If you could describe yourself in just three words, which would you choose? Next week, would you choose those same three words? Would your mother describe you the same way?

Some days I feel confident, adventurous, and positive. Sometimes even on the same days, I feel self conscious, wistful, but still tenacious. My son? He says he feels like he’s funny, curious, and fast. I’d choose compassionate, eager, and charming. My daughter says she’s nice, happy, and smart. I’d choose strong, bright, and energetic. Of course, ask me again tomorrow. My point is, we’re all so many things, and sometimes we’re not. Even the things that we feel define us sometimes…don’t.

This is the case with Sheila Rae, Kevin Henkes’ intrepid heroine.

Sheila Rae, the Brave is just that. Unlike her somewhat timid little sister Louise, Sheila Rae is strong, she is brave, and she fears nothing and no one.

Until she isn’t.

Our fearless victor is human, after all…or mouse anyway. And sometimes even the strongest among us have their moments.

And who should come to her rescue? Just her heretofore fraidycat sister, who has the side of her that in fact is confident. 

Because we’re not all one thing all the time. We don’t only have certain characteristics and never the opposite.

And just because one sibling is labeled “one way” doesn’t mean that another sibling can’t merit that label as well.

I love Sheila Rae for her realness, her strength and her vulnerability, her leadership and her willingness to be led. And I love Louise for her awareness and her strength to step up to the plate when called. It’s a wonderful reminder for children and their parents alike.

*Disclaimer*

These aren’t book reviews, per se, but more profiles of the really, really good ones (I don’t bother with ones that aren’t awesome). Recommendations, really, for which I am not compensated. If you’re looking to buy any of them you can click on the the links and cover photos in each post, OR you can click on the little box over there on the right that says “amelie’s bookshop (buy the books)” and it will take you to my Amazon Affiliate store- you’re buying them as you normally would through Amazon, except that I get a teeny tiny commission. Or even better, walk on down to your local independent bookseller and support them.

Please check out my Facebook page if you get a chance, I post a lot of fun stuff there.