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katrien22's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
chrissireads's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s clever and charming. Well worth reading.
etoile75's review
5.0
Every so often, a book comes along that, despite being firmly anchored in the tradition of British children’s literature, is like no other. “How to be Brave” is one of those books.
This is a book that expertly weaves motifs of traditional school stories with elements contemporary life, making it both timeless and very much of its time*
The school might be look like a traditional boarding school (it’s really not), the majority of its students might look privileged, but at the heart of the tale is a much loved child that knows hardship, worring whether bills will be paid, receiving parcels from the food bank. And love, love in all its forms, defines this story. Parents do need to be out of the way for children to have a proper adventure, but it is never of any doubt that Calla is loved and cherished by her mother.
Of course there is adventure galore, clever and resourceful children, plenty of baking talk too, as well as a good dose of rebellion against the rules; all quintessential to good school story.
The use of footnotes (much underused in literature in my opinion) is a glorious addition. It brilliantly showcases the author’s agile repartee (mentions of dress with pockets and musings on custard creams, to mention a few) and allows the narrator to build a special relationship with the reader. We know how the narrator feels, they invite us in, we are not just bystanders.
It’s glorious, it really is, to the very end**. And there is no doubt about it: Calla, her mother, her friends, the splendid blessing of nuns*** and their creator Daisy May Johnson are a new force to be reckoned with.
* I know, I didn’t think it made sense either. But you’ll understand exactly what I mean when you read it.
** Spoiler: I cried.
***I never thought I’d ever write this in a review!
This is a book that expertly weaves motifs of traditional school stories with elements contemporary life, making it both timeless and very much of its time*
The school might be look like a traditional boarding school (it’s really not), the majority of its students might look privileged, but at the heart of the tale is a much loved child that knows hardship, worring whether bills will be paid, receiving parcels from the food bank. And love, love in all its forms, defines this story. Parents do need to be out of the way for children to have a proper adventure, but it is never of any doubt that Calla is loved and cherished by her mother.
Of course there is adventure galore, clever and resourceful children, plenty of baking talk too, as well as a good dose of rebellion against the rules; all quintessential to good school story.
The use of footnotes (much underused in literature in my opinion) is a glorious addition. It brilliantly showcases the author’s agile repartee (mentions of dress with pockets and musings on custard creams, to mention a few) and allows the narrator to build a special relationship with the reader. We know how the narrator feels, they invite us in, we are not just bystanders.
It’s glorious, it really is, to the very end**. And there is no doubt about it: Calla, her mother, her friends, the splendid blessing of nuns*** and their creator Daisy May Johnson are a new force to be reckoned with.
* I know, I didn’t think it made sense either. But you’ll understand exactly what I mean when you read it.
** Spoiler: I cried.
***I never thought I’d ever write this in a review!
tinareynolds's review
4.0
An interesting take on the school story. I appreciated the depth of knowledge behind the writing and really enjoyed the footnotes. A little too unrealistic in places and perhaps the pacing could have been tweaked (it ends somewhat abruptly) but overall, a good book for the 7-12 range.
katerdate's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
evening's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
kibble97's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
hobbes199's review
4.0
A truly wonderful tale of duck, biscuits and a bravery.
And nuns. Lots of brilliant nuns.
Full review to follow as part of the promotional tour
And nuns. Lots of brilliant nuns.
Full review to follow as part of the promotional tour
sarahj13's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was an adorable little book that made me want to have boarding school adventures with newlyfound friends, and eat biscuits all day. The chapters are written in a very unique fashion, with some being only a few lines long to some spanning a few pages. Although the story was very predictable, I think it would make a great children’s film on Disney+. What I found a tad bit annoying in the book were the footnotes as they laid out everything in the book, and therefore taking away any air of mystery the book could have. Perhaps it may be because I am not the target audience for the book, but I do think that it’s better to show than to tell every detail.
rb26's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
when you hear publishers/agents talking about books having Voice this is what they’re talking about. Really distinctive and fun, and a great way to play with narration. The story itself got a way from me a bit but I almost don’t mind