I am in book love.
I read many great books lately, but oh ! this book by Svetlana Chmakova!
I read Brave, then I immediately ordered the other ones. I read them more than two times each already. Brave, I am currently re-re-re-reading.
I told you. I am in book loooooooooooove !
About Brave
Brave is in the middle of a graphic novel series for middle-grade and even tweens. And, may I dare say, every teacher, every librarian out there with a bit of love for kids should buy and share those books with them.
It’s about a daydreamer Jensen, a middle-grader who learns what it means to be brave through a rough ride coping with bullying.
The main character is sooo much fun, and the crew around him is a lot of fun. Even the bad guys, that we kinda almost like at the end.
An absolute must read
I am currently writing a novel about friendship and the aftermath of bullying. What becomes of the victims? What becomes of the bully/bullies? Can you really be friend with someone who bullied you, and vice-versa? And all that jazz!
That book rocked my creative writing world! I am so so glad to have taken the time to read it.
It does get a tincy tiny bit on the explanation side of the bullying matter, for this grown-up taste anyway. That being said, I am many years older than the kids for whom this story was written.
Of course, it needs to be said, what is bullying and how to deal with it. It also needs to be said, what being friends mean and what true friends really are.
When I was Jensen’s age, I had a couple of so-called friends. It, unfortunately, took me a little while to admit they were mean jerks.
Today, I remember only one of those mean jerks name’s, and only one bully thing she did to me. More than 30 years later, it still sting a little.
To admit that we might be bullied is a big step since sometimes it means we are going to be friendless. At an age where being accepted by people our age matters more than anything, it is really really hard.
For that reason and many more, this graphic novel is a must read.
Mr. Racoon
Not only did I love the story, but I also quite enjoy the afterword. Svetlana shares her process and what inspired her to write that story.
There’s also a super fun sketch gallery with commentary. She explains what is behind her characters designs and her creative process. And Mr. Racoon shows up too.
Overall, dear readers, those graphic novels are worth buying, worth sharing, worth having in your life.
Marie Alice Writes & Reads 