Anne Carson's Float is widely praised for its innovation, blending poetry, essays, and performance art into a unique, fluid collection. Critics commend its intellectual depth and daring structure but note it may be challenging for traditional readers seeking linear narratives. The eclectic, non-sequential format offers a refreshing, yet occasionally perplexing, literary experience.

A reader who enjoys Float by Anne Carson is typically drawn to experimental poetry, classical literature references, and intertextuality. Fans of Carson’s previous works like Nox or those who appreciate the nuanced complexities found in T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land or Maggie Nelson’s Bluets would find this collection compelling.

Anne Carson's Float is a collection that explores varied themes through a blend of poetry, essays, and performance pieces. The author presents the text in separate booklets, allowing readers to navigate the work non-linearly. Individual pieces like "Merry Christmas from Hegel" and "The Albertine Workout" highlight Carson's depth and innovation in literary form.

- Float by Laura Martin features a unique summer camp setting that caters to kids with unusual abilities, adding a whimsical twist to the traditional camp experience.
- The author, Laura Martin, is also known for her interest in reading and writing adventure stories for children, aiming to create exciting and imaginative narratives for her readers.
- Laura Martin has a background in teaching, which she draws upon to craft relatable and educational experiences within her stories.

**Emerson**  
A 12-year-old boy with brown hair who has spent most of his life isolated due to his unique ability to float if not anchored down, and he struggles with self-confidence and a fear of heights.

**Murphy**  
A 12-year-old boy with red hair who wears hand-me-downs and has the ability to involuntarily time travel, often feeling burdened by the lack of agency in his life.

**Hank**  
A blond-haired boy with green eyes whose body parts turn invisible involuntarily, known for his outgoing personality and for introducing the idea of a life list to his friends.

**Eli**  
The young adult counselor of the Red Maple cabin who can shape-shift, balancing his responsibilities for camper safety with encouraging the boys to have fun and push boundaries.

**Gary**  
A camper whose hands are sticky due to his RISK factor and who has ADHD and ODD, initially struggles with self-worth but is empowered by his friends' support.

**Anthony**  
A camper who spontaneously combusts, requiring him to wear flame-resistant clothing and exercise constant caution around others due to his RISK factor.

**Zeke**  
A short, Black boy with poor normal vision and X-ray vision as his RISK factor, accompanied by his service animal, Mr. Stink, to help when he experiences vision attacks.

**Kirsty**  
A girl from the Monarch cabin whose skin is hot enough to burn anyone who touches her, and who captures Hank's affection with her response to his Shakespearean antics.

**Molly**  
A pretty girl from the Monarch cabin with big brown eyes who can involuntarily transform into a spaniel, and who becomes the object of Emerson's affection.

**Emerson's Mom**  
An anxious woman who is overly protective of Emerson due to concerns about his safety, contributing to his sheltered upbringing and initial timidity.

**Mr. Blue**  
A character with blue skin who creates Camp Outlier, offering RISK kids a safe environment to connect and learn about themselves and each other.

Laura Martin

Middle grade

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Float

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