The New Ways We Talk:
A Story about a Parent's Aphasia for Young Children
By Brielle C. Stark, PhD
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When words get tangled, love finds a new voice. Meet Harriet, a lively girl whose world turns upside down when her mum has a stroke and develops aphasia, a language disorder that makes speaking and understanding words hard . Guided by a warm speech therapist and fueled by crayons, picture boards and endless imagination, Harriet and her family learn the new ways we talk-from pointing at pizza to finishing each other's words .
The New Ways We Talk is a heartfelt picture book that turns a complex medical reality into a hopeful celebration of family, resilience and alternative communication. Written by leading aphasia expert Dr Brielle C. Stark, it blends clinical accuracy with gentle storytelling, ensuring every page rings true for families, educators and therapists alike .
Why this book matters
One of very few mainstream children's stories about aphasia. More than 2 million Americans live with aphasia, yet kids' literature is almost silent on the topic.
Promotes inclusive communication. Kids see pictures, gestures and teamwork in action-perfect for classrooms exploring disability awareness, speech therapy and neurodiversity.
Empowers young caregivers. Harriet models empathy and practical strategies any child can try at home.
Back-of-book resources. A simple glossary and conversation tips give parents and professionals ready-to-use tools.
Perfect for
Families adjusting to stroke recovery or any language disorder
Speech-language pathologists and rehabilitation teams
Teachers building social-emotional learning or health education units
Libraries seeking fresh titles on diversity and inclusion
"Even when words are hard, love speaks loudest of all."
Share The New Ways We Talk with every child who needs to know that connection never depends on perfect speech-it just needs an open heart and a little creativity.
About the Author
Dr. Brielle C. Stark is a professor in Bloomington, Indiana. She has personal and academic interests in aphasia. She manages the NEURAL Research Lab at Indiana University, hoping to improve understanding of aphasia, especially how speaking and the brain change after stroke. She loves spending time with her two young children and husband. She is often found refereeing rowing races around the country, riding her horse, hiking with her dog, or baking.