Miss Danziger's popularity, like Mrs. [Judy] Blume's, is easily explained, but the reasons for it are quite different. In spite of its trendy title, "Bunk Five" is not a funny story any more than its predecessor was—notwithstanding the frequent one-liner zingers in both—and Marcy's family life continues to be miserable, her father a monster, the communication gap a chasm. Marcy begins, of course, to learn tolerance and understanding at camp, to become, presum...

In some ways [There's A Bat in Bunk Five] is the usual camping story of pranks, bunkmates, adjustment to separation from parents, etc. This doesn't, however, follow a formula plot; it has depth in the relationships and characterizations; and it's written with vigor and humor. Marcy learns not to expect too much from others, not to assume that all problems will—or can—be solved; she also learns not to expect too much from herself. Zena Sutherland, "New T...

Danziger's ability to create believable, funny dialogue and to capture the feelings and thoughts of a 14-year-old is highly evident [in There's A Bat in Bunk Five]. Episodes roll along without much tension or drama, unfortunately, and what is there is too quickly resolved; but readers will be captivated by the natural flow and breezy style. Barbara Elleman, "Children's Books: 'There's a Bat in Bunk Five'," in Booklist (reprinted by permiss...

[In There's a Bat in Bunk Five the] author has skillfully balanced her insight into the daily trauma of the young adult years with liberal doses of humor. The book is neither didactic nor reeking of bibliotherapeutic intentions; yet junior-high readers should feel reassured by it. Harriet McClain, "Junior High Up: 'There's a Bat in Bunk Five'," in School Library Journal (reprinted from the January, 1981 issue of School Library Journal, published by R. R...

From Barbara's exemplary surrogate-parenting to Marcy's continuing lack of communication with her father and her new fear of her feelings when kissing Ted, [There's A Bat in Bunk Five] gives us pop-psychology profiles instead of imagined characters and shallow with-it attitudes instead of sincere probing. Danziger's fans probably won't mind, but neither will they be stretched an inch. "Older Fiction: 'There's a Bat in Bunk Five',&#x...