Boom! Pow! Braver now!
My kids and husband love outdoor videos. Bonus points when the videos are family-friendly and entertaining, like Kentucky Ballistics. Yes, these videos involve shooting guns, sometimes at watermelons.
But out of those videos have come some valuable life lessons, including one of his own author Scott DeShields, aka Kentucky Ballistics, used as the basis of his fabulous children’s book. Boom! Pow! I’m Braver Now! follows Jax Desparks as his great invention explodes in a big BOOM! He faces his fear head-on and learns that true bravery means being scared but trying anyway.
Boom! Pow! I’m Braver Now is designed to meet children exactly where they are. For the younger crowd, the vibrant rhythm and relatable characters make it one of the most accessible books to start navigating big emotions. Meanwhile, the empowering message of resilience and courage ensures it holds a top spot among books for older boys who are ready to tackle new challenges with confidence. No matter where they fall in the elementary age range, this story provides the spark they need to feel brave.
I’ll say, my 10-year-old girl who reads slightly below fifth-grade level really loves this book and reads it often. She’s a big fan of Kentucky Ballistics and enjoys the science elements of the book. Facing scary circumstances head-on is a good lesson for her as she looks toward her last year of elementary school. She was also able to notice fun details in the illustrations.
About the book
In a family of brilliant inventors, Jax DeSparks is determined to prove he belongs. He’s spent all summer perfecting his rocket-powered invention, until one spectacular BOOM! POW! sends it (and his confidence) up in smoke.
Shaken and scared to try again, Jax begins to doubt whether he has what it takes to join his family on the Wall of Wonder. But with the help of his loyal stuffed dino, Rex, and his encouraging parents, Jax discovers that failure isn’t the end, it’s just part of the process.
As the Invention Fair approaches, Jax must face his fear head-on and learn that true bravery means being scared … but trying anyway.
You can order it from Brave Books or Amazon. Boom! Pow! I’m Braver Now was published by Brave Books in April 2026.
About the author
Scott DeShields Jr. is committed to responsibility, perseverance, and strong Christian values. His work focuses on encouraging curiosity, confidence, and resilience when facing challenges. He is also widely known for the Kentucky Ballistics YouTube channel, which has more than five million subscribers and emphasizes precision, safety, and accountability. Boom! Pow! I’m Braver Now! is inspired by Scott’s own real-life experience of overcoming a serious setback that challenged his confidence and required perseverance, faith, and courage to move forward. Based in Kentucky and guided by faith and strong values, Scott hopes this story encourages young readers to face fear with confidence, learn from mistakes, and bravely try again when things don’t go as planned.
*****
This book review is just me sharing a resource my family has enjoyed. Nobody is compensating me, and I bought the book and accompanying stuffed dinosaur with my own money.