Float: An Action-Packed Summer Camp Adventure About Kids with Uncontrollable Abilities and Deadly Secrets (Ages 8-12) Paperback – July 23, 2019

When Emerson first arrives at Camp Outlier, he doesn't want to be there. As a RISK kid, he's been treated as an outsider his whole life, and the steel boots and vest that he has to wear don't help things any. Then he discovers that being at a camp with other kids like him, who have uncontrollable superpowers, isn't so bad, and he fits in better than he could ever have imagined. For the first time in his life, Emerson isn't spending all his time playing video games, and he has friends. But things take a dangerous turn when Emerson discovers that one of his camp mates has a dangerous secret that will change everything. And since the adults can't or won't do anything, it's up to Emerson and his new found friends to save the day.Martin has created a thoroughly entertaining book about some rather unusual children. While the characters all have strange abilities, they are still children who want to belong, and who are tired of being treated differently. The craziness that results when they come together results in some rather amusing events. And yet the themes of friendship and adapting to differences shine through loud and clear. And mixed in with all of that are typical camping experiences involving fires, latrines, and girls. I enjoyed watching Emerson and his friends change over the summer as they become friends as well as cabin mates. In addition to the more serious themes, there is enough silliness (and yes, grossness--roping pigs anyone?) to satisfy most middle grade readers.

I was impressed by the quality of the book, it drew me into the RISK world. Laura Martin did a great job in writing this book, all of the RISK factors were very creative, and extremely detailed, I recommend this book for ages 11+. There was some language that I'm not going to say, and there was some scenes were bank goes naked, but I appreciate that Laura Martin did not go into depth about it. Over all, I thought it was a great book, 5 stars.

There is so much that I loved about this book. First, I loved how authentic the characters felt, and somewhere in the story you'll probably realize that you want to be friends with Emerson, Hank, Murphy, Gary, Zeke, and Anthony. Second, I appreciated the numerous life lessons buried in this book like hidden gems. From learning to really live to learning what it means to be a friend, this book is full of themes that are worth reading and discussing. Simply put- you end the book feeling inspired. Third, I admire that Laura Martin was able to wrap up those likable characters and life lessons into one engaging, fun, and surprising summer. Kids/Students will love the adventures these boys have during their summer camp, and they'll probably hope for a sequel to this book! This is a great read.

I loved the author’s other 2 books, so I was excited to read FLOAT. This book did not disappoint! The plotline with the RISK characters was creative and brilliantly done. And the setting at a summer camp is fun for both kids and adults alike. Several times throughout the book I found myself fondly reflecting on my own summer camp memories as I laughed along with the antics of the boys at camp. But most all I loved how through their differences and pain, the characters created a friendship and brotherhood that was so pivotal and important in their lives, which is great in this day and age for middle grade readers to see modeled for them as they themselves try to figure out who they are and what they are going to become.

Nice book to read given special ed kids with interesting difficulties. A little hard to believe 2 1/2 monthsat a camp, but well written and characters equal to tasks presented. Can tell author taught English and knew predictaments presented.

My son loved this book. I regularly head him laughing out load while reading it.

I bought this book for my 10-year old's book club. He devoured the book in a few hours with an astonishing number of belly laughs. My 13-year old then picked it up it, with the same reaction. Both kids asked if there are more books in the series. It is an entertaining read and allowed us to have poignant discussions about what it means to be out of the ordinary. Buy it.

After being stuck at home because of a pandemic, this book made me feel like I was at camp again. That is if my camp was full of kids with mysterious and uncontrollable powers (notice how I didn't say super powers. That is because they are super...yet. Maybe the next book???). I highly recommend this read. I can't wait to tell my students about it!