Helpful Fluency Books: Empowering Individuals who Stutter

Stuttering can present challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth and self-acceptance. Whether you're a child learning to embrace your voice or an adult navigating life's complexities with a stutter, these books offer valuable insights and encouragement. Here are some excellent books that address stuttering with compassion, creativity, and understanding.

1. When Oliver Speaks by Kimberly Saadiq and Garvin Wicks: (Ages 5-8) This book follows a boy named Oliver, who is asked to present an “All About Me” project to his class, a task that feels overwhelming because he stutters and hasn’t yet come to terms with it. As the story unfolds, Oliver begins to embrace his speech and discovers the confidence to speak up and share his story, just as he is.

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2. I talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Syndey Smith: (ages 4-8) This book follows a young boy who struggles with the emotional and physical challenges of stuttering, feeling isolated and frustrated, especially after a difficult day at school. Seeking comfort, his father takes him to the river, where the boy finds peace and connection. Using the river as a powerful metaphor, sometimes turbulent, sometimes calm, his father helps him understand and accept his speech. Through this moment of reflection, the boy gains confidence and embraces the way he speaks. 

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4. A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Robinowitz: (ages 4-7) This book is about a boy who struggled with severe stuttering. Initially he feels isolated but then finds comfort in communicating with animals. He makes a childhood promise to be a voice for them if he ever finds his own. Eventually, Alan becomes a zoologist and leads efforts to create the world’s first jaguar preserve in Belize. 

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5. Sometimes I Just Stutter by Eelco De Geus: (ages 7-12) This book explains what causes stuttering, why it happens sometimes and not others, and why some people may not understand it. It also helps others learn what they should know about stuttering, including the fact that many other kids stutter too. Additionally, it offers guidance on what to do if you're teased because of your stutter. The book includes personal letters from other children who stutter.

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6. The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale: (ages 8-12) Set in 19th-century British Guiana, this story follows Marlin, a boy who stutters and struggles to communicate, except with animals. When his father captures a rare black jaguar to impress a visiting duke, Marlin is gifted the ability to speak with animals. As he grapples with his new power, Marlin faces tough decisions about the zoo, his voice, and what truly matters. 

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8. Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World by Daniel Rossi: (adult) Daniele Rossi, a lifelong stutterer, shares his personal experiences and strategies for overcoming the challenges of stuttering in his book. He explores situations like presentations, dating, job interviews, and everyday interactions where stuttering can present obstacles. The book encourages readers to embrace their stuttering and become confident communicators. It includes illustrations, interviews with others who stutter, and information on stuttering research and therapy. Rossi also hosts the "Stuttering is Cool" podcast, discussing similar topics.

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