THE BRAVEST WORD BY KATE FOSTER

The Bravest Word by Kate Foster

The Bravest Word follows the story of Matty, a nearly 12-year-old Year 7 student. Matty is having problems, his internal thoughts are so different from those he had in Year 6. Before, everything was easy, now absolutely everything is bad. He can’t concentrate in class, doesn’t hand in his homework, is teary and angry and confused. So many emotions clamour inside him that he’s exhausted all the time. It’s crazy, why is this happening to him?

Matty is struggling to keep it together and when he starts to really dread his once-loved footy games, his world crumbles around him.

On a bush walk one day with his sympathetic dad, Matty tries to keep it together under the concerned gaze of his father. They hear something whimpering in the bushes and discover an abandoned dog. It has been very cruelly treated and they take it to a vet. Matty is deeply upset about the small dog he has called Cliff. He is determined to save him and nurture him back to health. He prays that his no-nonsense mum will let him keep Cliff, but the wait and the pressure get to him, and he falls ill. He believes he is letting down his best friends, his footy team and his parents. Self-doubt and his painful thoughts are dragging him closer to the edge. No one would understand him if he could even put into words what was going on inside him.

Will Cliff be allowed to come home with him? And will Matty be able to keep him safe and protected? How will Matty deal with what is going on, and is there any way he can fix it?

Kate Foster’s novel is a roller coaster ride through the strong emotions that tumble around her protagonist’s mind. Depression and anxiety are scary and exhausting things, and her descriptions of what Matty is experiencing are a great insight into this insidious condition. The themes of mental health, love, friendship, bravery and family run throughout this remarkable novel. It is a great introduction to inside the mind of someone who is suffering depression. Middle Grade readers will enjoy this story, because, although it deals with a frightening and sometimes crippling condition, it is ultimately also about deep love and caring.

P.S. You will need a box of tissues beside you.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 240

Published: May 2022 Walker Books

Themes: Depression, Anxiety, Family, self-belief.