Braver than Brave is a story about a young girl named Wanda who discovers there are different ways to be brave.
This is a children's books that shines a light on issues that may be tough for some parents to break down into simpler language. The author did a wonderful job at showing what peer pressure may look like for kids in grade school and how they can handle it and stay confident. This is one of those stories that I think every kid should have in their collection.

They illustration is a plus to the story. I really enjoyed the diverse characters.

A story of a young girl’s struggle to be brave, and a quick read.
If I had to summarize this book in one line, I would say the above.

My 8 year old daughter sat down to read this book and it was a nice read. We love the way that the problem was presented. The illustrations definitely helped with understanding the struggle that Wanda, the main character, faces.

By providing the right environment for her bravery, Janet Summer Johnson also opens the door for parents to have conversations with their children about the true meaning of bravery.

I would recommend this book to readers ages K-2. My daughter is in the third grade, so she was able to do a lot of the comprehensive stuff on here own, without much assistance from me. However, what I loved about the book is that it provides a resource for open dialogue about peer pressure and how we can face it. I was thrilled that it discussed confidence and the importance of self-awareness. While these things aren’t blatantly present, the book opens the door to that type of conversation.

Oh and did I mention that we loved the diversity and representation present in the book?! It really added to the overall feel and relativeness of the story.

(My full review is on my blog)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the message in this! As I was reading I kept thinking - do not pressure that poor girl into riding a ride! You are brave to say no, Wanda!!! So I was very happy when she "chicken-danced straight through that exit". Go Wanda! I think the message in Braver than Brave is SO important for young readers. Sometimes being brave is standing up for yourself and only doing what YOU are comfortable with.

This was absolutely one of my favorite kid books! I read this with my son and it was truly mind blowing how much impact the Chicken exit had on my son. I loved that this story is a raw and real seeming, and that it shows kids there are different kinds of brave! Beautifully written, great illustration, all around wonderful read!

I loved the message in the book Braver Than Brave by Janet Sumner Johnson. The story revolves around the main character Wanda and her desire to be brave like her big brother. Wanda practices everyday and searches for that bravery and ultimately finds her own confidence in her own form of bravery. This book showcased in a really clear way that there is more than one type of ‘brave.’

There is so much to this story that goes beyond Wanda’s original thoughts on being brave. Children will totally learn and see that being brave looks different in every situation. Facing your fears is the biggest form of bravery and it takes courage to understand yourself as well as not laugh at others when their brave is different.

This is totally a book that is going into my classroom library. I think it will be a great addition to our September reading and working on our social emotional learning.

Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for the Digital ARC of “Braver than Brave”. This review contains my honest opinion about the book.

A wonderful conversation-starter about bravery and thinking for oneself, BRAVER THAN BRAVE is a winner.

Bravery. Courage. Confidence. Self-esteem. This are inextricably linked and inter-changeable with children. Johnson has crafted a beautiful book that opens up the conversation about what it means to be brave and that there are many different kinds of bravery. Sometimes bravery is loud, but sometimes bravery is quiet.

One of the biggest issues is the connection between peer-pressure and bravery. Many children will do things that are harmful or dangerous because they are trying to prove themselves to their friends and they don't want to seem weak, scared, cowardly, or appear to be a 'chicken' when someone tells them or dares them to do something. Johnson's tale is about a little girl who discovers that bravery doesn't always mean going along with the crowd and that it is okay to take your time to do something. Sometimes standing up for yourself and standing up to others, especially your friends, is the bravest thing you can do.

Adorable, hand painted illustrations are fun and engaging. Plenty of great lessons for kids to learn. This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating social-emotional topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach important life skills in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classrooms, libraries, counselling offices and more.

This was a sweet story about a little girl named Wanda who finds her own way to be brave. At the beginning of the story, Wanda is too nervous to do the daredevil activities her brother enjoys. Wanda vows to train herself to be brave after watching her friends go on a rollercoaster without her.

After trying new things for a full year and growing more brave, Wanda still feels too uncomfortable to go on the rollercoaster with her friends. They try to peer pressure her into riding with them, but she decides to stand up and walk away.

My 4-year-old twin girls enjoyed this story and the bright illustrations. I loved the message of this book that standing up to others and not giving in to peer pressure is it’s own kind of brave. There are many different kinds of brave out there. This is an important lesson for all young children to learn.

Thank you to Netgalley and Capstone for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I love the message in this children’s picture book about being brave. The story is about a little girl who was scared to follow in her daredevil older brother’s footsteps. She tried and she tried, but it didn’t feel right to her. She finally realized that there is more than one kind of bravery. Making your own decisions and defending what you feel is right for yourself, is the best way to be brave. Peer-pressure is an ever- powerful thing in today’s world. Children need to be taught to think for themselves and make responsible decisions. It’s okay to not follow the crowd. Parents and teachers need to reinforce this lesson so that each child can be confident and safe.

The illustrations were so detailed that they appeared to be leaping off the pages. I liked the background pages as they looked like soft pillowy clouds. The font chosen blends well with the background. Overall, the pictures were bright, colorful, and cheerful.

This book would be a wonderful addition to any child’s home, pre-kindergarten, or elementary education setting.

I want to thank Author Janet Sumner Johnson, Illustrator Eunji Jung, Capstone Editions, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.

I would be interested in reviewing any other books by this author and illustrator.

I LOVED this book. The title didn't immediately grab me, but I know a book about being brave is needed on our library shelves. This story is very relatable to many children. It has the sibling relationship, need for belonging, and conquering our fears. What I liked best of all is the twist at the end of the book! I think that this would really resonate with many children. Lastly, the illustrations are large, colourful and detailed. This book will be purchased (and loved by many) for sure!

This was a cute read about what bravery means. The illustrations were beautiful and inclusive. What a great way to teach children about being brave!

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND ITS AUTHOR, JANET SUMNER JOHNSON FOR PROVIDING ME WITH AN ADVANCED COPY. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

A very kind story that contains things to be better as a child, such as, being brave and not being afraid of extremes, of course being careful and knowing the difference between what is best and worst for us.

I enjoyed reading this story, even though I was too sleepy when I read the book due to the fact that I was reading it in the morning.

It includes different things to learn as a child, so it's a good point to know if you want to read it with your children.

4.0

Cute book about being “your own kind of brave”. I enjoyed the message about being confident and not doing things just because others are.

Braver than Brave by Janet Sumner Johnson is a children's picture book that follows a year in the life of Wanda, a young girl who does not feel very brave. When faced with peer pressure she makes the right choice for her, which doesn't always mean doing something scary. This book shows children that being brave can look many different ways, including standing up for yourself and taking your own path.

A feel good book with excellent illustrations and a very important message, this book will definitely be in my Grade 3 classroom library in the near future. I highly recommend this title for teachers and parents who want to show young readers that bravery can come in all shapes and sizes and being confident in yourself is the most important thing. I so appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I love finding new titles for my classroom library and can't wait to share this book with my students one day in the future!

Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone for an ARC of this!

I loved that it showed more than one way to be brave! This was a super cute picture book perfect to read with my 5-year-old. The illustrations were absolutely lovely, and the characters were cute and diverse. Recommend to anyone trying to help a child realize it’s ok to be scared and it’s ok to be brave.

Wow I loved this one. Wanda wants to be brave like her big brother. I think this is relateable to a lot of kids, and even grown ups. She trains with dedication to be able to ride the rollercoaster like him. I love that the end surprised me and included examples of different ways kids can be brave. I would love to add this book to my classroom library.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is an adorable book. The concept of the book is great and the pictures are really cute!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely love roller coasters and did as a kid. As for my brother, he wasn't so certain. This book would've been perfect for him! I loce the themes of bravery and believing in your self and your own decision making, even as a child. Even better is the reward of riding a fun roller coaster!

I loved this! Read it with my toddler and he enjoyed the illustrations. The wonderful message at the end was also an affirming one that respects kids of all levels of brave, and hopefully all the more empowering for it!

This was such a cute picture book! Wanda wanted to be brave just like her older brother, but she found her own voice and her own version of brave.

My first grader enjoyed reading this with me, although she wanted everyone to know that she actually likes roller coasters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.