It’s been a rough year for Charlotte, 13, and Singer, 12. Their parents separated, a global pandemic hit, and schools shut down. Boredom-either at Mom’s place or Dad’s-looms. Until they stumble across a cave in the woods, and, inspired by his literary heroes, Singer comes up with a plan. No one has actually said they can’t have their own adventures, and so… Charlotte agrees. After remote school each day, the intrepid explorers-in disguise, of course-take off for parts nearby. Which are more full of surprises than they had ever imagined. Even without normal school, they learn plenty-about independence, about family, and about themselves.

Part summer adventure story and part life lesson, Campout: Classified is realistic fiction for children. In the vein of classics like Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain, and just a touch of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, adolescent heroes Charlotte and Singer face off with nature and with their own internal obstacles.