You don't have to be loud: A quiet kid’s guide to being heard by Ben Brooks

Ben Brooks, well known author of the popular Stories For Boys Who Dare to Be Different, Stories For Boys Who Dare to be Different 2, and Stories For Kids Who Dare to be Different has written this latest book for those children who do not always feel comfortable speaking to others and who would rather be alone than with company. The author has used personal experiences and feelings from his own life to share with readers. He breaks down what ‘shy’ and ‘quiet’ mean and gives examples of people with similar traits who have quietly achieved amazing things.

You Don’t Have to be Loud is begins with an introductory chapter: You’re Not Alone and the quote, 'Quiet people have the loudest minds.' (Stephen Hawking). The author reveals that he was always a quiet child, and this led to him doing some strange things. He admits he is less shy now as an adult but is perfectly comfortable being the quiet person in the room. There are seven chapters in this book with the headings: What is Shyness?, Everyone’s Different, Practice Makes Perfect, Everyone Belongs Somewhere, Your Time Online, The Glory of Being Alone and You Don’t Have to Be Loud. Each chapter has extensive information and anecdotes to share but it is cleverly interspersed around humorous images, large bold fonts, bright orange borders and features, as well quotes and important sayings. In the final pages there are lists of resources, references, as well as a comprehensive index.

The wisdom and ideas shared by Brooks in this book are considerable and may prove to be a challenge for some readers but with adult guidance and support for those who require it, there is much to be shared and learnt.

Themes: Wellbeing, Personal Issues, Self-awareness, Self-esteem, Mental Health, Social Interactions.

Kathryn Beilby