Answer

Life isn’t easy for fourth-grader Bobby Ellis-Chan. Bobby is the middle child and the only son of Roy Ellis-Chan, a former professional linebacker nicknamed “The Freezer.” Now a stay-at-home dad, Roy is a terrible cook and an even worse seamstress. Bobby’s older sister, Annie, a fearless athlete and quarterback on her high school team, is the new football star in the family.

Bobby loves dogs, but he can’t have one because of his allergies and asthma. He is a great skateboarder and can put on some amazing moves, but he isn’t a showoff. He is safety conscious and always wears his helmet, which he calls his “brain bucket.” One day while skateboarding, he overhears his dad tell Annie that Bobby is “not like me.” Bobby fears that because he isn’t good at football, he has let his father down. He believes his dad thinks he’s a loser, and he wants to make his dad proud of him. If Bobby could have only one super power, it would be superhuman strength. Now that would impress Roy.

Things aren’t much better at school. Bobby messes up the class picture and gets made fun of by the girl-bully, Jillian Zarr. He also makes a bad first impression on the new PE teacher, Mr. Rainerhaus. After Mrs. Carlson announces that the school play is going to be Orphan Annie, Bobby signs up for the part of the dog Sandy --- and he gets it. He needs a costume, and Roy tackles the job of making it. The results are not pretty. Even more embarrassing is what happens to Bobby during the class musical.

BOBBY THE BRAVE (SOMETIMES) is the fast-paced and heartfelt sequel to award-winning author Lisa Yee’s BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY). This follow-up is a story about real-life issues: family relationships, being unique and facing one’s fears. The characters leap off the pages, the dialogue zips along like a superstar’s skateboard, and Yee gracefully broaches the topic of children’s insecurities. Completing the package are the charming and thoughtful illustrations of Dan Santat.