Be Prepared

Perfect for fans of Shannon Hale's Real Friends (2017), this will easily lodge a place in readers' hearts, even as it has them rolling in the aisles. --Booklist, starred The story, both culturally specific and universal, is a welcome addition to the growing canon of comics tales by talented women cartoonists (Raina Telgemeier, Tillie Walden, Zeina Abirached, Cece Bell, and many others) based on their own lives. --Horn Book, starred The dialogue rings true, the pace is seamless, and the panel artwork, in woodsy browns and greens, conveys feelings with clean, assured lines. By turns sardonic, adorable, and noble, Vera is a beguiling hero who learns how to recognize who's really on her side. --Publishers Weekly, starred A gorgeous, emotional memoir worthy of any graphic novel collection. --School Library Journal, starred Beautifully drawn, brutally funny, brilliantly honest. Vera is such a good cartoonist I almost can't stand it. --Raina Telgemeier, author of Smile While the culturally specific references will particularly resonate with kids of Russian heritage, the larger story will strike chords with any kid who has ever struggled to find a place to belong. --Kirkus There's no real villainy here, just the quotidian slings and arrows carelessly shot by kids more concerned with fun than empathy. That makes Vera a character with appeal to every tween who's ever felt disappointed by peers--or by a fulfilled wish that didn't live up to its bright, shiny promise. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books