Plot Summary

Boot Camp

Todd Strasser
Guide cover placeholder

Boot Camp

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Todd Strasser

Boot Camp

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

238

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

NDI Correctional Camp • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser follows Garrett, a teenager who is abducted and sent to a brutal boot camp by his parents to address his behavioral issues. Garrett experiences and witnesses severe emotional and physical abuse, and forms bonds with fellow campers as they struggle to survive the camp's harsh and punitive environment. The story focuses on Garrett's resilience and efforts to escape the camp's cruelty. Descriptions of physical and emotional abuse, as well as psychological trauma, are present throughout the novel.

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,103 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser is praised for its gripping narrative and powerful portrayal of reform school struggles. Readers appreciate the intense, thought-provoking themes and the well-developed characters. However, some critique the abrupt ending and find certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it's recognized for its emotional impact and engaging storyline.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Boot Camp?

Readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking stories about teenage resilience and institutional challenges would enjoy Boot Camp by Todd Strasser. Comparable to S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why, it appeals to fans of gritty, realistic young adult fiction exploring dark social issues.

4.1

6,103 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Todd Strasser has authored over 140 books, and Boot Camp is one of his novels that explores controversial and thought-provoking themes.

The book was inspired by real-life boot camps for troubled teens in the United States that have faced scrutiny for their harsh conditions and treatment methods.

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Todd Strasser often draws from real-world issues for his novels, using them as a backdrop to organically create intense and engaging stories for young adults.

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Book Details
Pages

238

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

NDI Correctional Camp • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

750L

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