THE HATCHING OF JOSHUA COBB

An over-mothered fatherless boy hatches during his first summer at camp, finding out that four second prizes can add up to first place, that believing you can swim (or run) helps you to succeed, that a fall can shake up boastful pride--that he, Josh Cobb, is better than he thinks he is. All the familiar activities--the big hike, the campout (with rain), the final track meet, the banquet--will make old campers nostalgic and get a first timer ready to pack. The bad counselor, a selfish, sadistic boy who almost ruins Josh's Stay, and the good counselor (with tragic orphan past), who redeems it, are possible camp types; each bunkmate is an individual and becomes more so as Josh, getting to know him, perceives him differently. The plot is only Josh's growing self-confidence and diminishing self-consciousness, but the series of events, helped along by a relaxed, humorous style, should keep the reader's attention.