Called Upon

January 1, 2021

Gr 7 Up-Fifteen-year-old Kaitlin has mixed feelings about being sent to Camp Overlook for the summer-it allows her to escape being a social outcast in her hometown, but going to camp means having to be social. But Kaitlin makes friends on the very first day of camp and secures the attention of Max, a fellow camper whose sweet nature causes her to let her guard down. Led by the hyper-jubilant Dr. Forsythe, it becomes clear that Camp Overlook is not all that it seems. Soon after arrival, campers begin disappearing after experiencing bad dreams and flu-like symptoms. Kaitlin and Max start investigating, teaming up with veteran camper Claire, and discover that the camp uses a sophisticated surveillance system to monitor conversations and activities among the campers. But Kailtin's curiosity soon takes her into dangerous territory-Dr. Forsythe reveals that she, and many of the other campers, are there to take part in a genetic experiment, explaining that she has the ability to make a real impact in the world if she joins his cause. Kaitlin has to decide if her newfound sense of belonging is worth the moral and ethical codes she would be forced to abandon. Lee relies on character tropes to introduce a large cast of campers, often rendering the characters who disappear disposable. Kaitlin and the immediate cast of characters are coded white. Mexican cultural appropriation is depicted in one scene, but Kaitlin only briefly remarks opon it as offensive. Lee's reliance on telling rather than showing neglects to add depth to this psychological thriller. VERDICT An interesting premise falls short of its own potential. Suitable for adolescent readers who are new to the psychological thriller genre.-Elise Martinez, Racine, WI

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 11, 2021
Kaitlyn, 14, has been having a hard time in school, with her former best friend orchestrating the teen’s daily torture. Her mother has a solution, though: Kaitlyn will spend the summer at Camp Overlook and hopefully make a few friends. Kaitlyn finds herself quickly adopted by her bunkmates and forms a fast friendship with Molly, who sets her sights on Jake, the cutest boy in camp. As the girls befriend Jake’s bunkmates, Kaitlyn realizes that something strange is happening at Camp Overlook, and turns to Claire, a return camper who warns of disappearances and hints at the teens’ fate as lab rats. Interweaved throughout is the story of Ashley, a pregnant teen who isn’t sure how to handle impending motherhood. Though debut novelist Lee’s too-tidy thriller relies heavily on Scooby Doo–style confessions, realistic characters give the story a grounded appeal. Ages 12–16.