I Talk Like a River
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020 · Est. 5 min read-aloud

I Talk Like a River

By Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

A boy finds his voice with his father's help by the river.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,267 ratings
40 pages· 545 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

A young boy struggles with stuttering, feeling isolated and unable to express himself. His father takes him on a transformative walk by the river, helping him discover his voice. Will this change in perspective allow him to connect with the world around him? This heartfelt journey explores the power of compassion and understanding, offering hope to any child who feels lost or out of place.

From the publisher

What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to? Sometimes it takes a change of perspective to get the words flowing. I wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around me. And I can’t say them all . . . When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he’d like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Compassionate parents everywhere will instantly recognize a father’s ability to reconnect a child with the world around him. Poet Jordan Scott writes movingly in this powerful and ultimately uplifting book, based on his own experience, and masterfully illustrated by Greenaway Medalist Sydney Smith. A book for any child who feels lost, lonely, or unable to fit in. A Junior Library Guild Selection

Awards

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2021)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2022)Odyssey Honor (2022)Schneider Family Book Award (2021)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
40
Words
545
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
480L
Themes & topics
Books about disabilitiesBooks about schoolBooks about familyBooks about parentsBooks about self-esteem
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Jordan Scott

Explore Jordan's bookshelf
My Baba's Garden
Sale price
$1899

My Baba's Garden

Ages 4–8 · 2023
My Sister the Apple Tree
Sale price
$1899

My Sister the Apple Tree

Ages 4–8 · 2025

Angela's Glacier

Ages 4–7 · 2024
The illustrator

More from Sydney Smith

Explore Sydney's bookshelf

Do You Remember?

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Island Storm

Ages 4–8 · 2025
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1995

Town Is by the Sea

Ages 5–9 · 2017

Inkling

Ages 9–12 · 2018
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Knock Knock

Ages 5–6 · 2013

I Am Perfectly Designed

Ages 4–8 · 2019

I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything!

Ages 3–7

The Better Tree Fort

Ages 4–7 · 2018
Series
Sale price
$1899

Princesses Wear Pants

Ages 3–7 · 2017

Just In Case You Want to Fly

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Big Problems, Little Problems

Ages 4–8 · 2022

The Littlest Yak

Ages 4–8 · 2020
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.1
F&P level
~M
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
510614
Publication
Published
September 1, 2020
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780823445592

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: The Goodfather

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo