Title: Music Camp
Author: Penny Tangey
Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP
Publication date: June 3, 2025
Themes: Friendship, resilience, jealousy, courage, music, climate change, floods, advocacy, action, loss
Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here
Music Camp by Penny Tangey and published by UQP is an absorbing, thought provoking middle grade novel that immerses the reader in the fun, thrills, opportunities and challenges of a five-day music camp. Different personalities come together and with this, some friendships blossom, others experience friendship struggles, the stakes are high and this coupled with some insecurities sees jealousy and competitiveness come into play. For some, music camp is an opportunity to find their voice with themes of advocacy, self-belief, courage, persistence, resilience and teamwork shining through this story. Themes relating to climate change are also present as the music camp takes place at a time where there is heavy rain resulting in a climate-induced flood. Sponsorship for the camp is provided by a fossil fuel company and there is a debate (spanning a few pages) in the story between two teachers about this.
This is a dual narrative told from two distinct characters, Miley and Juliet, who seemingly have little in common but share a deep appreciation for music. Miley resides in a caravan park as she and her Mum were the victims of flooding which claimed their home and everything they owned. She receives a scholarship to attend the camp. Miley is an advocate for the recorder after learning about this instrument with her music teacher Miss Lin. Miley is unwavering in her conviction to convince others that this is a real instrument. She demonstrates a steadfast determination, strength, and knowledge about the recorder in her quest to prove to others that this is a serious instrument.
Juliet is passionate about playing the flute. She lives with her Mum. Her Dad was an esteemed clarinet player and has recently passed away. Juliet is an avid reader and she speaks very much liker her favourite characters from Little Women and Jayne Eyre.
There is one spot up for grabs for a woodwind solo performance and both Miley and Juliet are determined to win this. Much practice, commitment and dedication are required throughout the music camp to even have a chance. While the competition is fierce, so too is the rain and this may pose a threat no one expected.
Miley and Juliet are joined by two more important characters in their cabin, cousins Clara and Renee. Clara is exuberant, playful, highly energetic, social and impulsive while Renee is anxious about change and is very prepared, studying all the information and taking in the details that are provided about the camp. Renee is loyal, sensible and dependable. There are a cast of authentic characters that readers will also relate to.
This memorable story about friendship, camaraderie, music and climate change may cause readers to self-reflect as they come to appreciate that some behaviours may be borne out of circumstances and knowing someone’s story may gift insights and understanding. There are many contemporary themes sensitively explored in this book and experiences that children navigate, ones they may relate to, or be a window into circumstances that may differ to their lived experiences. Finally, the recorder is indeed a serious instrument!