Brave Like That

By Lindsey Stoddard

A boy discovers his hidden bravery with the help of a stray dog.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,346 ratings

272 pages· 55,317 words· Est. 6 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Cyrus Olson feels overshadowed by his father's heroic legacy as a football star and firefighter. Struggling to find his own courage, Cyrus's life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends a stray dog. With new friends and newfound rhythm, Cyrus embarks on a journey to uncover his true bravery. Can he step out of his father's shadow and forge his own path? This heartfelt tale explores the bonds of friendship and the courage to embrace one's true self.

From the publisher

Find yourself. Find your place. Find your brave. This uplifting tale, which award-winning author Leslie Connor dubbed “a perfectly paced journey of the heart” is perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Cyrus Olson’s dad is a hero–Northfield’s former football star and now one of their finest firefighters. Everyone expects Cyrus to follow in his dad’s record-breaking footsteps, and he wishes they were right–except he’s never been brave like that. But this year, with the help of a stray dog, a few new friends, a little bit of rhythm, and a lot of nerve, he may just discover that actually…he is. Lauded as “remarkable” by the New York Times Book Review, Lindsey Stoddard’s heartfelt stories continue to garner critical acclaim, and her latest novel will have fans new and old rooting for Cyrus and Parker’s special bond and the courage it helps them both to find.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 272
Words: 55,317
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade

Themes & topics

Books about courage Books about self-acceptance Books about anti-bullying Books about friendship Books about disabilities

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

This book contains a few instances of name calling, such as "sissy." The book also includes a few uses of "damn" from a grandmother.

Serious Subject Matter

This book includes multiple inclusions of the main character lying, though he tells the truth in the end.

After the last page

Talk about it together

Cyrus responds "So what?" when someone calls his friend weird, and the rest of the class joins in saying "weird" things about themselves that make them unique. What is something unique about yourself that makes you who you are?

Cyrus worries about not living up to his family name, but his dad says that whoever Cyrus is, that's what makes him part of the family. What are your traits, talents, and characteristics, and how are they similar to traits of your family members?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

5.5

“I love the end of this book . . . it might have made me cry! A great message, relatable in many ways, and a happy ending (even if it started off a little melancholy feeling).”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one