Camp Prodigy is a fabulous middle grade graphic novel. This book stresses the different ways we can define success and takes a look at the toll success can have on mental health. This title handles these topics in a way that makes them very accessible to middle grade readers. highly recommended!

Before we dive in, I would like to start by thanking Simon & Schuster for providing me with an early copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review!

"Maybe it would sound pretty to you again if you focused less on technical skill and more on just enjoying the activity of making music itself?"

"Camp Prodigy" was a short yet engaging read, featuring a diverse cast of vibrant characters. It delved into themes that resonated not only with young adult readers but with everyone, exploring topics such as self-identity, burnout, imposter syndrome, and the importance of taking a well-needed break. The story centers around Tate, a nonbinary individual who finds inspiration in child prodigy Eli Violet. While searching for the bathroom, Tate witnesses Eli practicing for their upcoming performance; however, upon returning to their seat, Eli rushes off the stage, overwhelmed by the anxiety of needing to be perfect.

Despite Eli's stage fright, Tate is motivated to take on the violin after being amazed by Eli's practicing session. However, they struggle with feelings of inadequacy and believe they're making no progress, feeling unfit to perform in their school's concert. After opening up to their family about their struggles, they suggest Camp Prodigy—a place where Tate can immerse themselves in their passion for music and grow as a musician.

However, upon arriving at the camp, Tate is not only met with new faces but also greeted by a familiar one—none other than Eli themselves, now going by an alias, attempting to make a comeback after their disastrous night. There, over the next few weeks, the pair team up, tackling challenges like making new friends, mastering sheet music, chair tests, self-identity, overcoming imposter syndrome, feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and much more.

While I can understand that the art style might not be everyone's cup of tea (it was mine, due to how expressive and stylized it was!) and that some parts of the graphic novel have a bit of rocky pacing, I truly enjoyed reading this book! As a fellow queer band kid, I could relate to Tate's social anxieties and Eli's drive for perfection, especially regarding family expectations. I would read it again.

4/5

"Camp Prodigy" was a fun and wholesome summer camp story!

I absolutely loved the color palette and expressive art style in this graphic novel. I liked the cool backmatter showing the author's/artist's concept art, writing and drawing process, and other preparations that went into creating "Camp Prodigy."

Tate and Eli were wonderful main characters who are nonbinary and love playing the viola. Through ups and downs they supported each other's progress to be better as violists and individuals. It was interesting how what they worried about at the beginning of camp starts to reverse as time goes on. What they see happening to the other helps them come to terms with their anxieties about performing.

Tate's enthusiasm for the viola was so cute and inspiring to see. Although dreadful at first, I admired that they kept trying to improve and that their family and music teacher still supported them.

Eli was determined to regain their confidence and go pro by attending Camp Prodigy anonymously. Many will relate to the burden that is perfectionism that Eli has carried on their shoulders for so long. Tate and the rest of the delightful campers were the perfect antithesis for them, encouraging Eli to take a break and enjoy the camp experience.

I loved "Camp Prodigy" from start to finish. It was funny, nostalgic, and relatable. Through their beautiful friendship with Eli, Tate finds the courage to happily be his authentic self as an openly nonbinary person. In turn, Eli learns to distress and that mistakes are okay to make. "Camp Prodigy" is a great read for the summer!

Thanks again Atheneum Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the e-arc to read in exchange for an honest review!

This book was an ARC from Netgalley.
4.75
I really loved this book! It’s a very sweet story about the difference between passionately studying something and overdoing it, and about gender identity and coming out as non-binary. As an enby (ex?) viola player I really connected with it and appreciated it!

A very quick and sweet graphic novel! I think the art really shined. I adored the dynamic expressions and the variety of character designs reminded me of Craig of the Creek (which I adore).

I think some pieces were a tad rushed and certain conflicts felt unnecessary, but overall I still enjoyed it and can't wait to put it on the shelf!

When Tate is inspired by an overheard performance by viola prodigy Eli Violet, he's determined to become a talented musician. And when he discovers that he's attending the same summer camp as Eli, he capitalizes on that opportunity to get to know them as well as ask for their help with viola. Eli is happy to help Tate, but doesn't see camp through the same lens as Tate. For Eli, can camp help them relax and rediscover their passion?

It's fun to see a graphic novel focused on music, and I especially loved that both characters needed something different from camp.

Camp Prodigy was such a delightful read! I love any middle-grade story that discusses friendship and encourages being open about emotions. The artwork was so well done and thought each page was so beautifully put together. Good read for any age and excited for it to come out in June!

Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This was an amazing middle grade graphic novel about two musicians who meet at a summer orchestra camp and become friends. Together, they learn how to become better musicians and how to express themselves. This is a sweet story about growing up and becoming who you are meant to be and finding people who will support you and love you for who you are.

Tate is inspired to become a violist after hearing an amazing musician play in a way that spoke to his soul. After a year, he doesn't feel like he is improving but heads to Camp Prodigy with hopes of gaining the skills he is missing. Once at camp Tate meets Eli, the violist he heard the year before. When campers introduce themselves and are offered the chance to share their pronouns, Tate doesn't feel super comfortable with the "he/him" pronouns he offers up but is not confident enough to share what he has been thinking- that "they/them" is a better fit. Eli, who is also non-binary, becomes a bit of a mentor for Tate- helping them get better and gain confidence as a violist. Tate, in turn, helps Eli see that playing can be fun again and that perfection doesn't have to be their goal.

This was a great story that has a focus on multiple aspects of life for kids this age- identity, confidence, anxiety, pressure, and so on!

This was a very cute and heartfelt book. I appreciate the anxiety rep so much. And the non binary rep was great too. All the characters were fun as well. Loved it

This was such a cute graphic novel! I loved that it had non-binary representation which is so important in middle grade stories. From start to finish I had warm little butterflies in my stomach! It was a cozy read and will be perfect for a lazy summer day read!

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s summer camp time but for musicians of all sorts. When Tate meets Eli (his inspiration for taking the violin), their immediate love for music is what bonds them at first. Through fun hijinks, constant drama, and learning to be their best, these two try to make the most of music camp. Yet, with the pressure of being a soloist and finally coming out as nonbinary (for Tate), things begin to crack. Can Tate and Eli save the day on the most important event: the final concert for friends and family?
This was such a heartfelt story I almost cried. Tate and Eli are remarkable in their learning of each other as friends and being open with everyone else. With a bit of drama here and there, the music continues. For fans of music-themed stories, this graphic novel pulls the strings while making beautiful music. A triumphant!

Caroline Palmer’s <i>Camp Prodigy</i> is a story that encompasses learning who you are with finding and expressing your needs. At its core, this is a book that’s going to speak to a lot of young queer children as they learn what their identity is, what boundaries they have, the needs in their life, and how they will communicate all of that. For this, I think this book is enormously important and will be helpful to a great many young readers. With that in mind, I can definitely see myself recommending it to any student who would benefit from a story like this.

All of that said, however, I did find that the story was very slow moving and a little boring. Ultimately, this is a very subjective feeling. I have every confidence that <i>Camp Prodigy</i> will speak to a large number of kiddos out there and is a great recommendation for the ones who are in need of the emotional support a story like this will bring. Anyone who can connect really well with the themes I mentioned above will likely deeply appreciate the book. While I appreciate it for those themes, I was much less interested in everything centered around the musical camp and for that reason, this may be a book more suited toward those who are interested in instruments and music on a more technical level.

The artwork was beautiful and very engaging throughout.

Camp Prodigy follows our main character, Tate, who is inspired to play viola by Eli, who they accidentally hear playing one day. These two end up at the same music camp together and become friends. This graphic novel was such a wonderful journey through their relationships with music, themselves, the friends around them, and their family dynamics. I really enjoyed this and look forward to more from this author! Wonderful nonbinary representation!

I loved the setting of this book with middle grade kids figuring out who they are at a music camp. The artwork was exceptional, especially the scenes with music playing.

The LGBTQIA+ representation was incredibly well done and positive. The characters' voices and personification was strong, and it was clear that they were each well-written and developed. Overall, I think this would be an amazingly positive book to give to middle grade kiddos.

This was a great book! The illustrations and characters were amazing. It really captures the experience of being in orchestra very well. I knew the author played because of the reference to eating a banana to calm your nerves (I remember doing that before auditions growing up). Perfect for any reader who loves music.

Camp Prodigy has everything I love about middle grade graphic novels. Really sharp and fun art, diverse characters, real issues, and friendship. I loved this story! Tate's parents send him to music camp for viola in hopes it helps Tate become a fine young man. Problem is Tate isn't very good as violin - and they secretly don't identify as a boy. Luckily Tate meets Eli, a viola prodigy who is also non-binary, and the two become fast friends. Eli is struggling to play viola well due to immense pressure to perform at a professional level, but they agree to help Tate develop their skills. Together the two help each other realize vital lessons about confidence, finding what makes you happy, and living your truth proudly. While there are serious lessons in this book this is also a really fun camp story with quirky side characters and shenanigans. I love the kids in this story and how they support each other. This will be loved by any Raina Telgemeier or Kayla Miller fans.

My kid is a violinist, so I was really excited to pick up this music camp graphic novel. I loved that the MCs are violists! Dynamic art, compelling conflict and character growth, and a cast you'll really enjoy rooting for. I'll definitely be picking this up for my elementary school library! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

"Camp Prodigy" by Caroline Palmer is a heartwarming and relatable middle-grade graphic novel that beautifully captures the journey of two nonbinary kids navigating anxiety, identity, and the pursuit of their musical dreams at summer orchestra camp.

Palmer skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience, creating a story that is both poignant and uplifting. Through the characters of Tate and Eli, readers are invited to explore the complexities of coming to terms with one's identity and finding the courage to pursue one's passions despite self-doubt and societal expectations.

The graphic novel format adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world of Camp Prodigy and the emotions of its characters. Palmer's vibrant illustrations complement the story perfectly, capturing the energy and emotion of each scene with precision and charm.

What truly sets "Camp Prodigy" apart is its authentic portrayal of anxiety and performance pressure, as well as its celebration of nonbinary identity. Tate and Eli's struggles feel real and relatable, making their triumphs all the more satisfying.

Overall, "Camp Prodigy" is a triumph of storytelling that will resonate with readers of all ages. It serves as a reminder that with determination, support, and a little bit of courage, anything is possible. Fans of Victoria Jamieson and Raina Telgemeier are sure to fall in love with this heartfelt tale of friendship, identity, and the power of music.

This was so beyond cute and absolutely a delight to read. The illustrations had me laughing at loud because of character expressions, the dialogue was well written and the story was very touching. Truly a great graphic novel!