Junior Braves of the Apocalypse: A Brave is Brave

Gr 7 Up—Meet the Junior Braves—young scouting troops setting out on a campout that promises to turn them into men. The adult Tribe Leaders plan to help the Junior Braves do just that by teaching the troops survival skills. The Junior Braves earn patches and learn in the wilderness. That is, of course, until they return home to discover that their town has been virtually destroyed and overtaken by mutants. Is this the apocalypse? What's wrong with the some of the survivors they meet? And what happened to their parents? This volume is just the beginning of continued promised adventures. The comic art is done in simple black and white, with green shading. The panels are presented straightforwardly and is accessible for even non-graphic novel fans. This series opener is a solid alternative for young readers who may be intrigued by popular zombie comics written for adults and might not be ready for Walking Dead or Jonathan Maberry's "Rot & Ruin" books (S. & S.). While this work is not without violence or mature themes, it has mild content that is appropriate for middle schoolers. The subject matter and format make this a perfect title for reluctant readers.