Music Camp Buy Book

“A big-hearted story about music, ambition and finding your way when you're twelve. I loved it.”

- Nova Weetman

“Music lovers unite! This is the book for you. You’ll be completely in tune with these bold characters as they try to master their music, friendships and worries. Such an awesome read.”

- Bren MacDibble

“Told in alternating perspectives, Miley and Juliet’s voices contrast in register and vocabulary, which offers young readers a rewarding mix of accessible and more advanced language.”

- Clare Millar, Books + Publishing

“It’s wonderful to see an Australian middle grade offering that centres and celebrates instrumental music; Music Camp is a treat both for fellow “music nerds” and for fans of contemporary realistic fiction.”

- Annaleise Byrd, StoryLinks

“Music Camp is a fun, uplifting story about music, climate change, and pursuing your dreams. ”

- Aurelia Orr, Readings

“It’s a delightful novel, filled with great friendships and the power to encourage people to follow their dreams.”

- Ashleigh Meikle

“The best part of the story happens very close to the end of the book so readers will need to 'stick with' this book so they can enjoy the emotional scenes of the final chapters.”

- Momo Celebrating Time to Read

“This is a great story with lots of fun and an underlying theme of climate change introduced through the teachers.”

- Lamont Books

“A warm and funny read about music camps, friends and finding your way - especially when you are smart, sassy, passionate, ambitious and maybe just a little bit different.”

- Wendy Jeffrey, ReadPlus

“How great it is to read a book that focuses on the importance of making time and space for creativity in children’s lives.”

- Suzanne Ingelbrecht

Music Camp

Available 3 June 2025

Miley and Juliet have nothing in common, apart from a love of music.

Miley can’t afford the five-day Music Camp because she lost her home in a flood, but she’s won a scholarship to attend. This is her chance to prove to everyone that the recorder is a serious instrument.

Flautist Juliet comes from classical music royalty. Her late father was an esteemed clarinet player and she wants to honour his legacy. She’s also keen to make friends with people who don’t know about her tragic past – though perhaps not with that girl who thinks the recorder is a serious instrument.

Over the week, Miley and Juliet don’t always see eye to eye, especially when they both audition for the only woodwind solo at the final night’s concert. But with torrential rain threatening to flood the camp, their dreams might get washed away. How can they put their differences aside and face the music together?

Resources

Teachers’ Notes prepared by University of Queensland Press

Climate for Change has ideas on how to join the climate movement including a list of local and national groups

Fossil Ad Ban is a campaign to ban fossil fuel ads and sponsorship in Australia