What if the courage your child needs is already inside them? Ely wants more than anything to make the football team—but fear keeps getting in the way. He’s smaller than the other kids, unsure of himself, and worried he won’t measure up. When Ely visits Till, a quiet storyteller who lives deep in the woods, Till shares a strange and powerful story. As Ely listens, he imagines a boy from long ago—banished from his home and forced to survive on his own in the wild. With only his courage, a loyal black horse, and unexpected animal companions, the boy faces challenges that test his strength, kindness, and heart. As the story unfolds, Ely begins to understand that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about choosing to move forward even when fear is close. A thoughtful middle-grade adventure for readers ages 9–12 , The Courage of Ely blends imagination, action, and meaningful life lessons in a way parents can feel good about. Why parents and educators love this book: Encourages self-confidence and emotional resilience - Teaches that courage is a choice , not the absence of fear - Age-appropriate adventure with no graphic violence - Ideal for independent reading, classrooms, and family discussions - A timeless coming-of-age story for kids Perfect for fans of middle-grade adventure books , children’s courage stories , and books that build kids' confidence , The Courage of Ely is a heart-centered story about belonging, bravery, and finding your inner strength. A meaningful children’s chapter book parents will be proud to share—and kids will want to keep reading.
