A story about the struggles of a neurodivergent individual and their journey to self-acceptance
Sonal Sanghamitra 
The Book - I talk like a river
On a warm Sunday morning with a light breeze blowing, the Children’s Book For All Community in collaboration with The Inclusive Duniya hosted a reading of “I Talk Like A River” by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith.
The session began with participants reflecting on the concept of neurodiversity, sharing associations like “chaos” and “creativity” while discussing challenges faced in a neurotypical world. As the group started reading, everyone engaged thoughtfully with both the text and artwork.
One participant noted how the cover art reminded them of the song lyric “It comes and goes in waves,” possibly describing the uncertainty of neurodivergence. Another added, “The boy is probably trying to make sense of the waves as they’re gushing past through him, trying to make his way out while also trying to stay with it.”
The discussion expanded to include terms like overstimulation, overwhelm, and sensory overload. Interestingly, one participant observed “loneliness” in the illustrations—a juxtaposition of abundant stimuli alongside feelings of isolation. The group attempted to view the world through the protagonist’s eyes with empathy and sensitivity.
“Frustration” emerged as a common thread connecting everyone to the boy’s experience—his inability to speak despite having “an ocean of words” caught in his throat. Someone pointed out how the boy references elements of nature (pine tree, crow, moon), highlighting his connection to the natural world. Regarding the artwork, a participant remarked, “The style is so blurry and it gives scope for so much grief, but also so much hope.” As the story progresses to show the child struggling with his stutter, his father introduces the river as a metaphor for the boy’s speech. The group discussed this symbolism and the theme of self-acceptance, with one participant noting how life had come “full circle” for the child. Another reflected, “It is beautiful how his speech is compared to a water body—how water is a source of growth and rejuvenation and takes many different forms like steam, hail, snow, rain.” The session concluded with a sense of warmth and tenderness, characterized by trust, openness, and thoughtful reflection among all participants.
A community of neuroinclusive humans reading on a Sunday morning
This reading was facilitated by Inclusive Duniya