BRIARWOOD

Calpurnia “Callie” Garcia dreams of spending a summer at selective, secretive Camp Briarwood, which is reserved for the brightest of minds.

When Callie aces her Briarwood entrance exam (thanks in part to having studied the science journal belonging to her great-grandfather Teodore Gartzia, who worked with Nikola Tesla), her teacher accuses her of cheating and withholds her results from the contest. But when a personal invitation arrives from the camp director, her summer takes an unexpected turn. Knowing her proud father will reject the much-needed scholarship, Callie agrees to earn her way by working as an assistant mechanic, helping to keep the steam-powered machines humming. Briarwood isn’t about typical summer camp activities like kayaking and crafts—it’s filled with mechanical marvels and science in which “inspiration and creativity combine in weird and wonderful ways to produce something unexpected.” As she navigates new friendships, self-doubt, and a missing-persons mystery, Callie comes to realize that innovation depends on both intelligence and learning to trust and work with others. The camp setting is vividly imagined and bursts with energy. The prose is clear and brisk, making even complex concepts accessible, while the plot balances the thrill of discovery with reflections on belonging and confidence. Though one subplot feels underdeveloped, the worldbuilding and emotional resonance make up for it. Readers will find themselves wanting to revisit Briarwood. Callie’s parents are immigrants from an unspecified country that’s “halfway around the world.”

An inventive, immersive celebration of curiosity, courage, and learning.