The Hollywood Book Reviews recently spotlighted Camp Musky by David DeLong—and honestly, this book earned every bit of it. Not only does it deliver a wholesome, adventure-filled camp story, but it also packs an emotional punch that’s rarely seen in middle-grade fiction today. There’s a beautiful simplicity in the way DeLong writes: light when it needs to be, deep when it matters. And that’s exactly why this book deserved its moment in the Hollywood spotlight.
With timeless camp antics, mysterious legends, and plenty of moments that hit close to the heart, Camp Musky stands out as a feel-good, faith-driven novel that doesn’t talk down to its readers. It respects their curiosity, their struggles, and their potential. That balance is what caught the eye of Hollywood Book Reviews—and it’s what makes it worthy of yours.
“Readers will regard Camp Musky as a masterpiece because of how quickly the action moves, how nicely the chapters flow, and how the tension and heart are masterfully balanced.”
—Hollywood Book Reviews
A Camp that Reveals your Faith
At the heart of Camp Musky are Buddy and Cally, two siblings who find themselves caught in the magic, mischief, and mystery of a Christian summer camp. Between campfire devotions, lake swims, teasing rivalries, and legendary fish tales, the duo navigates a week they’ll never forget—complete with prank wars, spiritual growth, and a growing mystery surrounding an eerie creature lurking near the lake.
But this isn’t just a fun camp story. It’s a layered tale about standing up for others, growing through your mistakes, and discovering courage in unexpected places. Every character—from the prankster to the preacher—has a role to play, and every chapter builds toward something that feels real, earned, and hopeful. It’s fiction with purpose—and it lands.
Why Hollywood Book Reviews Loved It
Hollywood Book Reviews called out the pacing, the flow, and the emotional tone of the story. They loved how the book moves quickly without ever feeling rushed and how the tension is always balanced by genuine heart. They saw what many parents and teachers will too: this book doesn’t just entertain—it encourages. And it does so while keeping the dialogue authentic, the plot believable, and the characters worth rooting for.
The review highlighted how accessible the story is to young readers while still offering moments that make them think deeper about faith, empathy, and forgiveness. That’s a hard balance to hit—but Camp Musky pulls it off with heart and grace.
A Line That Sticks
“Friendships bloom around the campfire and in the mess hall, filled with laughter, teamwork, and even some powerful personal growth and transformation.”
This line sticks because it sums up why we remember stories like this. It’s not just about the mystery or the mess hall food fights—it’s about how those moments shape us. This line captures the emotional heartbeat of the book—and why it’ll stay with readers long after the last page.
About the Author
While Camp Musky is a work of fiction, it’s built from a life rich in ministry, education, and family. David DeLong lives with his wife, Linda, and their cats in Clarksburg, West Virginia. They are the parents of four adult children and the grandparents of five grandchildren. David has taught in several parochial schools and served as a pastor in numerous churches. He currently serves as the assistant minister of the Church of God, 7th Day in Salem, West Virginia. Camp Musky is his debut book.
Camp Musky
David Delong
Pick up your copy today at Kravitz & Sons Book Store
Trust me, you’ll want to sit with this one for a while. It’s got the laughs, the legends, and the lessons—and it leaves you feeling better for having read it.