REVIEWS

What People Are Saying About Call Me Brave

Parents, teachers, and students around the world are discovering the impact Call Me Brave can have on courage, empathy, and leadership. Here are a few early reflections from readers who see how this story is impacting young lives:

Loved the book!!! This book is a powerful and inspiring read that resonates deeply. It offers invaluable insights on navigating adversity and challenges, empowering readers to ignite their bravery, strength, purpose, and leadership. As a parent of two children facing life’s hurdles, I found this book instrumental in providing diverse perspectives they could relate to. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. ★★★★★

Charity Ballmann, DNP, BA, RN – ISF Mentor

As an executive coach with 28 years of experience and over 50,000 hours coaching top leaders worldwide, I see the same bully aggression in adults that starts in childhood. This book is authentic, practical, and a vital step in healing—for our kids and for ourselves. Please buy it, share it, and pass it on. ★★★★★

Dan Foxx, Author of Confessions from the Heart of an Executive Coach, Top-Level Leadership Coach & Speaker

This book is so beautifully written and is a great resource for parents and children alike. It gives realistic examples of how people of all ages can have a profound impact on others no matter what their strengths are. ★★★★★

Kelli Tipitino – Mother & ISF Mentor

The characters in Rise of the Vanguards come to life. I was especially drawn to the emotional depth of the story. This isn’t just a book about bullying; it’s about resilience, healing, and learning how to be a leader even when you’re not sure who you are yet. ★★★★★

Mia Talman, 15-year-old student

A true blueprint for becoming a leader. The real life examples of the students provide excellent examples of leadership skills for youth and adults. Provides thought provoking questions to ignite conversations on becoming a leader. An inspiration for all ages on the challenging and rewarding leadership journey. ★★★★★

Shirley Zwinggi – ISF Mentor

Rise of the Vanguards captures the true essence of middle school struggles with remarkable depth. It pulls readers in with its strong character development, making the Vanguards feel like real, relatable kids—imperfect, but growing. This book is a must-read for any young leader, offering wisdom through authentic, emotional storytelling. I give it 5 Stars! ★★★★★

Denise Hoyt – Marriage & Family Counselor

I think the leadership lessons in the book are really good. Kids my age will pick them up and it’s going to help us in the future. The character I related to most was Jake, because a lot of kids move schools and just want to fit in, sometimes making dumb choices to stand out. This book shows what life is really like for kids our age, and the difference we can make as leaders if we choose to. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you. ★★★★★

Nora Carroll – 9th Grade Student

The strength of this book lies in its ability to weave leadership lessons into real-life scenarios. Naomi’s dad’s presence and the school counselor, Mr. Reynolds bring a grounded mentorship to the narrative. The dynamic friendships between Naomi, Jace, and the rest of the Vanguards showcase the power of unity and support. It’s a refreshing take on leadership, showing how the best leaders are made not through perfection, but through the lessons learned from mistakes and setbacks. ★★★★★

Gwen Carter – PhD Psychologist

The part that stood out the most to me was when the characters created a club to protect kids from bullies. I think that’s a great idea because it really shows how you can stand up to bullying together instead of alone. I liked how the book didn’t just show the problem but also gave good ways to deal with it. I’d recommend this book to middle school students because it shows that every person in a friend group matters. ★★★★★

Nolan Carroll – 8th Grade Student

Rise of the Vanguards is a must-have for every home and school library. It not only teaches leadership but also gently guides kids through navigating social and emotional challenges. The story is heartwarming and full of life lessons about standing firm in doing good and embracing others despite different life experiences. It stirred deep reflection in me as a parent and professional, and I am overjoyed to share this well-written book with my own children and the youth I serve.” ★★★★★

Faith S. Davis, ISF Texas Executive Director

Henry and I read Call Me Brave together, and it sparked some great conversations. He saw himself in Jace—brave but still figuring out what kind of leader he wants to be. I loved how the story made courage and kindness feel like superpowers any kid can have. What stood out to both of us was how the kids handled bullying—not with some perfect fix, but by sticking together and making small, brave choices. It felt honest. They didn’t change the whole school overnight, but they changed their corner of it—and that matters. ★★★★★

Dave & Henry Hail – Father & Son (age 12)

I am living this journey. I was a former refugee, a former foster youth, and now, thanks to my friends at ISF, I now have a college degree, and serve in a leadership position in the federal government in Washington DC. The stories and situations in this book are not limited to the characters in this book. This is a great book to prepare you for your leadership journey. I wish I could have read it sooner. I cannot wait to share copies with my nephews and nieces. It will be a reference book for me and my family. ★★★★★

Jimmy Alphonce, US State Department