"[2] Karin Snelson, writing for Shelf Awareness, called the novel "a beautifully written, poignant story" that "explores complex themes with sensitivity and humor.

"[4] In The Washington Post, Mary Quattlebaum highlighted how "Reynolds deftly blends humor and heart through lively dialogue and spot-on sibling dynamics.

"[7] Common Sense Media praised the novel's "authentic and relatable characters" and its "thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics and identity.

"[6] Writing for School Library Journal, Luann Toth called As Brave As You "[a] richly realized story about life and loss, courage and grace, and what it takes to be a man.

"[8] Elizabeth Bush, writing for The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, compared As Brave As You to Christopher Paul Curtis's The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 "with the city kids’ humorous adjustment to rural life, underpinned with a serious subplot that steadily rises in importance.