Book cover for Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation by Brayden Harrington

Brayden Speaks Up

How One Boy Inspired the Nation

2021 Released
32 Pages
0-1 Hours
Audiobook Unavailable
Paperback Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
HarperCollinsISBN 9780063098305

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. 


This empowering story shows every child how their unique voice can make a difference:


  • An Inspirational True Story: Based on the real-life journey of Brayden Harrington, who met Joe Biden and shared his experience with stuttering on a national stage.
  • Finding Your Voice: Follow Brayden as he moves from feeling misunderstood to speaking confidently in front of millions, learning that his “bumpy speech” is a strength.
  • Social Emotional Learning: A gentle and moving resource for teaching children about empathy, resilience, and the courage it takes to be yourself.
  • A Message of Hope: Perfect for any child who has ever felt different, this book shows that you are not alone and that every single voice deserves to be heard.

Brayden Harrington

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.

More by Brayden Harrington

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