Brave on Purpose

By Phenix Hartogh

Brave on Purpose is a heartfelt and empowering middle-grade novel that follows Luca Bailey-an energetic, opinionated, and determined 7-year-old who's autistic, deaf, and living with multiple chronic illnesses, including classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Type 1 diabetes. With their cochlear implants, wheelchair, omnipod, Dexcom, and new nasal feeding tube, Luca navigates a world that often isn't built for them-but that doesn't mean they're sitting quietly.

When Luca and their friends form the Not Broken Club, they set out to make their school more accessible for everyone, sparking small changes that lead to big conversations. At home, Luca's family works through their own challenges, with the warmth of laughter, "proactive pancakes," and Oreo-the young black standard poodle who becomes Luca's rock on the hardest days.

Told with humour, honesty, and a whole lot of heart, Brave on Purpose is a story about advocacy, resilience, and the power of showing up for yourself and others-on the loud days, the quiet days, and every day in between.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FLT92SXX
• ISBN13: 9798297086449
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"