Young Author's Book About Stuttering a Big Success

Young Author's Book a Big Success

By Julie Gasway, M.A., CCC-SLP

Trouble at Recess has been a huge success at home! Jamie was excited to see her “finished product,” as were her parents. She read it proudly and was surprised to see how her drawings have changed over time.

When I asked her what she thought about the book she said, “I like it!” She also said the best thing about making the book was “drawing the pictures.”

Jamie and her parents scheduled a book signing for a recent afternoon at the local library. They sent out invitations and gave each person who attended an autographed copy of Trouble at Recess.

They also took donations so that every elementary school library in our city will have a copy of her book. Jamie’s parents have been active in learning about stuttering, and they went to the Stuttering Foundation Web site and did their own research.

They made a “Fact Sheet about Stuttering” and passed this out to all who attended the book signing. Many parents were surprised to learn: the incidence of stuttering is 1-3% of the population, many famous people stutter, and how to make a difference when talking with someone who stutters.

Jamie’s friends and their parents, family members, classmates, neighbors, school teachers and guidance counselor attended the book signing. She read Trouble at Recess in front of her guests while she was surrounded by friends.

Many of the kids commented that they wanted to write a book too, and in her usual positive manner she encouraged them to do so. Jamie seemed unaware of how rare her accomplishment was. Since the book signing, Jamie has received many cards telling her that her book has been helping other people who stutter.

Several parents and teachers who attended the book signing reported that teasing is a universal topic and Jamie’s book would be encouraging for all children. The book signing was a chance to celebrate Jamie’s accomplishment, teach others about stuttering and teasing and to further develop Jamie’s self-confidence.

As a speech therapist this experience has been especially rewarding and exciting for me. I learned more about stuttering, stuttering therapy and how to access feelings and thoughts through art and writing.