Be Prepared

Book review by Michael Berry, Common Sense Media
Be Prepared Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Smart, funny account of summer camp discomfort.

Vera Brosgol Graphic Novel 2018
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Be Prepared is a nonfiction graphic novel memoir by Russian-born Vera Brosgol (Anya's Ghost), who moved to the United States when she was 5. It portrays 9-year-old Vera's struggles to be accepted at a camp for Russian speakers only. Two girls compete for the affections of one of the boys and get in a mild physical scuffle. There are discussions of bra sizes, maxi pads, and menstrual periods. A camper stung by a wasp is called "Tit Head."

Community Reviews

Bookmom2020
Bookmom2020 Adult
February 15, 2020
age 12+

Mature topics

* Parents note* I was not prepared for the mature topics in this book as it was filed in the children’s section of the library. In the book, the boys steal a girls period-stained underwear and fly it on a flagpole and another girl insinuates that all the boys must know where she keeps her underwear, because she is such a flirt. No punishment is given to the boys and the story just moves on. This is a huge violation and would be a criminal offense today. In another part a boy walks in on a girl while in the bathroom, and winks at the embarrassed female. A girl flirts with a boy, and a jealous friend asks her why she doesn't just climb into his lap already, to which the boy responds with an excited "Ah Ya!" A cruder version of the word nipple is used several times. I am not about banning books - but feel this one is not appropriately filed in the children's section of the library.
MQueen
MQueen Adult
September 12, 2018
age 10+

Okay...

this book was an okay graphic novel. there are some inappropriate love scenes you might want to watch out for. and it can also get boring at times. but there are some great messages saying not to bully. so I think it's pretty good.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

At the beginning of BE PREPARED, 9-year-old Vera wants nothing more than to go off to summer camp, even if it's one that emphasizes Russian language and traditions. She's not prepared, however, for outhouses, swarms of bugs, mean tent-mates, or hiking in the rain. Gradually, Vera learns to stick up for herself and reach out to people who want to be her friend.

Is It Any Good?

There are plenty of tales of summer camp hijinks, but few capture the experience with such awkward hilarity as this keenly observed graphic novel. Vera Brosgol puts her own unique spin on Be Prepared. depicting her struggle to fit in at a sleepaway camp for speakers of Russian. She depicts the semi-sadistic antics of the mean girls, the inscrutability of the daily lessons, the horror of the outhouses. The dialogue rings true, and the artwork says in a few panels more than many storytellers achieve in a page or more. Summer camp stories usually follow a prescribed template, but Be Prepared forgoes the usual path and strikes off into new territory. Highly recommended.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Be Prepared works as a graphic novel. What effects can be achieved in comics that are more difficult in prose?

  • Vera's family is from Russia. What does she not understand about American culture? How can one learn to fit into a new culture?

  • Vera's forced to share a tent with older girls. Why does a two- and three-year gap in age make such a difference to boys and girls? How can the imbalance work to kids' advantage?

  • What are some good ways to make new friends? How can you find someone who shares your interests?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love graphic novels and summer camp tales

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