Review: Summer Camp Trouble by Max Elliot Anderson

Summer Camp Trouble

by 

Max Elliot Anderson 

Kurt Benson and his friends Riley and Jordan used to look forward to summer camp each year up in Wisconsin. But that was before the camp opened up to kids who came from some pretty rough homes a couple of years ago. Then, this summer, things got a little more interesting when a rich kid showed up. He didn’t come by bus, minivan, or car like most campers. This guy arrived in a helicopter. Plus, his suitcases were filled with candy bars and other things he used to get kids to do things for him. This summer, some of the roughest boys Kurt had ever seen came to camp. Right from the start, they caused all kinds of trouble. Then, one night, there was a huge explosion as fireworks went off. They were supposed to hit Kurt’s cabin, but something went terribly wrong. Why did Kurt risk his own safety to save the life of one of the worst guys at camp? His actions would change Rudy’s life from that point on.

My Take:

When Kurt Benson and his friends Riley and Jordan head out to the Christian Summer Camp they've been going to for years, they expect it will just be another spiritually uplifting week away in the mountains. Little do they know that Camp Decorah is about to have the most challenging week of its existence. When rich kid Rudy shows up in a helicopter loaded down with a pile of suitcases loaded with candy and fireworks, things get out of hand quickly. Rudy is an arrogant troublemaker with a penchant for hiring others to do his fighting for him, and he's itching for a fight with the church kids he's being forced to spend a week with.

Kurt is trying his best to be a good example for his friends, and a good witness to Rudy, but how can you show a kid like that his need for Jesus when he has everything a boy could ever want? And how can you show love and friendship to someone who's decided to show only hate and be your enemy?

Content:

Drug Content:

G - None.

Violence:

G - Kids are hurt in the camp hijinks that ensue. A kid is beaten up. Bullying is a major theme. A fire nearly leaves someone dead.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

G - This is a kids' book. Not even kissing occurs here. Some minor preteen kidding about dating occurs.

Christian content:

This is a Christian camp. As one might expect there is a major Christian theme present, and the gospel message is clearly presented but without pushing it on the reader, or breaking the fourth wall. Christian character, loving your enemies, selflessness and courage are major themes. The counselors have a solid faith and so do the main characters.

Final analysis:

Summer Camp Trouble was an excellent and quick read, a good adventure story safe for boys of all ages, with good life lessons on character development and being a witness to the lost. With an exciting plot, a fast pace, good character development, and a fun setting, what's not to love? Five Stars!

About the Author:

Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader. After surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys. 

Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has different characters, setting, and plot. 

Ten middle grade books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. He is also a short story staff writer for Knowonder.com Magazine.

Books for Boys Blog: http://booksandboys.blogspot.com 
Author Web Site: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html
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