Be Prepared

How does the graphic novel depict the experiences of being an immigrant? How does it illustrate the ways that Vera’s Russian heritage impacts her identity? Use visual and textual evidence to support your claims.

How does Vera’s time at the ORRA summer camp exemplify the coming-of-age narrative? In what ways does Vera grow and change as a result of her experiences at camp?

Vera hopes that attending a summer camp with other kids from the same background as her will make it easy to fit in, but she still struggles to be accepted. What are some of the challenges Vera faces? What does the graphic novel suggest about the tension between fitting in and standing out?

While at camp, Vera has several encounters with wildlife and the natural world. How does nature impact her coming-of-age journey?

The long hike that Vera takes with her fellow campers serves as a turning point in her character development. How does Vera change during and after this experience?

Be Prepared emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships to the process of growing up. Identify and describe the kinds of relationships that Vera and her peers build with each other. Which ones does the text suggest are most significant for growth and maturity?

Vera is a budding artist who loves to draw. How do her artwork and her relationship to art impact her character development? How do they affect her relationships?

What is the significance of the title of the graphic novel, Be Prepared? What is Vera preparing for over the course of the narrative?