Be Prepared

Be Prepared (2018) is Vera Brosgol’s second graphic novel for young adults. The text is a fictionalized account of the author’s own experiences at a summer camp for Russian and Russian American youth. It depicts the challenges that young Vera faces as she tries to fit in with her peers, encounters a variety of wildlife, and learns more about her culture and identity. Brosgol’s first graphic novel, Anya’s Ghost (2011), won an Eisner Award. Be Prepared was named Best Children’s Book of 2018 by the Boston Globe and a Notable Children’s Book of 2018 by The New York Times. It was also chosen by Parents Magazine as the Best Graphic Novel of 2018.

This guide is based on the first edition of the book by First Second Books, published in 2018.

Plot Summary

Vera is a nearly-nine-year-old girl of Russian descent who desperately wants to make friends and fit in. At the start of the narrative, she attends a sleepover birthday party for her friend Sarah. Vera admires all of the components of Sarah’s party that she believes makes it so perfect: Carvel ice cream cake, Pizza Hut stuffed-crust pizza, and elaborate goodie bags. Throughout the party, she struggles to feel included by her peers.