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. 

Brayden Harrington is just a normal kid who enjoys spending time with his friends and family and playing baseball, basketball, and video games. He lives in Boscawen, New Hampshire, and enjoys following his favorite basketball team—the Boston Celtics—as well as learning all he can about his favorite player of all time, Jayson Tatum. When he was thirteen years old, Brayden found himself in the national spotlight after he was introduced to Joe Biden, then a candidate for President. The two bonded over their shared struggles with stuttering, and Brayden was invited to speak at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Brayden’s speech electrified the nation, going viral. During this experience, Brayden learned that his biggest challenge was actually his greatest gift, as he was able to show others the importance of persevering.

Betty C. Tang is a New York Times bestseller illustrator. Her work includes the Jacky Ha-Ha graphic novel series. She earned her BFA from CalArts and after a successful animation career, she is now passionate about creating books for children. Born in Taiwan, she currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Visit her at www.bettyctang.com.

A sunny, affirmative testimonial to the power of positive thinking. — Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will cheer for Brayden as he writes, practices, and successfully gives his speech to millions of listeners. Readers who stutter will find an important message: they are not alone, and they are not defined by their speech. The tips for parents and educators are excellent, and a note from Brayden to readers who stutter encourages them to remember that they are amazing just the way they are. Tang's delightful illustrations show a diverse community of friends and supporters. Purchase and promote to all readers. Especially useful for classroom instruction when discussing diversity, disability, and social-emotional topics, and excellent for school speech pathologists and counselors to use with students." — School Library Journal

A solid purchase for children with bumpy speech and for patrons completing homework on our current president. — Booklist