Boot Camp Mass Market Paperback – July 29, 2008

Todd Strasser has crafted a book that manages to both educate and for lack of a better word entertain. It's hard to say that something so grim could entertain but suffice it to say that the pacing and format kept me moving steadily through the story. Although there are obviously distinct chapters, at no point did I feel that there was a point when I wanted to stop reading. This is the sort of story that makes you keep reading, hoping that at some point things will turn around for the character.I don't do spoilers but I will say that I can see why this book is recommended reading in schools. I plan to loan it to my own boys and use it to spur several important discussions. The responsibility of bystanders to act when they see injustice is only one thought provoking topic that Mr. Strasser skillfully raises by the interaction between Garrett and more than one other character.Buy this book, read it with your kids and then talk about these difficult topics.

Todd has written a fictional piece based upon what really happens at these behaviour modification camps. You can feel the hopelessness of the main character and others in the programme and the sadistic nature of those in charge. It is true that some hardened offenders need some structure, but to send a teen off to one of these places because of nothing other than the child is not what the parents want him/her to be is unthinkable. I have personal experience with this one. I did not like the ending...but it does illustrate what happens and how a person becomes broken.

I am a middle school (8th grade) teacher looking for books to recommend to reluctant male readers. Someone mentioned this one, so I read it. It definitely captured my interest and I think my students will be drawn to the action and plot. A few plot twists at the end were a little forced for my liking, but in general it was eye-opening to the real life boot camps in our country. I was amazed that a quick google search found some facilities with rules and structures so similar to what is presented in this novel.

Good book for kids who do not always like to read. Enough tension to hold it together, and teachers could easily plan a lesson around it due to all the research that went into it. A solid book.

Todd Strasser's novel is a riveting account of one teen's experience at a boot camp for troubled teens. Students, even those who do not like to read, will find themselves riveted by this novel. Once they start reading they simply cannot put it down. What is more, it prompts them to seek out other books to read.

I added this title to my classroom library about three weeks ago; I've had two students check it out and finish it within 2-3 days a piece. Based on their recommendations, I have started a wait list amongst my juniors to read Bootcamp for independent reading. I'm hoping to get my hands on it eventually, maybe over Thanksgiving break. Even though I haven't read it yet, I think the student buzz warrants a 5 star review.

I gave the book 4 stars because the ending I disliked I felt that garret should explain. how awful his time was at the boot camp to his parents and get the place either shutdown or restrict the abusive beatings.

this book was just ok. i feel that it was just cut short, i mean what happended after the fact did the camp change him forever or just until he saw sabrina again or did he never see her again...what happened to the camp? such a cliffhanger but anyways the book ALSO started off with basically no beigining just him in the car headed to camp....yawn...ok i guess and for that 3 stars

Warning!! SPOILERSBased on true reported incidents Todd Strasser's "Boot Camp" tells the story of three teenagers and their struggles in a "reformation" camp, these camps are reported to exist around the world and their use is to straighten out unruly teens.Gripping and heart wrenching this tale provides all that a good story requires: loveable characters, a exciting escape and what comes around goes around.I would recommend this book to anyone over 13 due to its moderate violent content if you are looking for a gripping story based on true events that will leave you wondering how these places can exist in today's society.

Tempting, unbelievable, frightning!How many parents all over the world are dreaming once in a while of somebody ELSE to deal with their teenagers? Lots! And the idea of getting an understanding and reasonable child back is definitely tempting. But at what costs (and I dont talk about money). Reading this book does not completely erase the thought of booking a bootcamp for the rest of ones life but even better gets us a little closer in understanding what our kids might think and what kind of boot camp they maybe would have chosen... for us... in order to get US understand their needs better. My kid got a big unexpected hug the next day, a "good to have you" and "have I told you lately, I really do love you". And I received a blushing kid, rolling eyes and "Mum... thats embarrassing". And you know what? I think I touched and renewed something deep inside with just two thinks - reading this book and hugging my kid :-)

Das Buch "Boot Camp" sollte man auf jeden Fall lesen. Das Buch ist nicht nur spannend, sondern zeigt auch die Realität.

Garret is sent to a boot camp called Lake Harmony because of his "bad" behavior.A life of psychological and physical torture will begin there for him.I will not say more, this book is a must.The situations described in the book are based on true facts although it's unbelievable that such camps could be legal.This story is revolting, sad, and heart-wrenching.

Great!