Vera Brosgol

A misfit girl and her brother attend summer camp, where they struggle with primitive plumbing, snobby tentmates, and boys-versus-girls competitions.

Be prepared

Wes Michaud

reminds me of summer the art is beautiful the story amazing

Sarah Sammis

Throughout we have the author's fantastic illustrations that will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier. They are just the right balance of realistic and humorous.

The book happens to end with a hook involving the family moving. I hope this means there will be the further adventures of Vera and her family.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2018/comm...

Wynter

December 18, 2018: Vera and I had so much in common, except my parents never let me go to camp, even though I wanted to and all of my friends went. I also was that kid who tried to fit into a new culture, while not necessarily finding common ground with the Russian immigrant kids. A lovely personal story that resonated with me deeply. I need to get a copy of my own, because some dickhead ripped out several panels out of the library’s book *angryface*, and I know I will want to revisit it in the future.

Izza

Maggie Gordon

Be Prepared is a mostly true memoir about Brosgol's time at a summer camp for Russian kids when she was young. I find it difficult to review as I am an adult who greatly appreciates the brutal honestly about bullying and exclusion that Brosgol explores, and the fact that not all of her problems are wrapped up in a neat little bow makes sense. However, it might be a tough read for younger readers as there are many genuinely sad moments that showcase just how unfair the world can be. On the other hand, it will probably make some kids feel far less alone as they are not the only ones subjected to cruelty and meanness. 

All in all, it's a quirky little book with some humour, great cartooning, but cemented in a very serious, realistic look at some of the difficulties children face. For that, I think it's an excellent addition to the tween market.

Be prepared

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