For those of us who are shy, oracy will never be easy and it begs a discussion around shyness versus introverted and how as adults we can help support inclusive discussions and help people find their voice. Shyness is more of an undesirable, umcomfortable feeling of self-consciousness around others. This fear of being judged can lead to physical sensations such a blushing. shaking and speechlessness. Shy people can often be overlooked as adults are worried about causing unnecessary stress but it is important that these children are supported - in order that they find their voice and are properly represented.

Shy Heroes in Children's Literature

There are lots of shy heroes in literature and it's important we shine a light on these to help inspire others. The Boy at the Back of the Class is about the arrival of Ahmet, a new boy in class who intrigues his classmate, as he doesn’t speak, or smile, and disappears at break times. In Katya Balen's October, October her protagonist October is a bird with clipped wings. Torn from her wild world, she implodes, becomes a firework of fury, until she strikes up a bond with a boy named Yusef. For shy sidekicks we have Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter who was overlooked and drastically underestimated. Until he showed his true grit. And we mustn't forget Maud Spellbody in Jill Murphy's The Worst Witch.

The increase of shyness in young children

Did you know that over the last 15 years, the incidence of shyness in children has risen from 40% to 48%? So with shyness already on the rise, as well as an over-reliance on technology and an impact on social integration due to Covid, there have been fewer opportunities for young people to develop their social skills.

Nadia Finer, the UK's leading shyness expert and coach

Shy And Mighty by Nadia Finer offers an insightful way of looking at the subject that will comfort and reassure shy children and can help them to overcome the aspects of their shyness that are holding them back, without pretending to be something they're not. This book will help children understand shyness and find their inner voice and help them understand how shyness can be their superpower. Full of simple tools and ideas to help children agded 7-9 take small steps to get more involved, share their ideas, and make friends, whilst also exploring the science behind shyness, the potential costs of shyness, and more in a completely accessible and easy-to-understand format for young readers. Shy and Mighty can help kids go from invisible, to invincible!

Nadia Finer is on a softly spoken mission to help shy people be mightier. She is the UK’s leading shyness expert and coach, host of the Shy and Mighty podcast and the author of two books about shyness. She is a regular speaker in schools around the country and also runs a school-based program to help shy kids feel more comfortable to be themselves.  

When you're shy, it's tempting to hide away in the background of your life. But, when we keep ourselves small, we miss out. And so does everyone else - quiet people have so much to offer the world! In Nadia's brand new book Quiet Riot  you will find 40 stories of shy and mighty magnificence to show you that softly spoken people are trailblazers too.

Quiet Riot shares the triumphs and successes of shy people from all over the world and all kinds of backgrounds, including athletes, writers, explorers, inventors, artists, singers and activists. The book is divided into 10 key themes, including:

Dream Massive: Lionel Messi and Anthony Horowitz

Be Kind to Yourself: Zendaya and Wolfgang Puck

Find Your People: Alan Turing and Misty Copeland

Be True to You: Beyonce and David Bowie

Take a Stand: Marcus Rashford and Greta Thunberg

Each section ends with a series of useful coaching questions to help you absorb the book's key messages, giving you the confidence to speak up, stand up for your beliefs and follow your dreams. Because your voice matters, and the world needs to hear what you have to say.

More Children's Books About Shyness and Finding Your Voice

Keep scrolling for more children's books that highlight shyness and celebrate finding your voice.

 If you liked this Collection, you might also find more recommendations here- Children's Books to Improve Self-Esteem and Build Confidence.

You may also be interested in this Collection of Children's Books about Selective Mutism.