Speak Up, Tommy!

Reach for this book when your child seems to lose their voice in social or school settings, despite being full of life and personality at home. Speak Up, Tommy! addresses the quiet anxiety that many children feel when faced with the pressure to perform or participate in class. It follows a young boy who struggles with shyness but finds his confidence through a unique connection with a dog at a community event. This story is a gentle tool for validating a child's internal struggle with social anxiety without making them feel broken. By focusing on the bond between Tommy and an animal, it models how finding a safe space or a specialized skill can bridge the gap toward self-assurance. It is an ideal choice for parents of elementary-aged children who need to see that bravery often starts in small, quiet moments before it grows into a public voice.