Cooper thought living at a campground would be cool.
But ever since his parents bought the lakeside campground, he’s had more chores and less time to explore. And as if babysitting his little sister and cleaning the bathrooms weren’t bad enough, his ex-friend Roy has chosen him as this summer’s bullying target. Cooper’s only bright spot this summer is his new friend, Packrat, a guy who carries the world in his coat pockets and leaves his troubles behind.
But trouble has come to the Wilder Family Campground and Pine Lake, where a family of loons is building a nest. First, someone dams up the lake and floods the nest. Then, when Cooper and Packrat build a raft where the loons can make a new nest, it gets destroyed–by someone with big footprints. Someone is out to harm the loons. Is it the bully with a chip on his shoulder? The irritable camper with a shady past? Or the publicity-seeking reporter? It’s up to the boys to figure out who, why, and how to stop the culprit– before it’s too late.
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Reviews and News
“Mystery and adventure make this a suspenseful, can’t-put-it down book, but it’s Cooper and Packrat’s blind determination to save the loons against all odds that will steal your heart. I closed the book longing to hear that beautiful call only a loon can make.” ~ Jo Knowles, author of “See You At Harry’s”
Cooper and Packrat: Mystery on Pine Lake is a Junior Library Guild selection
Mystery on Pine Lake named to the 2014-2015 Maine Student Book Award list.
Mystery on Pine Lake named to the 2016-2017 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award List!
“Packed with intrigue and sweet humor, this mystery with a conservation twist will grab young readers . . . Wight has penned a winning cast of characers, dialogue that sparkles and a plot that flies. DiRocco;s detailed and humorous black-and-white illustrations elevate the book’s charm even higher. A story that should turn even the most finicky readers into happy campers.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“With an engaging voice, reluctant camper Cooper Wilder tells a story of environmental intrigue for outdoorsy middle-grade readers. As a sumer camp owner herself, author Tamra Wight has young readers tasting the oozing s’mores, smelling the stench of maggot-riddled trash, and feeling the squishy mud between their toes with her descriptive language. Quirky characters and realistic dialogue will make this suspenseful eco-mystery a favorite summer read of any wildlife-lover.” ~ForeWord Reviews
Interview in the Maine Sunday Telegram: Tamra Wight and her scrappy campers
Review and Interview with the Bangor Daily News: Maine Author’s debut book features nature-loving boy
– Kirkus Reviews
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