The Order of the Poison Oak - Russel Middlebrook, #1

Book 2 in the Lambda Award-winning Russel Middlebrook Series

"Summer camp is different from high school. Something about spending the night. Things happen."

Russel Middlebrook is back, in a stand-alone sequel to Geography Club, and he's off to work as a summer camp counselor with his best friends Min and Gunnar. He's sick and tired of being openly gay in high school, and a peaceful summer at Camp Serenity is just what he needs to relieve the stress that comes from being an "out" teenager.

But he doesn't count on sudden new rivalries with Min and Gunnar, or having to chase after a cabin full of unruly campers. And he especially doesn't count on a fellow counselor as hunky as Web Bastion.

Things do happen at Camp Serenity, especially at night. Brent Hartinger's third novel is a story about Indian legends, skinny-dipping in moonlit coves, and the mysteries of a secret society called the Order of the Poison Oak. But more than anything, this witty page-turner is about bravery in the face of unexpected danger, the passion of a sizzling summer romance, and, most of all, the courage to be yourself.


REVIEWS

"[I was] moved to tears.' … Beautifully written, authentic-sounding and smart … all the right traditional values are underscored: honesty, cleverness, generosity, trust."
– Philadelphia Inquirer

"Touching and realistic … hilarious."
– Kirkus Reviews

"Hartinger is a master …Russel, Min, Gunnar and all the rest are just great characters … A brave, bold book."
– Bookslut.com

"A delight … funny, touching … With this third novel from Brent Hartinger, I can see that he is an author who is only becoming more accomplished. (Highest Rating)"
– Midwest Book Review

PRAISE FOR BRENT HARTINGER

"Hits the narrative sweet spot."- NPR's All Things Considered

"Downright refreshing."- USA Today

"I really think this guy could be the next Judy Blume." - Pop Candy