
A parent might reach for this book when their child is on the cusp of tweendom and starting to ask curious, non-romantic questions about the opposite gender. This humorous story follows Lila and her best friend Cricket, the only two girls at a Boy Scout camp for two weeks. As they navigate camp life, from canoe races to campfire songs, Lila keeps a notebook of her 'great advice' based on her funny observations of the boys. It's a lighthearted look at friendship, independence, and the awkward, wonderful moments of growing up. For readers ages 9 to 11, it normalizes curiosity in a safe, fun way, making it a great pick for summer reading or a child nervous about a new social setting.
The book's main theme is the pre-adolescent curiosity about the opposite gender, but it is handled in a completely innocent, secular, and humorous way. There are no romantic plotlines. The focus is on observation and friendship. The resolution is simply the end of a successful and fun camp experience.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe ideal reader is a 9 to 11-year-old who enjoys realistic, funny stories and is beginning to navigate the social world of boys and girls but is not yet interested in stories about crushes or romance. It is perfect for a child heading to sleepaway camp or who loved the observational humor of authors like Judy Blume or Beverly Cleary.
No parent prep is needed. The book can be read cold. A parent could briefly mention that since the book was written in 1988, a "Boy Scout" camp would be less common today, but the story's themes of friendship and adventure are timeless. A parent has overheard their child saying something like, "Boys are so weird!" or expressing nervousness about a new co-ed activity or camp. The child is showing curiosity about social dynamics but in a playful, not a serious, way.
A younger reader (9-10) will enjoy the funny camp antics, the strong friendship between Lila and Cricket, and the 'spy' aspect of their mission. An older reader (11-12) will better appreciate the satirical nature of Lila's 'advice' and the subtle commentary on social differences between genders as they approach adolescence.
What makes this book unique is its focus on the 'anthropological study' of the opposite sex, rather than on romance. Unlike many modern middle-grade books, the curiosity is observational and scientific (in a kid's way), not crush-based. The notebook/advice format is a clever and funny narrative device that sets it apart from other summer camp stories.
Lila Fenwick and her best friend Cricket spend two weeks at a Boy Scout camp where Lila's father is serving as the camp doctor. As the only girls, they embark on a quasi-anthropological study of boys, with Lila documenting her findings and questionable advice in a notebook. The story follows their adventures in camp activities like canoeing and hiking, all framed by their humorous attempts to understand the baffling behavior of their male counterparts. It is a light, episodic story about friendship and the comical side of pre-teen social dynamics.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.