Into the Woods

4/24/2018

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

It begins with the cover. All the trauma, drama, insecurities of summer camp are perfectly captured in this image. She’s got the gear, all the gear. She’s got the uniform with requisite badges. She’s got the wilderness setting, complete with flags and tents and little critters.

But wait. She's got a look that seems to cry out "Help!"
This is NOT at all what she signed up for. Not. At. All.

Vera had heard the stories of camp and was sure that a summer experience was what she desperately needed. With a great deal of coaxing, her mother relented and signed Vera and brother up for Russian camp. Certain that this would be the experience she envisioned, she set off with high hopes.

In a strange twist of fate, her brother who initially protested the idea of summer camp, instantly took to the experience and dived right in. Vera, on the other hand was having a miserable experience. No friends, mean girls, unfamiliar routines: this just wasn't working out. Unfortunately, it is too late. Mom has deposited the siblings and Vera is stuck at a summer camp for children of Russian heritage.

Anyone who has experienced the unique challenge of using the camp "facilities" will appreciate Vera's first encounter with the outhouse, known to these campers as "Hollywood." A midnight trek to the primitive, odiferous, and generally repugnant latrine is a never-to-be forgotten encounter.

Exploring camp, Vera finds a directional sign for Hollywood.

Further investigation brings her to the horrifying conclusion: a
visit to Hollywood is a dreaded necessity.

Look at her face. It captures the range of her emotions and sensations.

Kudos to Brosgol for predominantly featuring Russian culture. From occasionally use of Cyrillic alphabet, depictions of Russian Orthodox services and icons, and traditional foods, she brings her heritage to the forefront.

It was a little pocket of Russia, a familiar place in a strange land.

Russian camp setting notwithstanding, this dramatic recreation of real-life youth camp transcends a specific culture. Vera's story will resonate with all youngsters who feel different but want to be accepted and included.

So you're making some friends, huh?
...be careful how you make them.

Vera Brosgol distills her memories as a novice camper in this engaging, visually arresting, emotionally riveting graphic novel for middle grade readers.

Come summer, tuck this book, along with a package of Skittles into the backpack of every young camper you know. Camp will be ever-so-much better when kids know how to Be Prepared.