BRAIN CAMP
First Second Graphic Novel August 2010
Junior Library Guild Selection
Scholastic Book Fair Selection
Chosen One of 2010's Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens by the American Library Association
Chosen One of 2010's Best New Comics for Teens by Good Comics for Kids blog at School Library Journal
Chosen for the Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List by the Texas Library Association
"Smart, disgusting fun...sly social commentary with a fizzy dash of stomach-lurching horror."
--Kirkus Reviews
"A throwback to the kind of paranoia that 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Stepford Wives' capitalized on...Kim and Klavan, who balanced adventure and kid's social issues so well in City of Spies (2010), do the same in another well-rounded adventure here, as the far-out (and kind of gross) climax mixes with genuine insight into dealing with parents, fitting into a new crowd, and handling the pressures of performance."
--Booklist
"A quick and quirky graphic novel...A fun story--illustrated with excellent full-color artwork."
--School Library Journal
"An undeniable nudge (resounding smack?) at all the preposterous things parents are willing to do to give their children any small step up on the ever-ridiculous road to so-called achievement..."
--Book Dragon blog
"This book would be an excellent, unqualified recommendation for anyone who wants to get a young person into comics... [B]ut it still has the power to entertain the older and more jaded among us. That's the kids' book's secret weapon: everybody was a kid once."
--ifanboy.com
"It’s a fast read, slick and enjoyable, and when I was twelve I would have carried it around in my arms like a teddy bear...If 'Brain Camp'’s for kids, kids got cooler while I was away.”
- Matt Brown, Tederick.com.
"For any parent, teacher, or librarian who has ever wanted to recommend a graphic novel to a unique and exceptional student who stands out from the crowd, Brain Camp might just be your best bet."
--Katie's Korner, Graphic Novel Reviews for Schools and Libraries
"Deliciously gross. Reminiscent of those scary stories you like to share around the bonfire, you can't go wrong with this sweetly sadistic summer camp chiller."
--ReadingRants.org
"An appealing graphic novel, with good, anti-heroic protagonists and engaging artwork...Fun, if creepy."
--ReadThatAgain.com
"It's creepy stuff, made all the more chilling by tapping into those teenage fears that the world is out to get you, and authority figures—including parents—don’t have your best interests at heart...A compelling story that manages to tap into our memories of teen angst, and probably even strikes a nerve with actual teens today."
--Indiepulp.blogspot.com
"It's a good briskly-paced read and I think Hicks' art is a great complement to the writing. Think of it as a "popcorn" movie -- a wacky, kind of scary thriller."
--Comixtalk.com
"Creepy and enjoyable. I had a great read with it and like any good Twilight Zone episode it has an ending with a twist."
-Novels-now.net
"Lots of fun..The words and art work together perfectly to tell a really good story."
--Stackedbooks.blogspot.com
"It’s a great treat of a story...The teen leads are very likable and this should be a popular pick for teen librarians to show to readers..."
--Good Comics for Kids blog (School Library Journal)
"Wonderfully creepy story...A perfect entrance point to the world of comics and graphic novels."
--Outfromthecomicshop.com
"I love BRAIN CAMP...Complete with camp antics, a wee bit of romance, conspiring adults and plenty of aliens, BRAIN CAMP is a fun, quick read."
--ekristinaanderson.com