Brayden Speaks Up: How One Boy Inspired the Nation

· Sold by HarperCollins
4 reviews
Ebook
32
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

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, 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 ...

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Ratings and reviews

4 reviews
Ronwell Nagales
April 11, 2026
5 stars. I read this book 5 years ago and even had Brayden sign it. I do not share his politics since I supported Ron Paul and later Ventura and McKinney as a third party voter, but Brayden is a good kid and I still support him. Perfect example? He even wished me a Happy Birthday 4-5 years ago and thanked me for my support to him because even he knows I do NOT support his role model due to his Iraq War foreign policy. You do not have to agree on politics to be fair.
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Evan Anderson
August 20, 2021
Politics should never be in a children's book. Propaganda should never be in a children's book. Also the drawing style is not very good.
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William Stager
August 13, 2022
This is pure evil!!!
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About the author

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.

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 favori...

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