The backyard campout is tonight. Jada and Jamal Perkins have never slept in a tent before. Neither have their best friends, Carlita Garcia and Josh Cornell. Camping is going to be so much fun. Or is it? It’s really dark in the backyard. And what’s that noise? It’s coming from the bushes.  Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!  Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch!  Will an unexpected visitor ruin the Bradford Street Buddies campout under the stars? Grab a flashlight and find out in this neighborhood adventure.

"Short chapters, heavy on dialogue, emphasize the growing relationships among friends and family, and clear, emphatic statements suit this selection for beginning readers ready for a slightly more developed story line. This gentle narrative offers a few surprises and a delightful twist for newly independent readers." —School Library Journal   "A reachable challenge for those looking for a first chapter book...This friendly, multicultural neighborhood is where many children live...or wish they lived." —Kirkus —