This is an illlustrated journal that is a cross between a chapter book/comic book/graphic novel. Rip's father is a "soldier of fortune". He travels the globe hunting for treasure and Rip and his dog, TNT go with him. One summer, his dad decides he needs to learn how to socialize with kids his own age so send him to summer camp. The problem is that it is a girl's camp and Rip is the only boy there. He decides he needs to escape, but his father has had extra security added so he can not. There are overly protective counselors, a variety of female campers, and lots of trouble. Rip has many flashbacks to his adventuring days and his conflicts with the Doofus brothers. He realizes that he is somewhat of a bully, but can not seem to help himself. With the help of Breezy, one of the campers, he finally settles in to camp and makes some friends. This is heavily illustrated which will appeal to those reluctant readers. There is a silly feel to the book that I think middle graders will enjoy. As long as the children can keep the actual camp adventures and his flashbacks/dreams separate they will enjoy this book. I liked the various puzzles that were scattered throughout the story for the reader to solve. This is a great book for a school and classroom library.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This fast paced fiction hybrid graphic novel is a book full of humor and adventure. Rip haywire spends most of his time accompanying his dad to save the world with his talking dog TNT, the name does not match the dog’s personality. His father thinks it would be a good idea to spend more time with kids his own age and sends him off to summer camp. To make matters worse for Rip, his dad signed him up for a girl summer camp without an escape route. As Rip is getting adjusted to camp, he is reminded of past adventures in similar situations. It even throws in a puzzle here and there. Rip does meet someone who will make camp more interesting for him and might have an escape too.
There is no diversity to be found in this book and the artwork looks like comics from the 30’s and 40’s but it probably will appeal to reluctant readers or those transitioning to chapter books. ( )