Overview

Call Me Brave is a middle-grade leadership novel about friendship, courage, and the small choices that shape who we become. It follows five students at Live Oak Middle School who learn that leadership is less about being in charge and more about how you treat the people around you. Twelve-year-old Jace Thompson makes a daring jump at a friend's birthday party - just to be seen and admired. He isn't thinking about leadership or courage - only about surviving sixth grade as the new kid in town. But the school year unfolds in ways Jace would never have expected. He meets three classmates - Naomi, Liam, and Ava - who each navigate life differently. Naomi is observant and empathetic. Liam is analytical and thoughtful. Ava is organized and responsible but feels pressure to meet expectations. And Eric, the new foster kid, is first seen as someone to avoid, but becomes a friend once the others learn what he's facing. He doesn't want to be forced to move again. He wants to stay in Frisco, which becomes a major challenge. When the friends are assigned to the same team during a leadership scavenger hunt at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, frustration shows up fast. They don't think alike or solve problems the same way. For a while, the day feels like a disaster. Then something shifts. Jace steps in when a younger student is pushed around. Naomi spots a clue everyone missed. Liam notices a detail that keeps the team moving. Ava asks for help. Eric shares part of his story and why belonging matters so much. These moments are quiet but meaningful. Their differences become strengths. What seemed like conflict becomes cooperation-the beginning of something larger-the start of the Vanguards. Call Me Brave opens the Rise of the Vanguards series with themes that matter to middle-grade readers: standing up for others, navigating peer pressure, handling uncertainty, and finding confidence. The story introduces the PACE color personalities-Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow-to help kids understand how they think and connect with others. Call Me Brave gives young readers examples of courage, friendship, decision-making, and personal growth through believable school situations. Leadership Elements appear at the end of each chapter to help readers reflect on decisions and character. Parents and teachers can use them to spark conversations without adding pressure. The book supports social-emotional learning, character development, and resilience. The Rise of the Vanguards series fits readers who enjoy realistic fiction, friendship stories, and narratives about responsibility and confidence. It works well in classrooms, counseling programs, homeschool settings, leadership clubs, and youth groups. Call Me Brave helps kids see that leadership grows in honest conversations, brave choices, and caring for others. If you want a middle-grade novel that encourages courage, integrity, teamwork, and steady character in ordinary moments, Call Me Brave is a meaningful place to begin the journey.

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Reviews

""Rise of the Vanguards belongs in every home and school library. It teaches leadership while gently guiding kids through social and emotional challenges. Heartwarming and full of practical life lessons, it stirred real reflection in me as a parent and professional."" - Faith S. Davis, ISF Texas Executive Director ""A standout strength of this story is how it weaves leadership lessons into real-life moments. Mentors like Naomi's dad and Mr. Reynolds ground the narrative, while the Vanguards show how unity and support shape growth. It is a refreshing take on leadership through mistakes, setbacks, and resilience."" - Gwen Carter, PhD, Psychologist ""Rise of the Vanguards captures middle school struggles with remarkable depth. The Vanguards feel real, imperfect, and growing, with strong character development and emotional honesty. A must-read for young leaders, it offers wisdom through authentic storytelling."" - Denise Hoyt, Marriage & Family Counselor ""We read Call Me Brave together and it sparked great conversations. Henry saw himself in Jace, brave but still figuring out what kind of leader he wants to be. We loved how the story handled bullying with honest, small brave choices and kids sticking together."" - Dave H. and Henry, father and son (age 12) ""The characters in Rise of the Vanguards truly come to life. I was drawn to the emotional depth and how real the struggles felt. This is not only about bullying, it is about resilience, healing, and learning to lead while you are still discovering who you are."" - Mia T., student (age 15) ""I am living this journey. As a former refugee and foster youth, I saw my own story in these situations. This book is a powerful guide for a leadership path, and I wish I could have read it sooner. I cannot wait to share it with my nieces and nephews."" - Jimmy Alphonce, US State Department ""What stood out most was the club the characters created to protect kids from bullies. It showed how you can stand up together instead of alone. I liked that the story gave real ways to deal with bullying and showed that every person in a friend group matters.""

Author Information

Mike Manazir has a passion for stories, leadership, big ships, fast jets, thundering Harleys, and one woman: Kelly, his bride of more than forty years. He is a graduate of Top Gun and commanded an F-14 squadron, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, and a Carrier Strike Group. Mike retired as a Two-Star Admiral and is now an executive with a Fortune 100 aerospace and defense company.He mentors a leadership style based on heart and trust that champions inclusion. Mike believes if you have one or more people looking to you to show the way, you are a leader. He wants to help you be the best leader you can be so you can Lead to Win.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and at www.MikeManazir.com.

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