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BRAVE: Living with a Concussion
Subjects: Adult and Young Adult Graphic Non-Fiction,
Brain - Concussion, Head - Wounds and Injury
Brain - Concussion, Head - Wounds and Injury
100 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 6, 2025
Even though BRAVE: Living with a Concussion by Kanika Gupta is a children’s book, no prospective reader should be fooled into thinking it doesn’t pack a punch. Using simple language, playful fonts, and fun illustrations, the author deftly tackles the sobering topic of recovery from a brain tumor within a kid-friendly format. The simplistic wording, however, did not compromise the succinct articulation of the concepts addressed in the book. For example, doing nothing is indeed “difficult and oftentimes necessary” for people with recent concussions. Personally, because I have several chronic and “invisible” illnesses, I am particularly sympathetic to children with concussions when the author describes the injuries this way. As I have done many times, the narrative voice laments the balancing act she must strike between doing too little and making no real progress and doing too much and overexerting herself. As this book posits, however, “Perhaps the greatest lesson is learning to embrace [one’s] imperfections.”
July 27, 2025
This book is beautiful in so many ways. The author conveys the message in every detail, from the title and artwork to the words. It is an entire demonstration of what it is purposed for.
This book is about being brave, especially after one of the most life-altering events one can experience: getting a concussion. The book outlines how to come to terms with the changes one may face and how to cope with them. There are practical steps for how to tackle those days. The print is bold and clear; it's somewhat calming to the mind of the reader. The text is broken up with wonderful illustrations that offer a welcome change.
What is most beautiful is that this book is a gift from someone who has gone through the same process, who understands, and who delivers that understanding in every way possible so that it is well received. A note in the afterword reveals the essence of this work. The author notes an important message received from her brother that helped in her recovery. “Brave is being okay doing things in my own way all while trying to stay positive about an uncertain future.” This was one of the ways the author chose to be brave and encourage others to do so, which is beyond beautiful.
This book is about being brave, especially after one of the most life-altering events one can experience: getting a concussion. The book outlines how to come to terms with the changes one may face and how to cope with them. There are practical steps for how to tackle those days. The print is bold and clear; it's somewhat calming to the mind of the reader. The text is broken up with wonderful illustrations that offer a welcome change.
What is most beautiful is that this book is a gift from someone who has gone through the same process, who understands, and who delivers that understanding in every way possible so that it is well received. A note in the afterword reveals the essence of this work. The author notes an important message received from her brother that helped in her recovery. “Brave is being okay doing things in my own way all while trying to stay positive about an uncertain future.” This was one of the ways the author chose to be brave and encourage others to do so, which is beyond beautiful.
November 10, 2025
A Counselor’s Perspective on Healing After Traumatic Brain Injury
As a counselor who has worked closely with individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), I found this book to be an honest, creative, and powerfully validating resource. This illustrated memoir doesn't just tell a story—it opens a window into the internal experience of someone learning to live, heal, and grow after a life-altering concussion. Through poetic fragments and whimsical, imperfect artwork, she shares her journey of "mastering the art of doing nothing," a concept often misunderstood in our productivity-obsessed culture. She manages to convey serious information with lightness and humor, without diminishing the gravity of the condition. Gupta offers something rarer: honest reflection, gentle encouragement, and creative permission to heal at one’s own pace. This book is a must-read for counselors, caregivers, educators, and anyone supporting someone with a TBI. It’s also a quiet companion for those navigating their own recovery.
As a counselor who has worked closely with individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), I found this book to be an honest, creative, and powerfully validating resource. This illustrated memoir doesn't just tell a story—it opens a window into the internal experience of someone learning to live, heal, and grow after a life-altering concussion. Through poetic fragments and whimsical, imperfect artwork, she shares her journey of "mastering the art of doing nothing," a concept often misunderstood in our productivity-obsessed culture. She manages to convey serious information with lightness and humor, without diminishing the gravity of the condition. Gupta offers something rarer: honest reflection, gentle encouragement, and creative permission to heal at one’s own pace. This book is a must-read for counselors, caregivers, educators, and anyone supporting someone with a TBI. It’s also a quiet companion for those navigating their own recovery.
July 25, 2025
Great for kids
The way this book is written seemed incredible to me. Becoming more aware that we all carry something in our minds that perhaps we need to solve, understand, or address is something I find truly powerful. The mind is like the driving engine of everything, especially our lives, and investing time and attention to care for it feels absolutely necessary. The approach this book takes to this topic is very warm and friendly, allowing the reader to feel identified and understood, as if they are being spoken to in a close and personal way. A great book and highly recommended.
The way this book is written seemed incredible to me. Becoming more aware that we all carry something in our minds that perhaps we need to solve, understand, or address is something I find truly powerful. The mind is like the driving engine of everything, especially our lives, and investing time and attention to care for it feels absolutely necessary. The approach this book takes to this topic is very warm and friendly, allowing the reader to feel identified and understood, as if they are being spoken to in a close and personal way. A great book and highly recommended.
July 25, 2025
The deepest messages come in the simplest formats
At first, I thought: a picture book about concussions? Really? But within five pages, I totally got it. Sometimes the deepest messages come in the simplest formats. The visuals are so clever, and the tone is spot-on, not overly sad, not overly peppy, just real. This is one of those rare books that feels like a conversation with someone who’s been through it and made it to the other side.
At first, I thought: a picture book about concussions? Really? But within five pages, I totally got it. Sometimes the deepest messages come in the simplest formats. The visuals are so clever, and the tone is spot-on, not overly sad, not overly peppy, just real. This is one of those rare books that feels like a conversation with someone who’s been through it and made it to the other side.
July 29, 2025
how does one cope after a brain injury
This book hit close to home for me. About 40 years ad go I had a blood clot in my brain and imagine that the after-effects would be the same as a TMI. Fortunately it was early in life, and I relearned alot of things. This was a great little comic strip type book to remind people that just because there is a problem in one part of the body, it doesn't necessarily mean all is lost!
This book hit close to home for me. About 40 years ad go I had a blood clot in my brain and imagine that the after-effects would be the same as a TMI. Fortunately it was early in life, and I relearned alot of things. This was a great little comic strip type book to remind people that just because there is a problem in one part of the body, it doesn't necessarily mean all is lost!
July 22, 2025
Wow, this book is just… special. I picked it up thinking I’d flip through it quickly and move on, but nope; I actually sat with it. It’s honest and kind without being dramatic. I didn’t know much about what people with concussions go through, and this gave me a glimpse in the gentlest way. Brave feels like a friend now. I think more people should read this, just to understand.
July 24, 2025
Easy to read
We read this in my post-concussion support group, and it hit home for all of us. The character of Brave felt like a mirror; she’s strong, scared, confused, and trying so hard, just like we are. The illustrations and minimal text made it easy to digest, even on days when our brains were foggy. We all agreed: this book gets it.
We read this in my post-concussion support group, and it hit home for all of us. The character of Brave felt like a mirror; she’s strong, scared, confused, and trying so hard, just like we are. The illustrations and minimal text made it easy to digest, even on days when our brains were foggy. We all agreed: this book gets it.
July 26, 2025
Visually intuitive
What a visually intuitive piece of work. As an artist recovering from a head injury, I connected with BRAVE not just emotionally but aesthetically. The way Gupta uses illustration to express overwhelm, isolation, and the sensory world is genius. The symbolism is rich, yet the story remains simple. It’s a reminder that visual art can communicate what words sometimes cannot.
What a visually intuitive piece of work. As an artist recovering from a head injury, I connected with BRAVE not just emotionally but aesthetically. The way Gupta uses illustration to express overwhelm, isolation, and the sensory world is genius. The symbolism is rich, yet the story remains simple. It’s a reminder that visual art can communicate what words sometimes cannot.
July 28, 2025
A masterpiece
The companionship between Brave and Bear adds a lovely emotional layer to the story. It reminded me how important support, even silent support, is in healing. This is a book about concussions but it is also about identity, adaptation, and finding courage in the everyday. A gentle masterpiece.
The companionship between Brave and Bear adds a lovely emotional layer to the story. It reminded me how important support, even silent support, is in healing. This is a book about concussions but it is also about identity, adaptation, and finding courage in the everyday. A gentle masterpiece.
July 28, 2025
Approachable and informative
I work in patient education and am always on the lookout for non-intimidating resources. BRAVE is ideal. It's approachable, compassionate, and informative without being overwhelming. I’ve already recommended it to patients and caregivers who are trying to make sense of this strange, nonlinear healing process.
I work in patient education and am always on the lookout for non-intimidating resources. BRAVE is ideal. It's approachable, compassionate, and informative without being overwhelming. I’ve already recommended it to patients and caregivers who are trying to make sense of this strange, nonlinear healing process.
July 28, 2025
Wonderful
Don’t let the picture book format fool you. BRAVE packs an emotional punch. The illustrations are wonderfully expressive, and the pacing is perfect for someone who might struggle with long texts. It’s a celebration of adapting, surviving, and being gentle with yourself. I finished it in minutes, but its message stayed with me all day.
Don’t let the picture book format fool you. BRAVE packs an emotional punch. The illustrations are wonderfully expressive, and the pacing is perfect for someone who might struggle with long texts. It’s a celebration of adapting, surviving, and being gentle with yourself. I finished it in minutes, but its message stayed with me all day.
July 28, 2025
Okay, so I didn’t expect to fall in love with a character who wears earplugs and sunglasses indoors, but here we are. Brave is a legend. This book is basically the superhero origin story for anyone who's had a concussion and still showed up to life (somehow). And Bear? Total MVP. I laughed, I learned, I wanted to give Brave a soft blanket and a standing ovation.
July 31, 2025
Clear and kind
As a school counselor, I’ve never seen a resource like this. It’s clear, kind, and incredibly validating for students dealing with concussions or post-concussion syndrome. The way it gently explains sensory overload, fear, and social pressure is brilliant. It also opens the door for classmates and teachers to understand what students are going through.
As a school counselor, I’ve never seen a resource like this. It’s clear, kind, and incredibly validating for students dealing with concussions or post-concussion syndrome. The way it gently explains sensory overload, fear, and social pressure is brilliant. It also opens the door for classmates and teachers to understand what students are going through.
July 31, 2025
Heart-touching book!
BRAVE captures the emotional reality of living with post-concussion syndrome perfectly. It explains sensory overload, cognitive fatigue, and emotional challenges with visual clarity and empathy. This is an important resource for patients and their families alike.
BRAVE captures the emotional reality of living with post-concussion syndrome perfectly. It explains sensory overload, cognitive fatigue, and emotional challenges with visual clarity and empathy. This is an important resource for patients and their families alike.
August 3, 2025
Confronting and hopeful
I picked this up not knowing what to expect, and I’m so glad I did. Brave’s story mirrors so much of what I’ve felt since my concussion. It’s emotional without being heavy, and it reminded me that healing is a journey. This is the first time I’ve felt truly understood by a book since my injury.
I picked this up not knowing what to expect, and I’m so glad I did. Brave’s story mirrors so much of what I’ve felt since my concussion. It’s emotional without being heavy, and it reminded me that healing is a journey. This is the first time I’ve felt truly understood by a book since my injury.
August 7, 2025
BRAVE reads like a meditation in motion. The pacing, the art, the emotional cadence... it’s all so mindful. As someone who believes healing is physical and spiritual, this book resonated with me on a deeper level. It honors the quiet battles and elevates self-compassion. Plus, Bear feels like an emotional support spirit guide. A beautiful, healing story.
July 24, 2025
Short. Clear. Heartfelt. This book nails it. No fluff. Just a real story, told in a way anyone can understand. If you’ve had a concussion, or know someone who has, read this. It’ll make you feel seen. Or if you’re lucky enough not to know what it’s like, this will open your eyes in the best way.
July 29, 2025
When I had a concussion two years ago, I didn’t know how to explain what I was feeling... even to myself. This book captures that confusion and turns it into something beautiful. I wish I’d had it during those first few months. It’s healing just to see your experience mirrored back with such care.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews