The Brave Year

The LEAD Squad Series

Starting a new school can feel like standing at the edge of something big and unknown. In The Brave Year, Nila is learning what it really means to be brave. After moving to a new town in Florida, everything feels different: new classrooms, new classmates, and new challenges.

With the help of her energetic friend Sophie and thoughtful new classmate Noah, Nila begins to discover that courage doesn’t always look loud or dramatic. Sometimes bravery is quiet. Sometimes it’s asking for help, trying again after a mistake, or simply finding your voice when the moment matters.

Together, the friends explore mysteries, create projects, solve problems, and learn how their differences make their team stronger. Through each experience, Nila begins to understand that leadership, kindness, and confidence can grow in unexpected ways.

The Brave Year is a heartfelt middle-grade story about friendship, self-advocacy, and discovering the strength that comes from being yourself.