Brayden Harrington, 13, who spoke on the Democratic Nationwide Conference, will write an image e-book, “Brayden Speaks Up,” HarperCollins introduced.
They bonded almost a 12 months in the past after Joseph R. Biden Jr. bent right down to greet Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old boy who stutters, at a marketing campaign cease in New Hampshire.
“Don’t let it outline you,” Mr. Biden mentioned, squeezing Brayden’s shoulder and looking out him within the eye. “You’re sensible as hell.”
Months later, Brayden spoke on the Democratic Nationwide Conference, a outstanding show of bravery and vulnerability that has been seen tons of of 1000’s of instances on-line.
Now, Brayden plans to inform his story in an image e-book, “Brayden Speaks Up,” which can be revealed on Aug. 10 by HarperCollins Kids’s Books, the publishing firm introduced.
The e-book can be illustrated by Betty C. Tang. Harper Collins mentioned that it was a two-book deal and that Brayden’s agent was David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates. Subsequent 12 months, Brayden plans to jot down a novel for kids ages eight to 12, HarperCollins mentioned.
The announcement got here as Brayden took half within the inaugural celebration for Mr. Biden on Wednesday evening, studying aloud a well-known passage from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural tackle: “Ask not what your nation can do for you — ask what you are able to do on your nation.”
“After I discovered I had the chance to talk on the Democratic Nationwide Conference, I used to be so nervous!” Brayden mentioned in a press release. “What obtained me by way of and helped inspire me was realizing I might be a voice for different kids who stutter in addition to anybody else who has confronted challenges. I solely hope my story supplies slightly additional help and motivation for people who want it.”
Jane Fraser, the president of the Stuttering Basis, mentioned that she was thrilled that Brayden deliberate to jot down a e-book. She mentioned it confirmed how vital it has been for him and for others who stutter to have a job mannequin within the White Home.
“Being open is the No. 1 rule, isn’t it?” Ms. Fraser mentioned. “It’s the neatest factor you are able to do. Whether or not you’re a child who stutters, or an grownup or a politician operating for workplace — being open about it takes all of the stress off.”
Mr. Biden has spoken brazenly in regards to the “horrible concern and frustration” he has skilled because of his stutter. He has mentioned that it has embarrassed him and made him query himself and his talents. And he has mentioned that he tells younger individuals who stutter that, in the event that they persevere, they’ll overcome the problem and uncover new expertise and strengths.
“I promise you,” Mr. Biden wrote in a letter to the Stuttering Basis in 2015, when he was vp, “you don’t have anything to be ashamed of, and you’ve got each cause to be proud.”
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