Brave by Svetlana Chmakova

Pages: 241

Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens

Genre: Graphic novel

Notes for Parents: Contains scenes of bullying.

The Back Cover

In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different—math is hard, getting along with friends is hard…Even finding a partner for the class project is a huge problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure’s on even more once the school newspaper’s dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social-experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. Jensen has always played the middle school game one level at a time, but suddenly, someone’s cranked up the difficulty setting. Will those daring daydreams of his finally work in his favor, or will he have to find real solutions to his real-life problems?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a companion book to the author’s graphic novel Awkward. However, it works as a stand-alone story. (Jensen appeared as a minor character in Awkward.) A third book is planned called Crush.

What’s good?

Jensen is so easy to care about. Many readers will immediately be able to relate to him. He’s sweet, friendly, loves to draw, and wants to help. He’s grateful for the friends he has and doesn’t notice that some of his “friends” aren’t being very nice. He dreams of being brave but doesn’t recognize his own resiliency and strength. The cast of characters is diverse. Sub-plots include Jenny and Akilah’s friendship woes, and the dress code rebellion. The artwork is beautifully expressive. Best of all, the author offers no easy answers—no quick solutions. The story is both realistic and hopeful.

Best Part: Jorge. He was a small but important part of Jensen’s story.

What isn’t good?

I suppose there was room for a more complex story, but I like the simplicity of it. The colors are muted, but the drawings are well done, so that’s not a complaint either. There really isn’t anything I didn’t like.

Worst part: Nothing.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☺ (5/5)

It was a quick and easy read with an unpretentious plot. The story touches on more than one kind of bullying, and creates a poignant and entertaining narrative of the middle school experience. Definitely recommended.

Chmakova, Svetlana. Brave. New York: Yen Press, 2017.