Reviews

Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard

thepetitepunk's review

5.0

I really wasn't expecting to love this so much. I was just looking for a relatively short audiobook to hopefully break my reading slump and this is what I stumbled upon on Libby.

Although I don't read too much of it, I think my favorite genre can be described as "weird kids discover it's normal to be weird because weird is subjective and weird is wonderful." Brave Like That has so many touching themes on family, friendship, identity, and self-discovery. It's books like this one that remind me that books geared towards a younger audience aren't just for a younger audience. Middle grade books can exceed the quality of young adult and adult...so if you haven't picked up a middle grade book in awhile, try this one out.

I'll definitely be reading Brave Like That again. It's a perfect book for comfort and warmth no matter how you're feeling. Everyone can use some goodness from time to time.

fyziksgirl's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wish I could give this book 500 stars. What an incredible journey. It touches on so many important themes: of belonging, of bravery, of being true to yourself, and incorporates so much important representation: of adoption, of single parenthood, of reading disability, of life after a stroke, in a truly respectful and authentic way. 

I love the focus on what it means to be a bystander, and how even if you're not the one saying the words, by staying silent you are making yourself complicit. It gives kids tools for how to step in safely, and encourages then that while it is hard, that bravery matters and is worth it.

This book contained so many absolutely vital life lessons and kept my kids, ages 6-11, all enthralled and engaged. And at the end, I teared up. One of the best children's books I've read.

amerikinz14's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I liked the storyline for this and I relate to Cyrus. His devotion towards Parker was very wholesome. My grandfather worked as a volunteer firefighter so it was cool to learn more about firefighters and what they do.

I liked that message about being brave—the phrasing really stuck with me. Speaking up for yourself is a lesson I relate to heavily. Very Uplifting Recommendation—you can even read it in one day!

rharrington's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

miszjeanie's review against another edition

4.0

Brave Like That is a refreshing look at what it means to be a “man” and the journey to finding one’s identity in the world — or at least exploring enough options. Cyrus is a kindhearted, sensitive protagonist who shows readers that there are different ways to be brave. This book tackles a variety of important themes, from bullying to grandparent love to adoption and more. If you enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age stories, this will be right up your alley. I’m looking forward to reading my next Stoddard book — [b:Right as Rain|40221464|Right as Rain|Lindsey Stoddard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529989786l/40221464._SY75_.jpg|59325197].

Read my full review on my blog.

ezraiscool's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

jsanders05's review

4.0

#GoldenSowerNominee number five. The EMOTIONS these mid-level books give! Sheesh! Someone hand me some tissues.

What a charming and endearing story about a boy who was left at a fire station as an infant, a dog who shows up in the exact same fashion, and a journey to discover their true colors. It’s a mix of anti-bullying messages, football, care & respect for elders, hometown pride, and honesty. No wonder this book was nominated for a Golden Sower award!

It’s heavily geared towards aged 10-13yo boys, but I sure loved it. Any dog lover, especially, will love it.

“I think everyone has a color inside that they have to find and then everyone else needs to just let them be that color.”

jessica_8675's review against another edition

4.0

I think this is Lindsey Stoddard's best book so far!

sasbybelle's review

5.0

This was a great book for students to learn to accept themselves for what they are and not what they think people may want them to be.

abigailmiller55's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0