I appreciate how the book brings attention to children who may struggle to “fit” in the traditional school setting, but it is my understanding that there are several inaccuracies in the way life is lived in the Fon Du Lac Indian Reservation. I would like to see a more accurate portrayal of traditions (even though there are magical elements that are in the book).

I genuinely enjoyed so much of this book, especially the first half. And the first half set up things to be a light-hearted 'learn to love yourself even if you're different' narrative and then it just. Ugh. First, it turned sad, which I didn't expect and wasn't in the mood for, but that's not the book's fault. HOWEVER, I will never stop being mad that the whole beginning of the book sets up an acceptance narrative with stuff like "you're not broken" and "you don't need to be fixed" and stuff to end up with a magical cure to Collin's OCD.

I enjoyed The Brave. One part I couldn't get past and knocked off a star for was how the main character never was exposed to his Mom and then just went to live with her. Why didn't she fight for him, have contact etc. They seemed to just fall into a relationship and I had to move past that to get into the story. Overall I did like the story and would recommend it to an older middle-grade audience.

The book is written well. It is moving and the characters feel very real. That being said, the way Native American culture is depicted is very much a trope and this is a problem when a bit more research would help to lend a bit of realism to the culture.

A unique voice: an Ojibwe boy who is experiencing OCD. A beautiful story of self discovery, family, and friendship.

Did not finish. There is nothing specific about this novel that caused me not to finish it, I had full intention of reading it, I just started and didn’t finish. I heard good things about this author so requested the novel and still plan to keep it on my TBR

Loved this book. Such a powerful message and fantastic storyline. The fantastic intersection of Indigenous heritage and white heritage. There are some problems with quality content. For example, there are no peach trees or mountains in Minnesota. Other than that, I absolutely loved this book.

I think The Brave is well suited for older middle grade or even YA. Collin struggles with a counting compulsion that is not understood or accepted by the people in his life. He is bullied by not only the kids, but also the adults until his dad sends him to live with his mother on a Reservation in Minnesota. While there he is accepted and challenged to look at things from a different perspective. He finds family and makes friends.

I loved the character of Collin and the way he opens himself to love and acceptance. My favorite character might be the grandmother though. I loved her bits of wisdom and how she came and went freely through the story. I did feel like some of the characters were not quite as nuanced as others. The dad and mom were a bit flat - the dad seemed totally negative (until one brief conversation at the end) while the mom was a ray of light and seemed all good. I didn't love the mom's relationship with her boyfriend and the sexual undertones there I thought totally unnecessary and maybe not appropriate for a middle grade book.

Collin's friendship/relationship with Orenda had me raising my eyebrows a few times. I could understand Collin's quick obsession with her because he was so craving relationship after not receiving love for so long. But again I thought it was a bit to over-sexualized for a middle grade book. It came across as much more than just a crush or sweet first love.

Overall I thought The Brave was quite well written and had some great quotes. I became quite connected to Collin's character and his journey and enjoyed my reading experience.

while I really enjoyed it, at times it felt like the author was trying to incorporate a bit TOO much into the piece.

I loved this story. It was compelling and authentic. The main character was relatable and likable. I enjoyed the Obijabwe American Indian folklore and magical realism. His relationship with His relationship with Orenda was a bit confusing at first but then became more understandable as we learned more of the story. Highly recommend.

This debut novel is absolutely stunning! Bird does a masterful job of crafting a realistic story interwoven with magical elements. The characters of Collin and Orenda were so beautifully written and unique; I loved them from the start. This book was full of hope, heart, and courage; I could not put it down!

I highly recommend this book for all middle school and YA libraries. It is an incredible book that is perfect for readers of all ages!

It sounded cool, and I liked the cover, but I really didn't know much about what to expect with this one. Good read, but not one I'd normally pick.

Debut author James Bird has written a lovely novel of magical realism in which Collin, a young man with OCD who counts letters when people speak to him, relocates from California (and his father) to Minnesota in order to live with his mother's family (a complicated family, at that) on the Ojibwe reservation near Duluth (presumably Fond du Lac). Luckily, his one support, his dog Seven (whose real name is Numbers, but well, that's 7 letters right there...) travels with him. For Collin, who has suffered from bullying for years and the feeling of continually disappointing his father and grandparents because of his OCD, life among the Ojibwe is a complete change. From the fact that there is far less speaking and more just doing, to the friendship he forms with Orenda, a girl who lives next door and who seems unfazed by his counting, Collin's home life is the most supportive he's ever had. (School, which isn't on the rez, is still a work in progress, however.) Collin is still confused about some things that go on around him. Like Orenda saying she's changing (how? into what?), and his grandmother keeps disappearing with Seven. Collin slowly starts to find a different side of life, and a different way of perceiving life, living with his Ojibwe family. Ultimately, he finds himself.

This is a beautiful novel for middle grade and young adult readers. In fact, I have it on my list of nominees for the Lodestar Award.

The audiobook, narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett, is beautifully read.

I received a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: Collin has never met his mother, but when he gets in a fight at school, his father is frustrated enough to send him away to live with her. Collin has a disorder that compels him to count up and say the number of letters in anything anyone says to him. This has resulted in bullying and misery for him that his dad doesn’t know how to deal with. When Collin moves in with his mother on the Ojibwe reservation in Minnesota, he slowly begins a journey of discovery about his past and who he is. He becomes close with Orenda, the girl next door, and is crushed to learn about her terminal illness. He discovers his own strength and spirituality as he falls in love with Orenda, learns about his late older brother, and comes to terms with his own disability. When his father reaches out to him a few months later, Collin is able to tell him that he has found happiness and peace in his new home. 320 pages; grades 5-8.

Pros: This beautifully-written debut novel explores the mysticism of the Ojibwe people while keeping the story firmly rooted in reality with a down-to-earth narrator who is reluctant to believe in magic. Filled with memorable characters, romance, and heartbreak, this will undoubtedly appeal to many middle school readers.

Cons: I’m not a fan of the Fault In Our Stars/Bridge to Terabithia ill-fated romance with the amazingly wise doomed teen (as I may have mentioned once or twice before…maybe even three times), so I didn’t love the Orenda storyline.

It is hard to describe how I feel about this book except to say I’m so excited to not only have another own voices indigenous story for youth, but a neurodiverse one as well. That is so impactful and will change so many lives.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook copy of one of the best books I’ve read in 2020. Many people are using the word “magic” or “magical realism” to describe this book. But it’s really so much more than that. I don’t think the English language has a word that can accurately describe the book in a way that would fit it into a neat box, as we tend to want to do when describing a book. The book is about becoming - becoming more of who you were meant to be, but never staying there. Becoming brave, and A Brave. Becoming aware. Becoming observant. Since I’m from MN, I’m giving the book a 5+ rating, even though Collin didn’t recognize the Viking on Orenda’s hat. (Haha) This novel has beautiful characters who came to life. I will be thinking about them for the next few days so that I can live with them a little while longer. I hugged the book when I was finished crying.

Collin Couch, a thirteen-year-old from California, has never fit in at school. His peers don’t understand his OCD issue, which has him counting every letter that is spoken to him. After Collin is kicked out of another school, his father doesn’t know how to help him. He sends Collin to live on an Ojibwe reservation in Minnesota with his mother (whom he’s never met). It turns out to be the best decision he ever made. Collin is welcomed whole-heatedly by his Mom. He even bonds with his new neighbor, Orenda. She encourages him to, “Be different. Different is good. It makes you unique.”
Collin wants to be brave in his new environment. Orenda guides his training on how he will learn to face his fears. Will Collin be up for the task when the real challenge comes?
Bird has written a fantastic debut novel. He captures the character’s and Native American value on bravery and courage. I loved how Bird imagined Aji (squirrel), Orenda (butterfly) and Collin (wolf) as animals- an extension of their personality.
If you liked “Bridge to Terabithia”, you’ll enjoy “Brave”!

James Bird's The Brave is a lovely, heart-warming story about a boy finding love and family after thirteen years of feeling misunderstood and alone. Collin leaves his father in California to live with his Ojibwe mother in Minnesota and, for the first time in his life, feels like he belongs. Through the unwavering support and acceptance of his family, Collin discovers that his quirks aren't hampering his life, they are just a part of his journey. There is humor, grief, romance and a bit of magic in Collin's tale and readers young and old will enjoy reading the story.

The characters in this novel kept me intrigued and reading. Collin's OCD makes it difficult for him to find his place in the world. His father struggles to connect with him, and his classmates make his life miserable. When Collin moves to live with his mom that he has never met, he makes a friend who helps him take control of his life. Orenda helps Collin grow strong in mind, body, and spirit. He overcomes being bullied by learning to look inside for answers. The Brave was an engaging middle/upper grade novel I would recommend.

I absolutely loved this kids’ story about a boy with OCD tendencies who connects with his Native American heritage and befriends the unique girl next door.

This novel is marketed as a “middle grade” book, which to me means grades 4-8. I’d aim this book for Middle School as it has some serious themes in it: parental rejection, divorce, death, mental health, etc. In a way it reminded me of one of my favorite books for kids: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.

This was such a touching and honest read, and I couldn’t help but love Collin and Orenda. The ending made me cry. This is one that is definitely going on our MS Summer Choices for next year!

Thank you for my e-copy via Net Galley!