How to Be Brave
A journey of courage and friendship in an unconventional school
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pushkin Press
Published:1st Jul '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This engaging middle-grade novel follows Calla as she navigates life at boarding school, dealing with her unconventional mother and a brewing rebellion.
In How to Be Brave, readers are introduced to Calla, a clever girl navigating life with her unconventional mother, who often gets lost in her thoughts about ducks. When an exciting opportunity arises for her mother to study these birds in the Amazon rainforest, Calla faces the daunting prospect of leaving home for boarding school. This transition is anything but smooth, as she soon discovers that the convent school is rife with its own set of challenges, including a tyrannical headmistress who enforces bizarre rules and serves unappetizing meals like Brussels sprout cake.
As Calla adjusts to her new environment, she finds herself entangled in a rebellion alongside her new friends. Together, they plot against the oppressive rules imposed by their headmistress, showcasing their creativity and resourcefulness. Throughout this journey, Calla grapples with her feelings of uncertainty and the longing for her mother's reassurance. The story beautifully illustrates the bond between mother and daughter, even when they are miles apart.
Exuberantly funny and filled with heartwarming moments, How to Be Brave is a delightful exploration of friendship, courage, and the importance of standing up for oneself. Calla's adventures remind readers of the strength found in community and the joy that can come from embracing one's uniqueness, all while enjoying the perfect biscuit at just the right moment.
This twisty tale is truly marvellous * Independent, Children's Book of the Week *
Ridiculously loveable book alert... hilarious and completely endearing -- Clémentine Beauvais, author of Piglettes
How to be Brave is wonderful. It's a brilliantly funny and heartfelt middle-grade adventure that had me cheering, smiling, crying and craving a slice of victoria sponge. Think bake-off-meets-boarding-school with nuns and ducks. I loved it. -- Sarah Baker, author of Through the Mirror Door
A rip-roaring boarding school adventure that mixes old fashioned storytelling with a modern-day sensibility, How to Be Brave sees a group of resourceful girls take on a dictatorial headteacher * Waterstones *
Both the young and the young-at-heart will find delight in the traditional good vs. evil depicted in the form of the most villainous of villains and a host of spunky female characters who are persistent enough to save the day * School Library Journal *
Expect rebellious nuns, courageous girls and an awful lot of biscuits * The Bookseller, Ones to Watch *
This story echoes the writings of Jacqueline Wilson, with its wonderfully courageous and light-hearted female characters and their valiant efforts to make change * Irish Examiner *
A modern day update of the school story and it is phenomenal * Down the Rabbit Hole *
Fans of Eva Ibbotson, British baking shows, and boarding school stories will happily immerse themselves in this cozily familiar setting...An entertaining and humorous adventure * Kirkus Reviews *
Tea-and-biscuits British quirkiness...like an excellent sponge cake, How To Be Brave balances fluff with substance * Film Stories *
Think Mallory Towers... mischievous boarding school vibes but with an added 'Evil Plot'... and ducks * The Pod Around the Corner *
Accomplished, clever, witty and full of fun, with characters you will want to be best friends with, it is a quirky treat from start to finish -- The Book Nook, Hove
This book expressed the true meaning of being brave and how in life you have to go through hard situations before you get to the good stuff -- Iona, aged 9, for Books Up North
This book reminded me why books are worth reading and why confectionery is worth eating -- Lucy, aged 9
One of the best middle-grades I've read for a while. Intensely funny, but also moving and full of puns, facts, and mouth watering Victoria Sponge cakes -- Ruby Granger
I laughed and cried mightily from the outset. This is a master storyteller at work, if you don't love it too I shall eat my hat -- Clara Vuilliamy
ISBN: 9781782693253
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
304 pages