''Brave'' is a children's

graphic novel A graphic novel is a long-form, fictional work of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comic scholars and industry ...

written by

Svetlana Chmakova Svetlana Chmakova (russian: Светлана Шмакова) (b. October 7, 1979) is a Russian Canadians, Russian-Canadian comic book artist. She is best known for ''Dramacon'', an original English-language manga, original English-language (OEL) ...

. The book is set in the same Berrybrook Middle School as in her preceding '' Awkward'', but follows a different character, Jensen, who had a minor role in ''Awkward''. The next novel in the Berrybrook series, '' Crush'', will follow the character Jorge, who was introduced in ''Brave'' as Jensen's project partner. Olivia which is Jorge’s best friend is also introduced in the story. The fourth book in the series, ''

Diary A diary is a written or audiovisual record with discrete entries arranged by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or other period. Diaries have traditionally been handwritten but are now also often digital. A personal ...

'' features a short story featuring Jensen and his friends.

Plot summary

Jensen Graham is a member of the art club who is bullied and ignored by his school mates on a daily basis, although he does not consider it bullying. He joins the newspaper club after becoming frustrated in the art club when he learns that some well-known authors (who all his friends know about but he doesn’t) will be visiting Berry Brook Middle School. He reads the bullying handouts he received from the newspaper club and begins to wonder if he is being bullied.

Reception and awards

''Brave'' has received largely positive reviews by book critics. ''Good Comics for Kids'', a blog hosted by ''

School Library Journal ''School Library Journal'' (''SLJ'') is an American monthly magazine containing reviews and other articles for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with ...

'' called it "a surefire hit" with magnificent artwork. ''Brave'' was later named as one of the ''School Library Journal'' Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2017. It was also nominated to the

YALSA The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), established in 1957, is a division of the American Library Association. YALSA is a national association of librarians, library workers and advocates whose mission is to expand the capacity of l ...

list of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens, included on

Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc. ( ) is an American multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It has been referred to as "one of the most influential economi ...

's list of Best Comics and Graphic Novels of 2017, and

ICv2 ''ICv2'' is an online trade magazine that covers geek culture for retailers. ''ICv2s main areas of focus are comic books, anime, gaming, and show business products. The site offers news, reviews, analysis, and sales information for retailers an ...

's Top 10 Kids Graphic Novels of 2017. Brigid Alverson named it one of her top 10 graphic novels for kids in 2017.

Publication information

* Author:

* Originally published: May 23, 2017 * Publisher:

Yen Press Yen Press, LLC is an American manga and graphic novel publisher co-owned by Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group. It published ''Yen Plus'', a monthly comic anthology, between 2008 and 2013. In addition to translated material, Yen Press ...

, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

References

External links

* {{cite web , url=https://icv2.com/articles/reviews/view/37826/review-brave-gn , title=Review: 'Brave' GN , author=Smith, Nick , date=26 June 2017 , publisher=ICv2 , accessdate=26 January 2018 * American graphic novels Berrybrook 2017 graphic novels American young adult novels Yen Press titles School-themed comics