Genre: graphic novel
Key Stage: KS3+
Rating: ★★ ★ ★★
Be Prepared, Vera Brosgol
Vera is a nine-year old Russian girl living in America with her single mum and younger brother. Struggling to fit in with her peers, she decides to finally go to camp- Russian scout camp. Vera’s in for a lot of surprises and adventures…
I really, really loved this graphic novel. The issues it deals with strike you very close to reality, just like social awkwardness, anxiety and not fitting in, but it’s not a very serious and moody book; it’s quite light-hearted and soft.
The illustrations are just astounding and expressive, and as a Russian speaker, I could relate to Vera- although you shouldn’t be put off by the occasional foreign wording- most of the important parts are translated below. Sweet and wholesome, I would love to see a sequel to this book. I recommend this book to KS3.
Reviewer: Muslimah, Year 9