Gr 4–6—When 11-year-old Caroline's father loses his job, the family leaves Puerto Rico and relocates in New York where they live with other family members. Her cousin, Gabriela, is far more social than Caroline, who focuses on her art. Carolina and Gabriela are going to Silver Meadows camp this summer, where Gabriela has been in past years and has friends. Carolina's mom suggests she should make friends and be less "antisocial." Caroline meets Jennifer and they share an interest in art, but Gabriela tells her that Jennifer is "weird" and should be avoided. Jennifer and Caroline find a cabin nestled in the woods of the camp that others don't know about and secretly turn the rundown place into their own private artist studio. This contemporary novel reflects the complications of giving up a home, relocating in a new country, and following one's own interests even when they are not fully understood by others.
VERDICT An introspective, character-driven tale that will appeal to artists, introverts, or any child who has felt like an outsider.
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