Simon & Schuster As Brave as You

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As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds Reynolds, J. (2016). As Brave As You. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. I just read As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds. You may know Jason Reynolds from his other award-winning books, All American Boys, Ghost, and Long Way Down, among others. As Brave as You is about a boy named Genie (11). He and his brother Ernie (13) have to go stay with their grandparents for the summer—in the rural countryside of Virginia. They are Brooklynites, and the country is completely foreign to them. Not only do they not understand the ways of the country, they don’t really know their grandparents, either. So things are awkward. They get even more uncomfortable when Genie finds out his grandfather is completely blind. Genie’s personality is curious. He constantly asks questions and writes hundreds of questions in his notebook, so he has a few lined up for his grandfather, like “When did you get blind?” and “ . . . you remember what Dad looks like?” But the question he really wants to ask is, “Why you have a gun in your pants?” Why would a blind man carry a gun? As Genie spends time with Grandpop, he learns more about painful pieces of his past. He comes to understand the trauma his grandfather suffered from racist events he experienced as a black man living in the South. He also learns about Grandpop’s plan for his gun. This leads to more questions: Is his Grandpop brave? Is his brother brave? Is he? He’s not sure about any of it anymore. If you have ever read Jason Reynolds, you know what a great writer he is. I really loved the story of city kids adapting to the country lifestyle—and being forced to get to know their grandparents. There is action and some meaty plot, but what’s best about the book—to me—is how it captures Genie’s inner life and emotions—and the quirkiness of the situation and the characters. If you like a well-crafted, character-driven book, this one’s for you!

Love this book so much. Just ordered another copy because a former student nicked it. I don't mind, as long as they are enjoying it! Great story for 5th graders. Thank you, Jason Reynolds!!!

I really didn't want to read diary of a wimpy kid with my son. It is nice reading an award winning book with a protagonist that he can relate too.

Merriam-Webster defines bravery as “the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty.” Jason Reynolds teaches readers that bravery can be a weakness. “As Brave As You” is a slow, evolving story about two brothers getting to know their grandfather with moments that entertain. It does lack the thrilling plot that today’s young readers expect. The likable and believable characters—although the relationship of the brothers may be too good to be true—makes for an easy read, but don’t rush it or you will miss the layers of meaning. The grandfather has glaucoma and his blindness is an emotional trigger. But beware, the grandfather is not an ideal role model for a young reader because the book focuses on his many flaws. The publisher states that the book is for ages ten and up, however, it includes guns and gore, specifically war stories and dead birds. It would be best for an upper elementary student to read with a parent. Overall, the sprinkles of humor get the reader through what is a worthy lesson about real bravery.