We Can Be Brave: How We Learn to Be Brave in Life's Decisive Moments

by Mariann Edgar Budde, Bryan Bliss (Adapter)

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is no stranger to bravery in the face of bullies. In this adaptation of her New York Times bestselling How We Learn to Be Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Bishop Budde and acclaimed novelist Bryan Bliss share lesson in in how to learn to be brave in life’s hardest moments.

The decisive moments in life—even in the life of a young person—are those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act courageously in the face of injustice and bullying. In How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde shows readers examples of how to respond even in the toughest times. Bravery is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day and it begins when we're young.

Budde explores the range of decisive moments people of all ages encounter, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come as surprises (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples relevant to young readers ranging from Harry Potter to Martin Luther King Jr., she weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture of how adults and kids throughout history have faced these moments and heeded the call to be brave in challenging times.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned details about religious stories and beliefs, and how the people involved showed bravery. The Bishop, author, included personal examples of bravery and strength. The book is suggested for 10 year olds and up. I think more mature adolescents would understand and gain more from this book.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my list a while and found the writing style interesting as it weaved through mistakes, book learning, and tables of mentors and relationships. I appreciated the author’s deep grounding in social justice and historical context, adding sections on “learn more about” pointing to topics for deeper dives and writers or faith leaders whose lives and works bear more opportunity to learn and reflect.

[Pamela Beckford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, i would. It wasn’t preachy. What it was was a calming recounting of acts of bravery combined with some historical stories and perspectives. It made me reflect on my own life and many things.

I highly recommend this book for everyone who is wanting some introspection.

[Cissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the original book and was thrilled to see a version for younger people. I paid for this version with the intent to read/preview before gifting it to my grandchildren. The thrill was short lived. There is no way this is appropriate for a 10-12 year old. This is a pared down version of the original at best. It is much better suited for late middle schoolers on up. 😕

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS adaptation for young readers

[Tracy Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 excellent writing. Good food for thought. Challenges me to be a better person.