Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

That was my nod toward a double meaning, because Vera Brosgol’s Be Prepared is set largely at a summer camp, and I read it while I was up in the mountains at the bi-annual (please tell me that means every two years!) summer family reunion with my hubby’s side of the family.  I enjoyed it, too; Brosgol writes from her own experiences as a Russian immigrant, and it’s a fascinating perspective.  Her loneliness and search for belonging was painful at times–I hurt for her at the other girls’ behavior–but her growth and dawning recognition of what is worthwhile in a friend is a beautiful thing to see (although some of what preceded the growth was also painful).  There is a bit of crudity coming from the mean girls, but overall, the message places that soundly in the kind of context that sends all the right messages.  If you’re looking for a different sort of coming-of-age graphic novel for your latter elementary schooler, be sure to check out this one!