The Brave

maybe 4.5 stars?
I really really loved this. all the characters were so vibrant and likable - I absolutely loved Collin, his mother, his grandmother, and Orenda. I loved the magical realism elements and all the messages woven throughout. I also really liked the Native American rep and all of the elements that were included from that culture! such a sweet and powerful read.
although I did like & appreciate the OCD rep, it is also the one issue I had with the book. to me, it kind of felt like the test at the end "fixed" Collin and I don't like the idea that someone with mental health issues or a disability needs to be fixed or needs to get rid of their "ailment" to be better. I felt like the rest of the book was putting forth the message that something like OCD doesn't make you less than and focused on Collin learning to love and accept his differences, and in the end it kind of felt like that growth was all for nothing.
there are also some comments made about Native Americans and people in wheelchairs that I think could make some people feel uncomfortable but to me it came across as Collin just being unknowledgeable (keep in mind he is still really young!) and not the author's thoughts/feelings on these groups of people (and the author is Native American himself). just wanted to include as a minor warning!