When You're Brave Enough

”[A] radiant debut…[A] relatable story of belonging and becoming.“–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A strong and highly recommended addition to all middle school romance collections, filling in that crucial gap between friends-only and young adult romance. Perfect for readers of G.F. Miller’s middle school titles.”–School Library Journal

“Hand to readers looking for grounded, compassionate tween coming-of-age stories.”–Booklist

“Queer, Jewish, and theater-themed: What’s not to like?”–Kirkus Reviews

“This is a deep, sweet, and ultimately hopeful look at the all-too-authentic preteen experience of hiding yourself even while longing to be seen and accepting that sometimes what you want to want isn’t what you truly want.”–BCCB

“Rebecca Bendheim captures the anxieties and triumphs of middle school in a beautiful and honest way. When You’re Brave Enough is a lyrical coming-of-age story that will be a hit with anyone who has felt too scared to speak up or sing out. This tender debut had me cheering for Lacey as she learns and grows, like a caterpillar becoming a beautiful queer butterfly.“—Jake Maia Arlow, author of The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet

“A tender exploration of finding your voice and your identity, and the awkwardness of leaving old friends behind while trying to make new ones. Bendheim has created a deeply relatable character who you can’t help but cheer for from overture to encore.“—Nicole Melleby, Author of Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit

“Bendheim delicately and heartbreakingly paints a portrait of first love, the struggle to understand one’s authentic self, and the uncertain, painful, and still somehow joyful landscape of coming of age.”—Corey Ann Haydu

“A heartfelt story about discovering who you truly are—and then learning how to courageously step out onto center stage. Bendheim writes with both warmth and incisiveness as heroine Lacey navigates new developments in her friend group, family, and faith. With its sparkling prose and cast of delightfully memorable characters, this queer coming-of-age debut will linger with readers long after the final curtain call.” —Kathryn Ormsbee, author of Candidly Cline and Turning Twelve

“Rebecca Bendheim’s When You’re Brave Enough, took me back to thirteen, reading Judy Blume novels under my blanket with a flashlight. This tale of unexpected crushes, theater kid drama, and adolescent antics flows so effortlessly you will feel you are walking beside Lacey, experiencing her world as she lives it.”—Lakita Wilson, author of Be Real, Macy Weaver and Sparkle

”When You’re Brave Enough is a sharply emotional, rawly honest, and finely nuanced portrayal of finding yourself as a young person. This gorgeous story of first love and the roles we play on stage and in life hits every high and low note, starring a protagonist you’ll root for from the first page and want to give a standing ovation to by the last.”—Taylor Tracy, Stonewall Honor Author of Murray Out of Water

Rebecca Bendheim is a middle school teacher, poet, and graduate of Vanderbilt and VCFA’s MFA program in writing for children and young adults. She was mentored by Corey Ann Haydu and wrote her critical thesis on queer middle grade. Rebecca has performed her poetry at Lambda Litfest, on NPR, and as a member of Austin’s Typewriter Rodeo poetry troupe.

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