Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation
on Goodreads (103)
What’s inside...
Brayden Harrington, a thirteen-year-old boy who stutters, gives an incredible speech that electrifies the nation in this timely and extraordinary nonfiction picture book that celebrates the importance of speaking up and using your voice—for everyone deserves to be heard. When Brayden talks, his words get caught in his mouth. He has bumpy speech—and that’s okay! Sometimes, though, he doesn’t feel anyone really understands what it feels like to be a person who stutters. Then Brayden meets Joe Biden, who knows exactly how he feels and inspires him to be more confident. But when Mr. Biden asks Brayden to give a big speech in front of the whole nation, will Brayden be brave enough to speak up and speak out? Brayden Speaks Up is the incredible true story of one extraordinary boy’s perseverance and the importance of celebrating yourself just as you are. For after all, your biggest challenge just might be your greatest gift.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Brayden brave enough to speak up?
How did Brayden’s actions inspire others, and why is that important?
What would you do if you were in Brayden's situation?
How can we help others who might be feeling scared or unsure about something?
What are some ways we can support our friends in making their voices heard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own personal story related to overcoming a fear, to create a trusting atmosphere.
Praise your child’s thoughts and contributions to make them feel valued during the conversation.
Use follow-up questions like 'Why do you think that?' to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Relate the discussion back to your child’s life, asking if they’ve ever felt similar to Brayden and how they handled it.
Finish by setting a small, achievable goal with your child on how they can inspire or help someone else.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in overcoming personal challenges
Explanation: Brayden Harrington shares his own struggles with stuttering and how he bravely addressed the nation, showcasing his vulnerability and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their own challenges, whether big or small, and understand that facing them courageously can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Impact of supportive relationships
Explanation: The story highlights the encouragement Brayden receives from Joe Biden and others, which plays a crucial role in his journey to speak publicly.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of seeking and offering support in friendships and relationships, fostering a mutual growth environment.
Example Lesson: The power of visibility and representation
Explanation: By sharing his story on a national platform, Brayden gives visibility to individuals who stutter, promoting understanding and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of representation and encourages them to be more accepting and inclusive of others' differences in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing public scrutiny
Explanation: Despite the daunting task of speaking at a major political event, Brayden displays resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of resilience when facing public or personal scrutiny and understand that perseverance is key to overcoming fears.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through Brayden's narrative, readers gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals with speech impediments.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others who face similar or different challenges, fostering a more inclusive attitude.