I am a big fan of Vera Brosgol's two other graphic novels and when I saw her latest book, Be Prepared, in my school's library I was very excited to see what she would come up with next.
Be Prepared is a graphic novel based upon the authors true experiences of moving to America when she was 5 and going to a Russian Summer Camp.
As a Russian immigrant, the girl in the story, Vera, doesn't know where she fits in with her American peers. Her family is poor, as her single mother is going to college to become an accountant as the father left and doesn't contribute financially at all, and the Russian traditions, food and language make it an awkward situation for the formative years of 9 year old girl.
There are some truly heartbreaking moments, such as when her friends leave in the middle of the night during her birthday sleepover, and when she pretends to have a very expensive doll and receives a new set of clothes for this non-existent doll.
So, when an opportunity presents itself for Vera to attend a an Orthodox Russian Church Summer camp and be surrounded by her cultural brethren she jumps at the chance. However, not all goes to plan as she struggles to fit in, get on and get out into the woods. Over the course of the story Vera grows in confidence, becomes true to herself and starts to make better decisions in who to befriend.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel. Brosgol’s illustrations are stunning, full of character and the green and grey, almost monochromatic palette, adds to the atmosphere of the story. The story is universal and my daughters enjoyed me reading it to them, however I did skip some brief segments that contained some bullying, menstruation and training bra talk as she is only 5 years old. It didn't detract from the story at all but if you are sensitive to portrayals of these be aware that they do occur in this story.
Overall, this is an excellent graphic novel and well worth a read!