Brave
by Weshoyot Alvitre
Illustrations by the author
Kokila
an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
2025
32 pages
ISBN: 9780593531600
“[T]he celebration of a young boy who is deeply loved, valued, and respected, and how activism can come in many forms, including growing one’s hair out, are powerful messages that are presented with thoughtful care” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, recommended review
My Review:
Brave is the story of a young boy and his father who celebrate their traditions by growing their hair and wearing braids, something their grandfathers and fathers could not do as American schools and society forced them to cut their hair. Their ancestors wore their hair long as a sign of bravery and strength.
"Braids are brave," is the beginning line of the story, and the boy embraces growing his hair even though sometimes it hurts when his mother combs it and braids it. Having long hair is a sign that you are proud of your hair. Your hair represents strength to face your enemies.
When kids at school bully and tease, the boy remembers his father's words and tells the kids, "STOP!" He is proud he stood up to them and stood up for himself. He is brave.
His father teaches him to, "Be brave when they force you to sing, even though they won't let you speak your language on your own land."
Mostly pastel illustrations by the author were made using gouache (a tricky, often difficult type of watercolor), watercolor and ink depict the softness and sweetness of the father/son bond and deep love for each other.
Highly recommended for all collections grades K-5.
