CAMP QUILTBAG
Written with Nicole Melleby
From the acclaimed authors of Hurricane Season and Ana on the Edge, an unforgettable story about the importance of and joy in finding a community, for fans of Alex Gino and Ashley Herring-Blake.
Twelve-year-old Abigail (she/her/hers) is so excited to spend her summer at Camp QUILTBAG, an inclusive retreat for queer and trans kids. She can’t wait to find a community where she can be herself—and, she hopes, admit her crush on that one hot older actress to kids who will understand.
Thirteen-year-old Kai (e/em/eir) is not as excited. E just wants to hang out with eir best friend and eir parkour team. And e definitely does not want to think about the incident that left eir arm in a sling—the incident that also made Kai’s parents determined to send em somewhere e can feel like emself.
After a bit of a rocky start at camp, Abigail and Kai make a pact: If Kai helps Abigail make new friends, Abigail will help Kai’s cabin with the all-camp competition. But as they navigate a summer full of crushes, queer identity exploration, and more, they learn what’s really important. Camp QUILTBAG is a heartfelt story full of the joy that comes from being and loving yourself.
Reviews
“A timely and necessary addition to any elementary or middle school library, especially as LGBTQIA+ children are seeking examples of loving communities who fully embrace every part of them.”
“Via a perceptive dual narrative, Melleby and Sass weave the perspectives of two queer kids drawn together by a need for community.”
“An instructive, affirming pick for rainbow readers and allies … Melleby and Sass write with incredible compassion, crafting a sweet summertime romance while modeling difficult conversations and valuable lessons in inclusivity.”
“[Camp QUILTBAG] captures that camp feeling of getting away from home, meeting different people, and growing as a person . . . At its heart, an enjoyable summer camp story.”
“This engaging, gently affirming novel should be valuable to young readers exploring their own identities or curious about those of others.”
“An absolute heartwarming delight. It’s a perfect summer read.”
“[A]ll of Sass’ books are must-reads.”