Eleven years ago Cyrus Olsen was left outside the fire station. The firefighters on duty that night heard his cries and found him wrapped tightly in a blanket. The only person who could calm Cyrus's cries was Brooks Olsen, and as a surprise to everyone, Brooks decided to adopt Cyrus.
Now eleven years later to the day, there are cries outside the fire station again, only this time they are the whimpers of a scraggly dog left right where Cyrus was left outside the door. Cyrus convinces his father to take the dog to the vet, but not before he falls in love with the pup just like his father fell in love with him. No matter how much Cyrus begs and pleads, his father says no to keeping the dog, so Parker ends up at the local humane society, and Cyrus is given orders not to visit him because he will become attached.
Everyone expects Cyrus to play football like his dad who was a star wide-receiver. Cyrus didn't mind playing in the little kids' touch football league, but now they will be playing tackle, and Cyrus knows he isn't brave like his father. Next begins a string of lies as Cyrus tries to avoid football, visit the forbidden Parker, and keep his reading problems a secret. Will the lies catch up with him? Will what he believes is his lack of bravery disappoint his father and everyone else?
Author Lindsey Stoddard cleverly portrays a young boy's worry about not living up to what he believes is expected of him. Readers' hearts will melt as they get to know Cyrus and his family. BRAVE LIKE THAT is perfect for both male and female readers ages 8-12.
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