much for them, and they end up having a fight that keeps them apart. It seems to be just what was needed to happen. Willow must  strike out on her own, finding friends and new interests without worrying about what Olive is doing. As often happens, the two eventually see that having new friends and finding new interests is exactly why you go to camp. Their relationship improves and heals. 

The action is real, and certainly in keeping with the the many changes that come with adolescence and growing up. Interested readers will understand this story from both perspectives and find comfort in knowing that relationships do tend to sort themselves out when given space and time. The artwork is appealing and expressive, showing clearly the many activities the attract so many summer campers each year.

I wonder where and when we might see Olive and her friends next. I, for one, will look forward to any further adventures.