CAMP SYLVANIA

Katie Ladner's upbeat narration fits this fast-moving story of Maggie's escapades at a wellness camp, a last-minute switch from the performing-arts camp she'd hoped to attend. Ladner captures Maggie's fury and then, quickly and believably, her about-face as she settles into camp with her fabulous bunkmates. Ladner's portrayals aid in the characters' likability. Ladner increases Maggie's enthusiasm when she lands the lead in the camp musical opposite a boy she's crushing on. Still, questions arise about the camp's totally red diet and mandatory blood donations. When a camper goes missing, Maggie and her BFFs turn into sleuths and discover the camp is a front for vampires. Ladner makes the plot turn plausible, emphasizing camaraderie and personal growth more than the mildly spooky elements. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]