Here's the HARDCOVER edition of the great new graphic novel in the vein of Hope Larson that will be especially appreciated by girls in the first half of their teen years (11 - 15). Brosgol is a native of Russia who moved to the US as a child and has spent most of her life here; and from the quality of the work on display in Anya's Ghost, we'd say that she has devoted quite a bit of her life to drawing. She holds a degree in Classical Animation (who knew there even was such a degree?) and is a professional storyboarder. While she has previously contributed to the annual Flight anthology, this is her first book length work, and it's well work checking out. Weighing in at 221 pages printed in black and white and shades of mauve(?), this book will make for some fun summer reading for the young adult set formerly known as teens.
Finally, something new from Vera Brosgol! Her Anya's Ghost has been a mainstay of the Copacetic comics for younger readers shelf since its 2011 release. Now we have Be Prepared, her memoir of being nine (almost ten!) years old at (a Russian Orthodox) summer camp. 256 duo-toned (in green, naturally; by Alec Longstreth, no less) pages filled with the challenges that come with the territory of being different – and thus often excluded; of being an immigrant transplant in America. Readers will bond with Vera as she works to overcome obstacles as well as her feelings of awkwardness and assert herself and her talents. Just in time for summer!
