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?
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
What a delightful little read about relatable real life issues that are faced by for our two main characters Miley & Juliet. The friendship that is formed & the dedication to pursuing music for finding moments of joy in times of crisis. Highly recommend. Mel, VIC, 5 stars
Love this story. Grandaughter enjoyed reading it with me. Thanks Better Reading for the opportunity to share this lovely story with my Grandaughter. Debbie, 8, VIC, 5 stars
Not just a book about Music, this book shows us that friends can have different personalities but still be great friends, that you can be inclusive and individual at the same time. It is an easy read, lots of fun with a little bit of gentle drama. It explores how much enjoyment Music Camp can be, along with the music they experience dancing, yoga & generally getting out and exploring. Juliet is a calming influence, and the characters are warm and relatable. Enjoyed by both adults and tweenagers in our household. Katrina McAliece, SA, 5 stars
I really liked this book. I liked how over the week Juliet and Miley didn’t exactly get along but when they faced danger they joined forces to get through the flood. Five stars!! Georgina, 7, NSW, 5 stars
My child was completely captivated by this story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Miley and Juliet navigate jealousy, misunderstandings and differences as they spend the week at music camp. They learn lots about themselves and their campmates along the way. Written from the perspectives of both girls, the reader gets a unique look into their mindsets as well as how their perceptions are challenged over the course of the week. This is a heartwarming story, with lots of witty humour infused throughout that keeps the reader engaged page after page. Kylie, NSW, 5 stars
Alyssa- I liked how there were 2 perspectives of the story from Miley and Juliet and how it helped the reader understand the characters backgrounds. It was interesting to see the backgrounds of each girl and how their backgrounds formed how they behaved. Rhonda- I enjoyed the book and found that the characters and their reactions to the incidents in the book were true to life. Alyssa, 11, VIC, 5 stars
I loved the story line! It was so unique and really enjoyable once I got into it! Kathy, NSW, 5 stars
This novel really struck a cord in me while also dealing with our own local flood event. It reminded me of a saying my mum always says when I have a problem, This Too Shall Pass. Nothing lasts forever and you just need to be strong enough to see the light at the end. Then you know you’ve made it. Music Camp is well written and is very engaging for the reader. Hunter, 12, NSW, 5 stars
A fun read for younger readers, it does have a serious note with the inclusion of flooding and a climate change related sub theme. The main characters developed through the book and all had their foibles, this only made them more believable. Ainsley, QLD, 5 stars
Was amazing- love the plot would love to read a sequel of it Kathy, NSW, 5 stars
A book for all music nerds (that includes me) and those who cannot read a note of music. Told through the eyes of Miley and Juliet who attend a music camp with other young musicians we are amused at the jealous antics of the students and the camaraderie between teachers and the pupils. A book that is hard to put down. Cheryl, 8-14, VIC, 5 stars
Penny‘s latest novel for middle-school kids is spot on target. Told with two voices, girls who attend the year 6 Music Camp, but have very little in common, other than their love of music. We follow the main characters, tweens, well written, likeable and well developed, as they face expectations and challenges of camp, Two supporting characters appear to be neurodivergent and some have parent/home issues. Throw in Climate Change and this will make an excellent school text. I appreciate that the author has managed to avoid ‘bag language’, which has been disappointingly present in too many books now written for this age. (Making it tough for Teacher-librarian to add to collections). She also uses the correct musical terms and doesn’t dumb down the language as the characters speak. I loved this book. I would certainly add it to the collection at my school and I can see purchase class sets. I know the students will love it. Great gift for ‘musical nerd kids’ 9-13. Helen, NSW, 5 stars
The story follows the two different lives of Juliette and Miley who then meet at Music Camp. Despite their differences, they form a friendship through things they have in common. The story is easy and enjoyable to read. I really like Miley as a character because she is strong and doesn’t care what others think of her – she is honest and true to herself. I would recommend this book to young girls, or boys, who are looking for a story that shares the emotions of facing challenges and hardships – but unites people through the love of music. Frankie, 10, NSW, 4 stars
This was a great story about kids being brave and following their own path even when it isn’t cool or popular. The girls at the music camp were all different at the start but realised they had a lot in common once they got to know each other. They had to face their fears to play their instruments in front of strangers but bigger fears when one of the girls gets lost and there is a flood at the camp. I liked the message in the story to always be yourself. Mia, 12, VIC, 4 stars
This is exactly the type of book I want my daughter to be reading as she gets older – teaching her the importance of always doing what she loves and shouting it from the rooftops, while also supporting and accepting others with differing passions, family lives and personalities. It is also a story of never giving up, the importance of practice and working hard, while also shedding light on climate change, that is sure to be a discussion starter. This will be staying on my bookshelf for when my daughter gets older Nikki, SA, 4 stars
Miley comes from a family who has lost everything, but she has won a scholarship to a music camp for the recorder. Juliet is a flautist who comes from a family of affluence and a parent who is a professional musician. As Miley and Juliet attend the camp where prejudices are made known and acceptance doesn’t seem possible. However, you throw in the chance that no one gets to perform, and the musicians become more concerned about their music being heard, than the instruments that people play. To me, I feel like Music Camp is about learning acceptance, not just of people, but also of the things that people have an interest in or are passionate about. It’s about coming together for a greater goal and about pursuing your dreams, even when that dream might not receive mainstream acceptance. I asked my nephew (9), what the story meant to him and was glad to find that he thought: ‘You should like what you like, and you should let other people like what they like’. While this view may be considered simplistic, I think it is a testament to the author and their writing. Aotea, 9, QLD, 4 stars
The perfect book for young musicians – a great story about finding friendship and your place in the world, with a fantastic music camp setting. Celia, QLD, 4 stars
Music Camp is a heartfelt, funny middle-grade novel about two very different girls—Miley, a recorder enthusiast from a flood-affected town, and Juliet, a perfectionist flautist—brought together at a five-day music camp. Through clashing perspectives, Penny Tangey explores themes of friendship, grief, ambition, and climate anxiety with warmth and humour. The story is grounded in real emotion but stays light on its feet, offering a relatable and hopeful journey. With music as the backdrop, this is a pitch-perfect tale about finding common ground and connection in unexpected places. Ideal for tweens who love character-driven, contemporary Australian fiction. Kate, TAS, 4 stars
A growing up story of discovery and friendships. Music Camp is a dual Point of View (POV) story that follows a group of kids from different schools at a Grade 6 music camp in country Victoria. It capsulates the feelings, jealousies and belonging of that age group. The characters of both Miley and Juliet come from different backgrounds. The friendships at that age are always complicated and this was explored as the book progressed. The book also explored climate change and the book built up to a climax of the “Concert”. You will need to read the book to know what happened, as it didn’t go as planned. The book was about hope and making changes both in friendships and in the changing world that we live in. I would recommend this book to any 9+ year olds. Thank you to Penny Tangey for writing such an important book in a way that young kids can learn from and to enjoy. Glenda, VIC, 4 stars
Music Camp is a fantastic journey exploring how music can bring young people from completely contrasting backgrounds together. This is a wonderful exploration of the range of issues young people are contending with and how perception and reality can be quite contrasting! Fantastic read! Andrew, QLD, 4 stars
I loved reading Music Camp! It’s about these two girls named Miley and Juliet who go to music camp together. Miley plays the recorder and Juliet plays the flute. I really liked how different they were – Miley is nervous about going to camp and playing her recorder, while Juliet is really good at her flute and seems so sure of herself. At first, they don’t really get along, which reminded me of how sometimes it’s hard to make new friends. The best parts were when they described all the fun stuff at camp, like staying up late and talking with their roommates, and practicing their instruments together. I thought it was funny when things went wrong during their rehearsals, and I felt happy when they started becoming friends. Sometimes I felt bad for Miley when she was worried about her recorder playing, but it was cool to see her get better and more confident. The ending was really good, especially the final concert part! I would definitely recommend this book to my friends, especially if they like music or go to camp. It’s a fun story and pretty easy to read. Georgia, 9, WA, 4 stars
This was an enjoyable read with humour. Each character was relatable with their different ambitions and circumstances. It also explored some very important themes. Jenny, VIC, 4 stars
A group of young children given the opportunity to go to Music Camp to better their ability to play their chosen instrument. Juliet is from a wealthy family and plays the flute. Her father was a famous musician and composer. Miley who has just lost her house in a flood was given a scholarship to attend to play the Recorder. Everyone scoffs at her choice of musical instrument, but then she is chosen to do the Solo and earns the respect of her peers. But not everything goes to plan, with the relentless rain and having to be evacuated. Annette, 15, NSW, 4 stars
I rather enjoyed Music Camp, though it did take some time to get going. The book covered friends, allegiances and music. Three things that helped create the idea of a music camp. Adriana, 9, NSW, 4 stars
I really enjoyed Music Camp by Penny Tangey. It’s full of lively dialogue and plenty of time inside characters’ heads so that you really get to know them. It’s a nice change to have a music camp as the setting, but this book is great for any reader looking to experience dynamics between kids, and the trials and tribulations of making friends. Having said that, any budding young musician will especially relate to anxieties and jubilations around musical performance. I definitely recommend this book. Judith, NSW, 4 stars
Miley and Juliet are enrolled to attend Music Camp via Middle School. Miley is playing a recorder and Juliet a Classical Flute. Bother are out to prove their worth about their family and past about which is the best musical instrument. Both have tragedies from the past and don’t agree on things. There’s a violent storm playing out the night of the concert so will they both help each other to make the night memorable. A great story for learning peaceful relationships between children. Noeleen, 10-12, WA, 4 stars
Music Camp was a good book for people who love music and stories about friendship. I liked how it told the story from both main characters points of view. Brooklyn, 13, SA, 3 stars
This middle-grade novel about kids from different schools coming together at music camp brought back all kinds of memories. A very true-to-life tale of a range of events and situations many will recognise, from the musical snobbery and elitism to the challenges of sleeping in rooms with people you don’t know, navigating the awkward preteen social situations that take place to dealing with extreme weather events and climate change anxiety… I thought this was well written, and skilfully observed a number of situations kids might be dealing with, without being too…dare I say it…try-hard. A delicate touch that I appreciated. I think middle-grade readers will really enjoy this one, whether they’re music nerds or not. Bethany Evans, NSW, 3 stars
Music Camp by Penny Tangey follows a group of Year Six students on the annual music camp. Typical behaviour of 11/12 year olds are observed as they strive for recognition in the music world. Although the outsiders at their school here they all fit in as music nerds attempting to outdo each other. Jealousy, teasing, bullying and acting out are rife. Each musician is competing to be the best and possibly chosen elite of the Summer Music Orchestra. Scholarship participants are looked down on and there is snobbery around the instruments played. Miley is playing the lowly treble recorder and is a scholarship student. Juliet and Clara are the superior flautists. Along with the music the students need to overcome the dangers of climate change when the camp is washed out by a flood. This was an enjoyable read with both trauma and humour. Annette, ACT, 3 stars
This book includes everything from their/them Sandy to rich girl, poor girl, girl with issues and boy who gets every girl. Trying a bit too hard to be inclusive. I do realise this is book is about camaraderie in the climate crisis but now wonder the next generation is paranoid when they constantly hear about islands sinking and bad companies that are responsible for climate change. It is still an interesting book that shows the strengths and weaknesses of people and how you can overcome problems Sandra, NSW, 3 stars
While reading this review of “Music Camp,” I immediately remembered how important it is to structure your creative projects to stay inspired. At some point, I came across artistic checks —the reviews helped me understand which services for artistic receipts are truly reliable. Thanks to this, I was able to better organize my creative expenses and focus, avoiding unnecessary distractions, and the work process became smoother and more enjoyable.
I really enjoyed reading about Penny Tangey’s Music Camp — it sounds like a fantastic way for both beginners and experienced musicians to explore new styles. Camps like these are great for inspiration and learning, especially when you get to experiment with different instruments and techniques. I usually like to complement my practice or listening sessions with some background music, and if anyone’s looking for ad-free, free music to accompany their learning, you can check out https://blackholemusicsapp.com/. It’s a nice way to stay in the zone while enjoying good tunes.