About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider because of their family's culture, their financial status, or their unique personality. Vera is a Russian American girl who desperately wants to fit in with her wealthy peers, so she begs her single mother to send her to a Russian Orthodox summer camp. However, the wilderness experience is far from the glamorous adventure she imagined. The story masterfully explores the sting of social rejection, the pressure to perform for others, and the messy reality of middle school friendships. Parents will appreciate how Vera Brosgol uses humor and honest vulnerability to navigate complex feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are preparing for their first time away from home or who are struggling to find their tribe. The graphic novel format makes these heavy emotional themes accessible and relatable, providing a mirror for children who feel they are constantly 'performing' to be liked.
