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| Book #24 of 2010 |
| Title: Boot Camp |
| Author: Todd Strasser |
| Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing |
| Pub Date: May 22, 2007 |
| Grade: A- |
| Comments: Garrett’s parents are fed up with his behavior; skipping school and giving them attitude was bad enough, but dating his teacher pushed them over the edge. They sign him up for Boot Camp, give two transporters (read: kidnappers) permission to remove him from his home and bring him to Lake Harmony. After his strip search, he is read the riot act on how to get along at Lake Harmony; do exactly what you’re told, earn levels by adhering to the rules, and learn to become the kid your parents want and maybe you’ll get out in six months to two years. Garrett is a smart kid and realizes just how wrong this place is, how the fellow captives have been brainwashed and how the punishments are unquestionably torture. His rebellions land him in solitary confinement often and Garrett begins to wonder if he should try to escape with Pauly and Sarah.
Boot Camp is a gut-wrenching book, but the thing that really gets you is the afterword that reminds you that places like this actually exist. Parents can sign their kids up, and the kids have no rights until their 18th birthdays. The torture that Garrett endures is unbelievable. I thought the major strength of the book is Garrett’s characterization; he comes across as a very real, mature teen who is left in the worst situation. This one has major booktalk potential.
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