Review Detail

Brave honors the indigenous people who are finally in a time when they can start to reclaim their heritage. When white culture tried to suppress indigenous people, one of the first things they did was to cut off their long hair. This boy faces challenges at school when bullies who don’t understand his culture make fun of him for having long hair and a braid. The illustrations have the boy's ancestors behind him to remind him that he is brave by participating in his culture. The illustrations capture the heart and free spirit of the child and how his decisions are his own and his way to embrace who he is. The earthy color palette works well with this story. This book is an important step in educating people outside of the culture, and to give a voice and representation for those in the culture.