The Speak-Up Courage Code: A Friendship Adventure About Saying No, Asking for What You Need and Standing Up Respectfully

by Darpan Murly

112 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2026

About the author

Darpan Murly is an author who writes across children’s literature, personal growth, spirituality, Indian culture, history and practical life skills. Across seventeen book series, his work is connected by one central idea: books should not only be enjoyable to read, but should leave the reader with something meaningful to carry into life.
For young readers, Darpan creates warm, story-driven adventures that turn important life lessons into memorable experiences. His children’s series explore communication, emotional intelligence, money skills, healthy habits, personal safety, environmental awareness, study skills, creativity, innovation, Indian heritage and timeless wisdom. Series such as The Confident Communicators Club, Smart Study Squad, Brave Minds Club, Young Inventors of India, Money Smart India Kids, Eco Detectives of India, Safe India Kids Club, Healthy Habits India Kids, Bharat Quest Club, Future Ready Kids and Indian Wisdom for Young Readers are designed to help children become more confident, curious, thoughtful, responsible and independent.
His books for adults explore another side of the same journey: how to live with greater clarity, discipline, calm, purpose and self-awareness. Through The Clear Action Series, The Inner Clarity Series, The Quiet Life Skills Series and his Spiritual Series, he writes about simplifying the inner world, acting with intention and finding strength without unnecessary noise.
His Kashmir Series reflects his interest in history, civilisation, culture, philosophy, memory, art and the forces that shape places and people across generations. His catalogue also includes the Ultimate Fun Activity Books for Adults, bringing a lighter and recreational dimension to his work.
Darpan Murly believes that the most valuable books meet readers where they are and gently take them somewhere better-toward greater knowledge, confidence, imagination, clarity or understanding.
Whether he is writing for a child learning to find their voice or an adult seeking a quieter and more purposeful life, his aim remains simple:
to create books that readers enjoy, finish, remember and return to.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Speak-Up Courage Code centres on Neel, whose instinct to be helpful often makes him say yes before deciding whether he actually agrees or has the capacity to follow through. A Student Voice Day brings that habit into focus as requests, pressure and competing expectations make him the person everyone assumes will simply go along.
The story’s value lies in its definition of assertiveness. Speaking up is not presented as winning, arguing, or becoming louder. Instead, the children learn to state needs clearly, say no without unnecessary cruelty, ask for help, disagree without attacking and hold a boundary even when another person would prefer a different answer. The repeated emphasis on respect keeps the message balanced.
This is a particularly useful book for children who are eager to please, uncomfortable with disagreement or unsure how to respond when peers push them into something they do not want. It gives them language for self-advocacy while preserving kindness and empathy. The central message is simple and important: your voice matters, and using it well is a skill.