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When Oliver Speaks
A heartfelt story about a young boy who struggles to overcome his stutter while finding the courage to accept it, When Oliver Speaks, is the story of an underdog who learns to rise. The story comes from a place of personal experience in that co-author Saadiq is a person who stutters and has done so for as long as he could speak.
42 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2017
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 11, 2024
This is a book that has its heart in the right place. Oliver is a seven year old who is great in many activities but hates to speak. The reason? He has a stutter. After escaping his school speaking assignment on “All About Me” for a long time, he approaches his mother for help. She makes him realise that his stutter is a part of who he is and he needs to accept it willingly. This marks a turnaround in his thinking.
The moral of the story is fabulous. You actually feel for Oliver when he stutters, “I don’t want them to know all about me.” So many children lose their confidence because of their so-called shortcomings. But if they accept it, laugh at it, and don’t shy away from it, life can certainly be a bit easier for them. That’s where this book does really well. The message comes out very clearly. I do wish the end weren’t so abrupt. It would have been nice to see Oliver’s classmates accepting him for who he is, further increasing his self-confidence. Instead, the book ends with his making the ‘All About Me” presentation in front of his class, saying that he is a person who stutters.
In terms of content, the story goes very smoothly and will be fairly easy for its target readers except for a couple of issues. The definition of stuttering as given in the book is like a dictionary definition of the problem. Instead of using words such as ‘disruption’ and ‘disfluencies’, the book should have stuck to a simplified explanation that would resonate better with its young readers. Also, there’s a word usage error. (I hate such errors in children’s books even more than usual because kids learn the language from books.) A sentence reads, “Does you’re not wanting to give your presentation have anything to do with your stutter?” It should be “your”, not “you’re”.
The illustrations were cute but they were also uninspired. Quite a lot of the illustrations of Oliver’s face are reused on multiple pages. One page says Oliver liked to use his imagination. But the drawings on that page only showed Oliver’s face in a variety of expressions. It becomes boring to see the same sketches again and again, especially as children relish the illustrations as much as they enjoy reading the story. But yes, plus points for making Oliver a person of colour.
The book is certainly worth reading for its moral and for the idea of self-acceptance.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
The moral of the story is fabulous. You actually feel for Oliver when he stutters, “I don’t want them to know all about me.” So many children lose their confidence because of their so-called shortcomings. But if they accept it, laugh at it, and don’t shy away from it, life can certainly be a bit easier for them. That’s where this book does really well. The message comes out very clearly. I do wish the end weren’t so abrupt. It would have been nice to see Oliver’s classmates accepting him for who he is, further increasing his self-confidence. Instead, the book ends with his making the ‘All About Me” presentation in front of his class, saying that he is a person who stutters.
In terms of content, the story goes very smoothly and will be fairly easy for its target readers except for a couple of issues. The definition of stuttering as given in the book is like a dictionary definition of the problem. Instead of using words such as ‘disruption’ and ‘disfluencies’, the book should have stuck to a simplified explanation that would resonate better with its young readers. Also, there’s a word usage error. (I hate such errors in children’s books even more than usual because kids learn the language from books.) A sentence reads, “Does you’re not wanting to give your presentation have anything to do with your stutter?” It should be “your”, not “you’re”.
The illustrations were cute but they were also uninspired. Quite a lot of the illustrations of Oliver’s face are reused on multiple pages. One page says Oliver liked to use his imagination. But the drawings on that page only showed Oliver’s face in a variety of expressions. It becomes boring to see the same sketches again and again, especially as children relish the illustrations as much as they enjoy reading the story. But yes, plus points for making Oliver a person of colour.
The book is certainly worth reading for its moral and for the idea of self-acceptance.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
September 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
Ah, I’m quite conflicted about this book. The message is fab and shows that there’s nothing wrong with stuttering. It’s just a part of the person/ child.
Oliver is one such seven-year-old with a pretty regular lifestyle- school, home, games, imagination, etc. But he stutters and thus doesn’t speak, avoiding it as much as possible.
When his teacher announces an ‘all about me’ project, Oliver confessions his fears to his mom. She helps him understand and guides him in creating the presentation. The book ends with Oliver overcoming his fears and speaking in front of his classmates.
We never know how they react. That’s very important when you teach a kid to go on and talk about things that make them feel bad or different. Maybe another page or two showing that his friends responded kindly would have helped.
Now, coming to the illustrations… They sure are good, but seemed a little too much. No issues with detailing. However, Oliver and his multiple faces (that too in pretty big size) take away the focus from the topic. At a couple of places, I felt as if the expression and the emotion didn’t exactly match.
That said, the book deals with an important topic, so rounding it off to three stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#WhenOliverSpeaks #NetGalley
Ah, I’m quite conflicted about this book. The message is fab and shows that there’s nothing wrong with stuttering. It’s just a part of the person/ child.
Oliver is one such seven-year-old with a pretty regular lifestyle- school, home, games, imagination, etc. But he stutters and thus doesn’t speak, avoiding it as much as possible.
When his teacher announces an ‘all about me’ project, Oliver confessions his fears to his mom. She helps him understand and guides him in creating the presentation. The book ends with Oliver overcoming his fears and speaking in front of his classmates.
We never know how they react. That’s very important when you teach a kid to go on and talk about things that make them feel bad or different. Maybe another page or two showing that his friends responded kindly would have helped.
Now, coming to the illustrations… They sure are good, but seemed a little too much. No issues with detailing. However, Oliver and his multiple faces (that too in pretty big size) take away the focus from the topic. At a couple of places, I felt as if the expression and the emotion didn’t exactly match.
That said, the book deals with an important topic, so rounding it off to three stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#WhenOliverSpeaks #NetGalley
September 24, 2021
This book is very sweet with an important message for children who stutter and those around them. I remember all too well my school years where children were ruthlessly bullied and mocked for being different. I have never had a stutter, but I can only imagine how much worse my being bullied would have been had I had one. Children can be downright cruel.
I loved the color palette for this book, gentle colors, important message that wasn't told in a preachy way and a sweet ending that made me tear up a tad.
Definitely a book I recommend for children of the age for picture books who have a stutter or who have someone in their social circle who does.
4, shining sweet, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I loved the color palette for this book, gentle colors, important message that wasn't told in a preachy way and a sweet ending that made me tear up a tad.
Definitely a book I recommend for children of the age for picture books who have a stutter or who have someone in their social circle who does.
4, shining sweet, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
Good book, about a young boy who have trouble speaking, he is shuttering and is afraid of doing a presentation in class. So the book show us the process of how to accept himself and be confident even with his shuttering. I find it well done and could be useful in class to help kids having the same problem but also the others kids so they can understand what he is going through. Simple, but well done!
October 2, 2021
This book, in addition to some very cute illustrations, addresses an important topic, the stutter. Oliver is a stuttering boy, and on the day he has to present a work to the class, he is scared until his mother makes him see that the stutterer is part of him.
It was a pleasant surprise!
It was a pleasant surprise!
September 7, 2021
I can't imagine how much a book like this would mean to a student working through speech issues. It's very honest and matter-of-fact about both speaking difficulties and the anxiety that can accompany them. The story did resolve quickly and easily, but as long as an adult reading partner explains that it's OK if a student sometimes still feels scared, insecure, or frustrated even if they're making progress, this would be a fine resource.
My favorite part was that Oliver is presented as just another kid who likes sports and sometimes fights with his siblings and just happens to have a stutter. It's simply one of the many things about him. I think that's a message that will go a long way to creating empathy and helping kids realize that lots of us have things about us that are different and it's really no big deal.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
My favorite part was that Oliver is presented as just another kid who likes sports and sometimes fights with his siblings and just happens to have a stutter. It's simply one of the many things about him. I think that's a message that will go a long way to creating empathy and helping kids realize that lots of us have things about us that are different and it's really no big deal.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
September 20, 2021
This true story has an inspiring and positive message. It assures you that you can do anything you put your mind to. It doesn't matter if you are different from others ... ... ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU!
Oliver is a little boy that excels in most things he indulges in. The one thing that challenges him most is that he doesn't enjoy speaking because he stutters. "Stuttering is a disruption in the product of speech sounds; also called "disfluencies".
His class is expected to present an "All About Me" project and Oliver is full of worry and anxiety to present because of his speaking disability. He has so far gotten out of it by going to the bathroom just as his teacher Mrs. Bakersfield is about to call his name and another time when he feigns stomach pains and escapes to visit the school nurse.
His teacher notifies Oliver's mother asking if he is alright as he is spending a lot of time in the bathroom and in the nurse's office. Olive shares his feelings of anxiety and doubt to his mother and together they work out a plan that not only enables Oliver to proudly stand up and do his presentation but also accept that his disability is part of who he is. Oliver learns to bravely accept himself without shame or embarrassment. This heartwarming book with its wonderful illustrations would be a lovely classroom addition and also earns a spot on a school library shelf. I highly recommend this book.
Oliver is a little boy that excels in most things he indulges in. The one thing that challenges him most is that he doesn't enjoy speaking because he stutters. "Stuttering is a disruption in the product of speech sounds; also called "disfluencies".
His class is expected to present an "All About Me" project and Oliver is full of worry and anxiety to present because of his speaking disability. He has so far gotten out of it by going to the bathroom just as his teacher Mrs. Bakersfield is about to call his name and another time when he feigns stomach pains and escapes to visit the school nurse.
His teacher notifies Oliver's mother asking if he is alright as he is spending a lot of time in the bathroom and in the nurse's office. Olive shares his feelings of anxiety and doubt to his mother and together they work out a plan that not only enables Oliver to proudly stand up and do his presentation but also accept that his disability is part of who he is. Oliver learns to bravely accept himself without shame or embarrassment. This heartwarming book with its wonderful illustrations would be a lovely classroom addition and also earns a spot on a school library shelf. I highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2021
Meet Oliver, he's seven years old and is like most seven year olds. He likes to read and play sports. He has siblings and they don't always get along. But Oliver stutters and is very self conscience about it. He is suppose to stand up in front of his class and give an All About Me report. He has managed to put it off but his teacher told him he couldn't put it off any longer. He goes home and he isn't happy. His mother knows about the report and asks him about it. He doesn't want to talk in front of his classmates because he stutters. Mom gives him a pep talk and helps him practice his report so he will be prepared. The next day when his teacher called on him he didn't try to skip out on the report because he was prepared.
September 8, 2021
What looks to be based on real life, this brief episode in the life of a stammerer has him bricking it about the school "All About Me" presentation he's been industriously avoiding. Luckily, his mother instils a bit of PMA the night before, and he can just about accept the condition as a relevant part of himself that is not to be disliked. Seemingly a mother-and-son creative team have provided a decent book, that is definitely about the issue as opposed to creating entertainment, but in its amenable design, large and simple text (and non-Caucasian casting) is an issue book many will welcome.
February 5, 2022
I really loved the idea of this - and I love the inclusivity! However, I felt one part of the book - where seeing hearing and tasting made him who he was - missed the mark. As a book about inclusion and diversity, it felt… flat when it missed an opportunity to be inclusive to deaf and blind children as well. I don’t believe it was intentional! But I don’t think that part was needed for the story honestly and it would feel better without it.
BUT I am always happy to see more diverse children’s titles!
BUT I am always happy to see more diverse children’s titles!
March 1, 2024
All about embracing the parts of you that you don’t care for. Teaches students what a stutter is and a little boy who stutters. Talks about him getting over his fear to present his all about me in class.
I would use this to show my students how there are some people who talk a little differently than they might. It is a way to help them learn about the ways people speak, so if they run into someone who has a stutter or even uses sign language, that they accept it and do not judge them for it. It also teaches students to be proud of those insecurities, big or small, that they might have.
I would use this to show my students how there are some people who talk a little differently than they might. It is a way to help them learn about the ways people speak, so if they run into someone who has a stutter or even uses sign language, that they accept it and do not judge them for it. It also teaches students to be proud of those insecurities, big or small, that they might have.
September 10, 2021
This is a great picture book to discuss different abilities and inclusivity and self-acceptance. I enjoyed the illustrations which were very expressive and colorful - with a pastel color palette that spoke to me. Children with stutters can learn to accept their differences, Children without stutters can learn to see from a different perspective and Parents can learn how important it is to listen to their child and help them feel prepared and encourage their self-love.
September 13, 2021
This book is so CUTEEEEEE. A great self-worth discovery and acceptance for young readers. I love the expressions and beautiful illustrations which surely will attract young readers to read this book 💖
Although I don't stutter, I totally can relate with the self-consciousness to speak in front of people. This book really gives a great impression to me. I'm glad that I read this book. Totally a great book for everyone, especially children.
Although I don't stutter, I totally can relate with the self-consciousness to speak in front of people. This book really gives a great impression to me. I'm glad that I read this book. Totally a great book for everyone, especially children.
September 9, 2021
A touching story of a kid who stutters, the day before he must present about himself in front of the class. The artwork is exceptional, to the point of outshining the text; the message is so important and the story itself is great, but I found it stopped just shy of giving an actually satisfying ending. So close! But half a step from doing it.
September 10, 2021
What a cute book! I think this is an awesome book for any kid that stutters to beheld with their confidence. And also any other kid to learn that stuttering isn’t a big deal and no reason to make fun of someone or be mean to them because they’re different.
The illustrations in this book are fabulous. I love the many faces Oliver has throughout the book, it made me smile!
The illustrations in this book are fabulous. I love the many faces Oliver has throughout the book, it made me smile!
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September 26, 2021Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A lovely story for children to learn to love who they are and that they can do anything if they are brave enough. Oliver isn't perfect, but that doesn't make him a bad boy; he's cute and energetic and brave!
A lovely story for children to learn to love who they are and that they can do anything if they are brave enough. Oliver isn't perfect, but that doesn't make him a bad boy; he's cute and energetic and brave!
Read
March 21, 2022I like this book because students can probably relate to Oliver as maybe they themselves have a stutter or a disability or just get stage fright or scared of being in front of lots of people. The lesson is great and is so good that young kids can hear that early on and feel better about themselves and their disabilities.
September 30, 2021
A great story about a young boy who is scared to give an "All About Me" presentation to his class because of his stutter, but in the end embraces his stutter as a part of who he is. The illustrations are lovely and pair so well with the touching story.
October 7, 2021
The fabulous artwork, the representation, and the message should bring 'When Oliver Speaks' to the hands of many children. I do wish the prose was more 'show' instead of all 'tell' but kids and adults will equally love this little picture book.
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April 11, 2024This book deals with a boy who struggles with a stutter. Speech impairments are one of the most common disabilities, so it would be great to have one that highlights that. Similar to the books about autism, this can open up a great discussion with the class after a read aloud. Good for grades K-4.
September 11, 2021
مُباشرة شوية، بس جميلة.
March 14, 2023
This book is about a boy named Oliver who is dealing with anxiety surround a presentation that he doesn't want to give because of his stutter. He hides in the bathroom and the nurses office to avoid the presentation. At home, his mother helps him practice and find confidence so he can feel good during his presentation at school. This book would be great in the classroom to help other students with anxiety surrounding presentations or students with anxiety because of stutters find their own confidence. This book is also great at helping students find empathy for students that may have a stutter and understanding the anxiety they deal with. I would use this in my classroom to help grow students toward fellow students struggling with these anxious feelings.
August 26, 2022
Rating: 4/5
Very cute book. Seems like a small thing but I don’t recall ever seeing a POC illustrated in any of my childhood books so that is really nice to see. Love that it brings attention to children with invisible disabilities. Only thing I didn’t like was page 8, as I think the full definition of a stutter used there is unnecessary for children in this age group and doesn’t fit with the tone of the rest of the book. Other than that, very cute and well written, reminding children that they are made up of so much more that just one thing that they don’t like about themselves.
Very cute book. Seems like a small thing but I don’t recall ever seeing a POC illustrated in any of my childhood books so that is really nice to see. Love that it brings attention to children with invisible disabilities. Only thing I didn’t like was page 8, as I think the full definition of a stutter used there is unnecessary for children in this age group and doesn’t fit with the tone of the rest of the book. Other than that, very cute and well written, reminding children that they are made up of so much more that just one thing that they don’t like about themselves.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews