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

by Mariann Edgar Budde, Bryan Bliss

As seen on CNN's Amanpour, CBS Mornings, and MSNBC's Morning Joe!

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 lessons 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, Audiobook, Religion

Audible Audio

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.

[Holly Wagner]

As a grownup, I give it 5 stars. As a 10 year old, maybe 2.

Back when I was a member of St. John's in Minneapolis, I recall a fellow parishoner saying that he would be happy to listen as Mariann read the phone book. Her voice is sublime. Having attended countless bible study sessions, baptism classes, adult forms, and more led by Mariann, her ministry feels like the very stuff of my young adulthood, parenting, and Christianity. So many of the references elitic visual images as I am flooded with memories. In the summer of 2021 she describes a low point in her life. While in Minneapolis after the suicide of my brother-in-law, we ran into Mariann walking in the old neighborhood during that very time. She describe her current reality. And we shared a moment of despair mixed with joy at seeing our spiritual guide. It's hard not to feel that moment drenched with fate. Not even knowing so, we have shared so many of life's challenges. This all leads to what feels like a very personal story of finding courage in life's many challenges. I could not be more grateful. The bottom line is that I love Mariann. She has had a huge impact on my life.

But I must don my children's teacher-librarian hat to opine for just a moment. This does not read like a book for a 10 year old. Not that young readers couldn't comprehend the text. They could. All the "Learn About It" sections would be perfect for young readers. But it's the adult nature of the consternations. 10 year old's do not care what Brene Brown espoused. They don't care about most of the trials and tribulations of grown ups. It is almost developmentally antithetical for them to care about such grown-up problems. It could definitely be a book for a group of younger readers to read for a class or for formation. If this were put in the nonfiction section of a children's library, it won't get checked out. Young adult section? Maybe. Adult section, for sure. So those are my thoughts from a children's librarian prespective.

[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.

[Jeni Enjaian]

xI really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. I remember when the author became ““ infamous because of her prayer at the service before the current presidents inauguration. I would love to learn more about her and her story. However, I do not think that this is the book for that purpose. It felt, unfortunately, far to surface level for any in-depth exploration of any topic. For that reason, it’s not even really a good introduction.

[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.