Bummer Summer facts for kids

First edition (published by Holiday House)

Bummer Summer is the very first novel written by Ann M. Martin. She began writing this book in 1980, and it was published a few years later in 1983. It tells the story of a young girl's summer adventure.

About Bummer Summer

This book introduces us to Kamilla Whitlock, who is often called "Kammy" or "Kams" by her family. She lives with her dad, Robert Whitlock, and a housekeeper named Andrew Croswell. They live in a quiet town on the east coast.

Kammy's Family Life

Kammy's mom, Annie, sadly passed away in a car accident when Kammy was only four years old. Eight years later, Kammy's dad gets married again. His new wife is named Kate. Kate has two young children from a previous relationship: a three-year-old daughter named Muffin, and a baby son called Baby Boy.

A New Summer Plan

Sometimes, having a new family can bring new challenges. Kammy and her new stepfamily have some disagreements. To help with this, Kammy's dad and stepmom suggest she go to a summer camp called Camp Arrowhead. Kamilla isn't very excited about this idea at first, but she ends up going anyway.

Adventures at Camp Arrowhead

Once Kammy arrives at Camp Arrowhead, her summer starts to change. She meets new friends and has new experiences. One of her best friends at camp is Emily, a girl who has been to Camp Arrowhead for several years before. Emily helps Kammy learn the ropes of camp life.

Camp Challenges

However, camp isn't all fun and games. Kammy also meets a girl named Susie, who she considers her "archenemy." Susie thinks she's "Miss Perfect" and tries to be better than Kammy at everything. Even with Susie around, Kammy's summer turns out to be much better than she expected!