For readers who crave exhilarating adventures, celebrate diverse friendships, and discover their inner strength amidst supernatural summer camp mysteries.
A parent should reach for this book when their adventurous child is looking for a story that celebrates teamwork, bravery, and the power of fierce, loyal friendships. 'Lumberjanes' follows five awesome, distinct girls at a summer camp that is much more than it seems. When they see a woman turn into a bear, they stumble into a world of supernatural mysteries, three-eyed foxes, and cryptic puzzles. This graphic novel is a whirlwind of fun, humor, and action that champions curiosity and smarts. It's perfect for middle-grade readers who love a good mystery, and it beautifully models inclusive, supportive friendships where every girl's unique strength is essential to the group's success. It’s an empowering and joyous read.
A sweet, gentle, and slow-building romance between two female main characters.
Sensitive Topics
The series features prominent, positive LGBTQ+ representation. In this first volume, the romantic feelings between two female characters, Mal and Molly, are introduced gently and sweetly. The approach is entirely secular and presents their relationship as a natural, accepted part of their friendship group. The resolution to conflicts is always hopeful and achieved through teamwork and mutual support.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 13-year-old who loves adventure, comics, and stories about powerful friendships. It's a perfect fit for a child who enjoys a blend of humor and supernatural mystery, like the TV show 'Gravity Falls.' It is also an excellent choice for a child seeking stories with strong female leads or for parents looking for positive, incidental queer representation in a fun, action-packed setting.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The supernatural elements are more whimsical than scary, and the themes of friendship and bravery are immediately accessible. The budding romance is subtle and age-appropriate. A parent hears their child say, "I wish my friends liked weird, adventurous stuff like me," or, "I'm worried I won't fit in at camp." A parent may also be actively seeking fun, engaging media with strong female protagonists and diverse, inclusive casts.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-10) will be captivated by the constant action, the hilarious antics of Ripley, and the cool monster designs. An older reader (11-14) will appreciate all of that, plus the clever wordplay, the character-driven humor, and the nuanced, developing relationships between the main cast, particularly the quiet romance between Mal and Molly.
What Makes It Special
Its core of radical, unapologetic joy and positivity sets it apart. While many books feature friendship, 'Lumberjanes' presents an ensemble of girls who are fiercely loyal and supportive without a hint of the cattiness or competition common in other media. Its seamless integration of queer characters into a classic summer camp adventure narrative was groundbreaking and remains a benchmark for inclusive middle-grade fiction.
Read plot summary
Five campers at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types (Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley) sneak out of their cabin and witness a series of supernatural events, starting with a mysterious old woman turning into a bear. Their investigation leads them to battle a pack of three-eyed magical foxes, solve a riddle hidden in a constellation, and discover an ancient magical arm-wrestling bear. The story is fast-paced, action-oriented, and driven by the witty dialogue and unshakeable bond between the five protagonists. The volume ends with the immediate mystery solved but opens the door to the larger secrets of the camp and the surrounding woods.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The camp's motto is 'Friendship to the Max!' What is one moment in this book where the girls truly demonstrated what that motto means?
2
Each of the five Lumberjanes has a very different personality. If you were facing a magical challenge, which one or two of the girls would you want on your team and why?
3
Jen, the counselor, wants the girls to follow the rules for their safety, but they often have to break them to solve mysteries. When do you think it is okay to break a rule?
4
The mysterious message was 'Beware the Kitten Holy.' How did the friends work together as a team to figure out what the message actually meant?
