This book could be a great help for kids and families of kids who struggle with test anxiety (and anxiety in general). It's approachable, gives actionable steps you can take, and Jalen is adorable.

This was absolutely adorable and I think the lesson is SO important for kids!!! And the helpful sheet at the back for parents is genius.

I received an electronic ARC from Boys Town Press Publishing through NetGalley.
Jalen suffers from serious test anxiety. he panics and either rushes through or takes so much time he doesn't finish. A friend helps him learn how to calm himself and prepare for tests much like preparing for roles in theater productions. I appreciate the skills shared but struggle with the adults not recognizing and supporting him as the story unfolds. The informative text at the end is useful for parents and teachers.

I have a couple issues with this but I think putting them on goodreads would be unfair because it’s more writer to writer. The concept is clever, cute, I love the beginning and end being traced to his name meaning calm. I like the message and that it tries to teach kids how to cope with test anxiety. The overall meaning of it is lovely. I think I fall short in execution.

The pacing of this is just a little offputting, and Im not sure Im clear on what age your audience is. On page 20-27 the explanation of SHARP (which is a clever acronym, by the way, but i think the sentences for each letter could be shorter) seems to be geared towards a kid who would need to study hard and cram for a test, which puts in mind for me a kid in high school or college. Maybe school has changed since I was a kid, Im 22 and we certainly didnt get to use laptops for exams, but the book’s aesthetic reads more for kids younger than that. I think you may want to stay closer to the younger age group’s realm of expertise because that’s who I feel would like the book in its current form.

Jalen tells us of his test anxiety and his love for drama. When he talks to his friend Molly, Molly reminds him of what their drama teacher tells them to manage their anxiety.
Nice messages using an easy-to-remember acronym and steps for managing test anxiety.
The ending was slightly abrupt because we were invested in the story and wished to see more of Jalen. Though, considering the acronym, the steps were complete (arc was complete). This may also be due to this being a review copy.
We appreciated that this book was focused on test anxiety.

What a great picture book about an important topic! So many kids get test anxiety, but it doesn't need to be this way. A lot of the anxiety comes from pressure from adults, but if we instead are helping them prepare and be calm then they will be able to handle things a little bit better. Even when the anxiety isn't from an outside source, many kids are just anxious, they still need someone to help them through this. This helpful story is just the thing to show kids that many people get stressed and they can overcome it!

This is a very lovely book which will help you deal with taking a test anxiety and other anxiety, for that matter. The comparison to putting on a school play is helful and the book is well written and illustrated. It is a therapeutic book, but it is easily understood and it gives you steps to take to make your life better and less anxious. Winner.

In “Bravo, Jalen!”, Ashley Bartley explores a common anxiety faced by many students of all ages: test anxiety.

By comparing taking a test with performing on stage, Bartley was able to compare something that may be a new concept for kids (studying and preparing for a test) with something they may be familiar with (performing a bit or act for others). I would have liked to have seen test preparation compared to a few other concepts outside of theater as not all children may be familiar with the work that goes into preparing for a play, especially if they have yet to have the opportunity to take part in a play.

The illustrations paired well with the story and helped provide a visual element of what test anxiety feels like that will resonate with young readers, particularly those who may just be entering school and facing exams for the first time.

The inclusion of the tips for educators and parents at the end of the book was also a fun and insightful surprise, and personally, I am eager to utilize this information when it comes time for my children to begin school.

Overall, this story did a beautiful job seamlessly blending story and tips into one cohesive, fun guide that is sure to resonate with school age children.