I Hate Camping - Softcover

P.J. Petersen's understanding of school dynamics and his talent for writing realistic dialogue have made him popular among the middle-grade crowd. P.J. Petersen was born in Santa Rosa, California where he lived and worked on the family farm. The father of two daughters, he presently lives in Redding, California. He is the author of many books, including The Sub, I Hate Camping, and I Hate Company.

Grade 2-5-- When Dan's mother sends him on an overnight camping trip with her boyfriend, Mike, and his two children, Dan is less than optimistic. By the end of the story, the title still applies, but readers can appreciate the humorous, competitive, and realistic happenings that have caused the four campers to gain an understanding of one another. Dan and Raymond are the same age; they spend time sparring to see who has the greater wit or the lesser maturity, as they reluctantly discover that they have much in common. Younger Kim, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable camper, is also smart enough to call her brother's bluff without rubbing it in. Mike is the cheerful leader; aside from wanting the trip to go well he relaxes enough to do his share of the teasing. There is plenty of well-paced and sometimes very funny dialogue. Petersen focuses on the outing and his characters' interactions with fine style; readers just beginning chapter books will identify with these people and will laugh at and with them. --Carolyn Jenks, Oyster River Elementary School, Durham, NH
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