Sydney's Big Speech

Some books remind us that courage does not have to be loud.

“Sydney’s Big Speech” by Malcolm Newsome and ade Orlando tells the story of Sydney, a girl who feels nervous when her class is asked to give a speech. With her father’s encouragement and the inspiration of remarkable women who used their voices to change the world, Sydney slowly discovers the courage to find her own words.

What I loved most is that the story does not treat shyness as a problem. Instead, it reminds us that quiet children carry powerful voices inside them. As someone who wrote “Zakee and the Quiet Magic of Being You” that message deeply resonates with me.

The father daughter relationship in this story is also incredibly tender. It reminded me of my own moments with my daughters, those quiet conversations where encouragement means everything.

This would be a wonderful book for classrooms preparing for speeches or presentations, and a meaningful read around International Women’s Day as we talk about women who used their voices to lead change.

A beautiful story about courage, voice, and believing in yourself.