Rachel Vail

Justin Case is officially done with third grade, but his worries are far from over. Now he has to face the ultimate challenge of summer camp. Camp is supposed to be entirely about having fun, but Justin is not so sure. Between the terrifying rules of the swimming pool, the completely unpredictable nature of camp food, and the dreaded prospect of wearing flip-flops, there is a lot for a cautious kid to be anxious about. Justin prefers to play it safe, but camp constantly pushes him out of his comfort zone. He has to navigate new social rules, figure out how to make friends outside of his usual school crew, and confront his fears head-on. With the help of his very active imagination and a few deep breaths, Justin begins to realize that stepping away from safety might actually lead to an amazing summer. This funny and highly relatable diary-style story captures all the genuine nerves and surprising triumphs of trying something completely new.

Justin Case has successfully survived the terrors of third grade and the unpredictable wilderness of summer camp. Now he is officially a fourth-grader, but growing up seems to bring a whole new set of complicated rules. The academic expectations are significantly higher, the tests are much harder, and the social dynamics of the playground are shifting in confusing ways. Justin is trying his best to keep up, but he suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of a school bully. Instead of a physical fight, this bully uses harsh words and quiet intimidation, making Justin question his own worth. As he navigates this intimidating new terrain, Justin records his daily disasters and small victories in his trusty diary. Through trial and error, he attempts to figure out the right tools for handling bad days and mean kids. You will root for Justin as he discovers that true bravery is not about being fearless, but about standing up for yourself even when your knees are shaking.