Summary Matching Flashcards
Camp Famous
Main character Abby Herman has always wanted to go to an overnight camp. But her parents have always said no. Abby is having trouble at school with the other kids, so her teacher invites her parents in for a meeting to recommend that she try out a camp her brother owns. Abby’s parents agree, and she heads to the airport. When she gets there, she finds many reporters and soon comes to learn that this is no ordinary camp. Abby is getting sent to Camp Famous, where real live celebrities go to spend their summers. She is in a cabin with a princess, dancer, and a youtube superstar. Abby soon learns that she is the only “normal” camper at Camp Famous, and assumes a false identity as a famous writer. Her secret soon escapes, however, and she leaves the camp halfway through. In what is sure to be a memorable summer, Abby will learn what true friendship is.
The Last Mapmaker
The main character Sai lives in the fictional world of Mangkong, in the poorest part of town. She lives with her father, a known criminal who is in and out of jail. During the day, she works as an apprentice to the town’s mapmaker. When the queen calls for explorers to map out the legendary Sunderlands, a land of myths and legends where dragons are said to roam, Sai gets invited to help the mapmaker on the expedition. Many of the crew are uncomfortable with the idea of dragons, however, so their numbers quickly dwindle. Sai then gets stranded on an island with her stowaway friend, and they must fight their way back to Mangkong against all odds.
The Bluest Sky
The main character Hector lives with his mother and brother in communist Cuba. His father was labeled an enemy of the state and was exiled to the US. His mother is trying desperately to get the family out of Cuba and go live with their Father in Miami, however, the regime is severely limiting travel. When they one day open up the port of Mariel to all who want to leave, Hector’s family hastily signs up, in the process making them the target of many riots and social injustices. When they finally arrive at the port, they face little food and overcrowded conditions, and then trouble with passports and broken down boats later on. This book leaves readers asking one question. Will they ever reach the states?
Those Kids from Fawn Creek
Fawn Creek is a small town in rural Louisiana. No one who lives there ever goes anywhere or does anything remotely exciting. The group of 11 7th graders have known each other since 1st grade, and don’t bother talking to others outside of their group. That is, until a mysterious new student arrives. She brings with her tales from all around the world. She is soon admired by all the students at the school, until some learn the truth. They learn that she has never been to any of the places she says she has, and decide to teach her a lesson. When the other students find out, however, they stand up for her, and learn that maybe change can be good.
Sweet and Sour
Main character Mai goes with her family to visit her mother’s college friend at her lake house every summer. Mai makes friends with Zach, her mom’s friend’s son. They love hanging out with each other and both wish they could see each other more than just the summer. One summer, however, Mai overhears Zach saying hurtful things to a group of friends. After they can’t see each other for two years since Zach has moved to Tokyo for his father’s job, the hate boils inside her. When they go back the next summer, all Mai is focused on is getting revenge. Told in a series of present day and past tense memories, the story teaches the value of friendship.
The Whispering Fog
Twins Neve and Rose have always been together. When they move to a new house in the middle of swampy South Carolina with their mom, they will make it through together. At least, that’s what they think. They soon learn that strange things have been known to happen to kids in the swamp behind their house, but Rose chooses not to believe the rumors. However, one day, Rose goes missing. Neve feels extremely guilty and so, with the help of her friends and a stray dog, Neve goes on a daring mission to rescue her sister from the mysterious figure that lives in the woods.
We Were the Fire- Birmingham 1963
Set in, you guessed it! 1963, main character Rufus is an african american living in Birmingham, Alabama, a very segregated state. Rufus’s dad dies and his mom remarries a factory worker. They decide that the house they currently live in is too small for their new family, and they move into a white neighborhood. At the same time, civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is also in town leading protests, and Rufus wants to join. He disobeys his family and goes to protest, only too soon to end up in jail. This book shows how the commitment of young people helped to end segregation once and for all.
Mexikid
Main character Pedro lives in California with his Mexican family. His big Mexican family. They decide to go on a road trip in their mobile home to collect their abuelito from Mexico so he can come live with them, however nothing goes as planned. After a bad run-in with border guards, and a horrible haircut, they’re on their way back. They get separated from their older siblings who are driving in a different car, and end up operating on a deer in the back of the RV! This book is a laugh out loud graphic memoir that will have you craving for more.
