The Bravest Word is a powerful rescue story of love and trust between a boy and a dog from the talented author of Paws.
When eleven-year-old Matt finds Cliff, a hurt, neglected dog abandoned in the bush, he knows the brave little pup needs saving. He wants to help. But can he?
Lately, Matt has had way more bad days than good days. The pieces of his life just don’t seem to fit together anymore and he doesn’t understand why. He’s finding it impossible to concentrate at school and has lost interest in the activities he used to love. Plus, he’s tired all the time. Matt’s too afraid to share what’s really going on in his own head with anyone. His friends and family will never understand… maybe it’s not only Cliff who needs saving.
Kate Foster’s previous middle-grade novel Paws told the moving story of an autistic protagonist and his relationship with his trusty dog. Foster’s latest book, The Bravest Word, is another impactful read for ages 9+, this time focusing on eleven-year-old Matt and his rescued dog, Cliff.
Struggling with his emotions, relationships, and things he previously got excited about like football, Matt begins to feel very down. The discovery of abandoned dog Cliff, whom Matt begins to care for, is pivotal to Matt understanding his own emotions – which are in fact quite similar to Cliff’s. Anyone who has felt the unconditional love of a dog will feel the power of this book.
Matt’s conversations with his parents are difficult yet heartwarming, and are sure to start important conversations about mental health amongst young readers and their families. Foster has drawn upon her own experiences of depression to write this book, giving Matt’s thoughts and feelings undeniable authenticity. As a dog-lover myself, I could feel just how much Matt and Cliff’s mutual love for one another helped them both. It’s a beautiful relationship.
The Bravest Word is sure to be a tear-jerker for plenty of readers. This is such an important story for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health – it’s great to see these stories featuring in middle-grade fiction, showing kids that they are not alone in their struggles, that help is available, and that asking for help is the bravest thing.
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