I am Brave Like an Eagle (Full Review)
“A thoughtful, approachable way to help children name fears, practice courage, and understand kindness without feeling heavy.”
Introductory Pages
My first thoughts when reading the introduction, dedication, and “Our Story” section about how these stories came to life were ones of deep emotion and understanding. These stories are written not just for children, but for everyone who faces struggles and fears in life. The dedication is heartfelt and moving, and it is easy to tell that Carol Ann has made a lasting impact.
When reading through the introduction page, my first thought was about the selected quotes regarding fear. Mark Twain’s quote on fear is one of my favorites. I try to live by two quotes in particular: “Do it scared.” and “Go one more.” The chosen quotes reminded me why we need to push past fear and continue forward much like the quotes I often repeat to myself do.
I especially appreciate the paragraph that guides adult influencers in children’s lives on how to approach the story and consider sharing their own experiences with fear and rejection. Sharing and open communication on topics like these with children of all ages is extremely important and can help them develop life skills to walk through life more confidently.
First Read-Through Impressions
I read the story beginning to end without pausing to reflect, with a plan to go back through different areas afterward. My first impression was that I loved the symbolism, which often helps kids feel a little more comfortable with topics that can be difficult. I also enjoyed how multiple animals were incorporated and used as a way to draw strength to do hard things. As a young child, I often looked to my family pets for comfort in difficult situations because they don’t require you to put words to your feelings.
I also liked that the book tells more than one story of being courageous and facing fears through the different characters that are introduced. A lot of children’s books focus on one storyline or one act of bravery, but this story shows multiple characters stepping out of their comfort zones. Alex shows courage on his first day of school and on the seesaw. Later, he even shows bravery by choosing to speak up for another classmate. He overcomes multiple hard things by relying on the resources he was taught by Valor. Phoebe also faces her own fears of moving to a new area and starting at a new school. She quickly learns that while it is scary, there are often kind people who will make you feel included if you remain open to it. One underrated lesson in this story that some may overlook is the one learned by Duncan, it is okay to say no to something that makes you uncomfortable even if others are comfortable with it. You are allowed to move at the first day of school. It would be a great read for children before they start a new school year or when they are transitioning to a new school. I also think a book like this could be impactful for students who may be the aggressors in a bullying situation because it shows them a perspective they may not have considered and could spark a new thought for them. Along those lines, if a classroom is struggling with bullying, reading this to the entire class could help bystander children learn when to speak up and how to appropriately handle situations like this. The tools the story provides can be applied to many situations that book didn’t name directly. For example, I can see kids thinking about this story when they want to join a new sport and feel fear of not being good enough or getting hurt. I can also see it helping children remember to be kind to others who are trying something new, who are new to the area, or who are dealing with fear and need support to overcome it.
Overall, my first impression is that this book is a thoughtful, approachable way to help children name fears, practice courage, and understand kindness without feeling “heavy.” It is a great resource for a child that is navigating change, rejection, or anxiety.
Overall Thoughts
As an adult who has faced many struggles in life, I was truly touched by the first few pages before the story got started. The dedication and use of quotes are beautifully written. I also really loved that the back cover included a poem as I have a personal interest in poetry and thought it was really well written.
The illustrations fit the story well, and I appreciate the caricature style used. They are bright and inviting and not overly intricate, which I feel is important when creating a children’s book. My daughter is an artist who focuses a lot on caricature art, and I feel like she would have decided to go the same route of lighthearted, easy-to-take-in illustrations. They remind me a little bit of the movie “Up!”.
Overall, this is a meaningful story that communicates its message clearly and gently encouraging kids to face fear, practice courage, and choose kindness. I’d recommend it as a helpful resource for children, but also as a timely reminder for readers of any age.
Adult Reader and Parent, May 2026