Be Prepared
Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
In 'Be Prepared', Vera, a Russian girl in the suburbs, struggles to fit in with her peers who have more affluent lifestyles. Her single mother can only afford to send her to a budget-friendly Russian summer camp, where Vera hopes to find belonging. However, the camp is not what she expected, filled with cool girl drama, endless Russian history lessons, and primitive outhouses. Through beautifully drawn and honest storytelling, Vera's experiences highlight the challenges of fitting in and finding one's place.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vera
Kira
Vera'S Mom
Sasha (Older Bunkmate #1)
Discussion points
How did the main character's experiences at camp compare to any new experiences you have had?
What were some challenges the main character faced, and how did they overcome them?
How do you think making new friends can change a person's feelings about a new place?
What did the main character learn about themselves by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal anecdotes to relate to the story. Sharing your own experiences with new environments or challenges can help your child connect more deeply with the book.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions of the characters. Ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Focus on the problem-solving aspects of the story. Highlight how the main character navigated challenges and ask your child how they might handle similar obstacles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Preparation and Planning
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the importance of being prepared through the protagonist's journey, where they overcome obstacles by planning ahead.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to organize their activities or preparing their school bag the night before to ensure a smooth morning routine.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, the character faces various challenges that require quick thinking and resourcefulness, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these skills to tackle homework problems or resolve conflicts with peers by thinking of creative solutions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book shows how the protagonist adapts to unexpected situations, teaching children the value of flexibility in their plans.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that sometimes plans change, and being adaptable is key, whether it's during a change in school activities or a sudden shift in a playdate plan.