Cody Unplugged - Hardcover

Grade 2-4-Another successful episode in the life of Cody Michaels. His idea of exercise is sitting on the sofa watching the Rise and Shine fitness show on television, so his mother signs him up for a week at the camp she attended at the same age. In fact, she can still chant the Camp Bear cheer and does so at every opportunity, much to her son's dismay. How will Cody survive with no TV, VCR, computer, or video games? He is exposed to the usual camp experiences-a bully, girls, ghost stories, snakes, and nicknames-and finds himself having a good time. He befriends another first timer and creates his own "Camp Survival Guide"-amusing tidbits that appear at the end of each chapter. Duffey's gentle humor and insight into the hopes and fears of a nine-year-old make this book appealing. Short chapters, concise descriptions, and lots of action will grab readers just beginning to tackle chapter books. Black-and-white full-page illustrations highlight all of Cody's ups and downs. Add this title to your "Recommended Reading for Summer Camp" bibliographies.
Kit Vaughan, J. B. Watkins Elementary School, Midlothian, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The last place on earth Cody Michaels wants to spend a summer is Camp Bear, but his mother, a Camp Bear alumni and outdoor enthusiast, is determined to send him there. Cody, a lively, plucky kid whose only flaws are his addictions to television and computers, doesn't believe he can survive, much less have fun, at a camp without electricity. But survive he does, and, in fact, he thrives as he discovers his own resources in a variety of new situations. Duffey develops the story line with a sure and light touch, loosely linking Cody's adventures with his need for self-confidence. Whether he is making his first friend, losing his swimming trunks in a scum-filled lake, surviving girls and the camp dance, or warning a friend in the nick of time about a rattlesnake, Cody finds that real life is better than a video any day. Fans of other chapter books featuring Cody will stay unplugged themselves until the final page in this fifth fun-filled story. Shelley Townsend-Hudson