Module #9- Mystery- Cam Jansen & Summer Camp Mysteries

Cam Jansen: The Summer Camp Mysteries

By David A. Adler

Book Summary: 

There are three mysteries to solve in this super special book—one for each week that Cam spends at camp.  The First-Day of Camp Mystery presents the mystery of the stolen lockbox—the box in which campers placed their extra spending money.  The box goes missing, along with the money—her friend, Eric and Cam are on the case immediately. 

It’s a Raid!-takes place during the second week of camp.  Cam’s bunk has been messed up.  The G8 girls are out for revenge, but who is the culprit?  Cam diplomatically solves another mystery. 

The Basketball Mystery Cam and Eric find the sports equipment, prizes for the banquet and coach’s computer are missing.  The banquet the last day of camp is quickly approaching.  Will they find the prizes and other items before the banquet when campers leave for home?  Cam and Eric solve another case before heading for home. 

APA Reference: 

Adler, D. A. (2007). Cam Jansen and the summer camp mysteries. Viking.  

My Impressions: 
Jennifer has a photographic memory and says click when she wants to remember something—that is why she is called Cam, short for camera.  This series of mysteries is wildly popular with young elementary students, who enjoy solving mysteries along with Cam.  The situations are realistic and children can relate to the circumstances.  Children enjoy solving mysteries at their level and Cam presents a good role model, drawing readers into the story with her friendship, humor, and special “click” to give children a clue there is something special coming up.  The last mystery involving a cat has her determining there was tuna fish on the lock of the door where the sports equipment was stored.  Her powers of observation alert youngsters to check all the angles before rushing to a conclusion.  Great read for ages 7 and up. 

Professional Review:

Recommended for ages seven and up.  A summary of Cam’s summer camp mystery adventures is recounted for this review.  Her photographic memory helps solve three mysteries during her time at camp.  Each mystery has its own section and chapters are short with a “memory game” in the appendix.  Old and new readers will identify with her characteristic “click” as her memory process is recording mystery-solving information.

Rosenfeld, S. (2007, May 15). [Review of the book Cam Jansen and the Summer Camp Mysteries by D. Adler]. Booklist. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/.

Library Uses:

This book is great for lower elementary readers and can help them with memory and problem solving skills.  Perfect for a summer reading program, this book can be used to help maintain reading skills over the summer and assist with memory and problem solving skills—its memory game is a perfect starting place.  Youngsters can solve mysteries that have been previously set up by facilitators, and the thrill of solving mysteries is a reinforcing reward for young sleuths.