Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation
By Carrie Kingsley,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Boy who stutters makes history in affirming true tale.
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What's the Story?
BRAYDEN SPEAKS UP: HOW ONE BOY INSPIRED THE NATION is the heartwarming true story of how 13-year-old Brayden Harrington's stutter inspired millions of people. After meeting Joe Biden on the presidential campaign trail and bonding over their mutual "bumpy speech," Biden invites Brayden to speak at his inauguration celebration. Brayden is nervous, but has lots of support from his family and friends, and has learned how to persevere when he stutters. He views the challenge of his stutter as a gift, as a way to help others and celebrate individuality.
Is It Any Good?
Brayden's courage to stand in front of millions of people and be vulnerable is inspiring, and his relentless positivity is a gift both young readers and their parents can treasure. That Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation is a true story makes it more relatable to those who feel intimidated to speak up in public settings for any number of reasons: maybe they stutter, maybe they're a language learner, maybe they're simply self-conscious. Brayden is relentlessly positive, and the way he views his stutter as a gift teaches readers that reframing a situation can make all the difference. The pages at the end, with a note from Brayden and a list of tools for those who stutter and the people around them, are beautifully full of compassion, optimism, and acceptance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they would do if they were in Brayden's position in Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation. Would you have chosen to speak up? Why or why not?
How can we help people who stutter, people who are trying to speak in a new language, or others who might be hesitant to speak in public?
What is one thing you're proud of? What are your gifts?
Book Details
- Author: Brayden Harrington
- Illustrator: Betty C. Tang
- Genre: For Beginning Readers
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
- Publication date: August 10, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 18, 2021
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