Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great advice for young adults on accomplishing big goals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
IT'S NOT BRAGGING IF IT'S TRUE: HOW TO BE AWESOME AT LIFE is a positive and helpful guide for kids written by Scripp's Spelling Bee National champion/basketball Guinness Record holder Zaile Avant-garde. The 16-year-old shares her nine steps for success and "leveling up" in life. Her lessons include things like "having other people to look out for is a strength," "embrace what makes you weird," and "ask for help and take help when it's offered."
Is It Any Good?
This is a lively, powerful, and concise guide that imparts valuable wisdom to young readers. It's Not Bragging If It's True: How to Be Awesome at Life skillfully weaves impactful anecdotes into Avant-garde's teachings. And the nine steps outlined in the book form a practical roadmap to help kids develop into well-adjusted, kind, and successful adults. The author's advice is woven in with personal anecdotes from her life, making the book feel like a chat with a wise but down-to-earth friend. Unsurprisingly, the advice is equally relevant for adults, prompting readers of all ages to reflect on their own lives and consider new perspectives on community, empathy, and personal growth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Zaila's lesson on why it's important to have people to look out for in It's Not Bragging If It's True. Who do you look out for?
What do you think Zaila means when she says "embrace your weird"? What's wonderfully weird about you? How about your friends and family members?
How does Zaila demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Autobiography
- Topics : STEM , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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