"Brave Like That" is the One School, One Book Selection

This week, Lower School students gathered for one of the most eagerly anticipated morning meetings of the school year, the announcement of the 2023 One School, One Book selection. This year’s choice is Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard. One School, One Book is a beloved annual tradition where all students, teachers, and parents in the Lower School read the same book and reflect on its themes and message together. 

Brave Like That is the story of Cyrus Olson, a boy whose dad exemplifies heroism. A former town football star and now one of their finest firefighters, Cyrus’ dad is a lot to live up to. Everyone expects Cyrus to follow in his dad’s footsteps, but he’s not so sure that he’s cut out for the football team or that he has the bravery and nerve that has made his dad a local icon. When he meets a stray dog Parker, who shares his skittish nature, Cyrus discovers that having the bravery to be yourself is the biggest challenge. 

There is something powerful about a shared reading experience, and from now until the beginning of March, students will be reading Brave Like That aloud at home every night with their families. Students will also spend time talking about and exploring the book in class and discussing its themes as a Lower School community at lunch every day. As families approach the end of the book, parents will have an opportunity to join in the discussion! On Thursday, February 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the Root Meeting Room, parents can join English Department Chair Joe Mendes, Director of the Educational Program Julie Porrazzo, and Head of Lower School Kaitlyn Cronin to discuss the text and share ideas and insights. Please click here to learn more about this year’s Lower School One School, One Book reading experience.