Be Prepared
by Vera Brosgol
Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Vera Brosgol felt left out among her classmates who all came from wealthier, two-parent households. All the other kids got to go away to camp in the summer, and Vera is always stuck at home. Then she finds out about a special summer camp for Russian immigrants that her church will subsidize if she attends. She convinces her mom to send her and her younger brother, and prepares herself for the perfect camp experience. Things don’t go as planned, however, and Vera ends up in a tent with some older girls who look down on her, and has just as much trouble fitting in with the other campers (even though they have their culture and heritage in common) as she does back home. She hates camp, but figures she can stick it out for the two weeks she’s stuck there. When her mom comes to visit them, however, Vera learns that her stay will be extended – mom’s got an important job interview. How is she ever going to survive two more weeks? A great read for Raina Telgemeier fans and those who like real-life stories – especially those about friendship, fitting in, being true to yourself, and summer camp. (Based on a true story.)
Reviewed by YA Librarian
