Brave Like Fireweed

Gr 2-4–A lyrical exploration of resilience, finding examples, and inspiration in the natural world. As a honeysuckle vine boldly climbs inside her open window; a girl, who is white, wakes and pulls on her red boots. Her toy bird transforms into an oversized black bird that carries her aloft. They travel to a mountain, where the tenacious wild rose blooms amid a fire-scarred landscape. In the forest, “ferns whisper ancient secrets.” As their journey continues, they find more inspiration: patience in the desert, waiting for rain; at the seashore, open-hearted sea grasses welcome wind and tides; and at the river, the roots of the swamp cypress provide refuge for animals. Back in the city, the girl and her mom pass some weeds growing “through ash from a building that burned.” Lovely illustrations in earth tones highlighted with red and smudges of black add details and expand on the theme of resiliency. Throughout her journey, the thoughtful girl explores and listens, meditates, feels grateful, and, finally, steps onstage to express herself musically.