For Sathvega Somasundaram, stuttering has never been just a speech impediment. She has been able to use it in a way that has shaped her for who she is today, and shows her lifelong journey of growth. Now, it is also the heart of a powerful children’s book that has reached classrooms, families, and young readers across the country.
Sathvega Somasundaram is the author of Zoya: The Stuttering Star, a beautifully illustrated story about a young girl, Zoya, who dreams of becoming a superhero just like those in her magical town. However, her stutter often sets her apart and instead, attracts bullies. Despite this, Zoya is confident and stands up for herself and others in her town, soon realizing her superpower is her unique voice! The book is an uplifting portrayal of courage, identity, and the strength it takes to speak up when it feels hardest.
Growing up with a stutter, Sathvega Somasundaram experienced the anxiety that comes with everyday speaking situations, from reading aloud in class to simply introducing herself. These moments were often filled with hesitation and fear of judgment. For a long time, many around her believed her voice wasn’t strong enough to be heard.
That changed when Sathvega began to connect with others in the stuttering community and speak openly about her experiences. She resorted to writing as a form of self-expression, which soon turned into a passion to uplift others who felt alone in their journeys. Eventually, that writing took the shape of a book that reflects both her younger self and every child who’s ever felt like their voice didn’t belong.
“I wrote the book I wish I had as a kid,” Sathvega often says, and this has been a driving force for the change she aims to create.
She has been dedicated to integrating her passion through school curriculums and author visits led at various schools, with a motive that everyone, stuttering or not, has a right to embrace themselves for who they are. Through these visits, she has spoken to hundreds of students about stuttering, empathy, and the power of embracing differences.
Beyond its message for children who stutter, Zoya: The Stuttering Star has been able to open important conversations for even fluent-speaking readers, encouraging kindness, patience, and the idea that everyone communicates differently, and that is okay.
Today, Sathvega Somasundaram continues to advocate for representation and inclusion, using their lived experience to help others feel seen. Whether through writing, public speaking, or mentoring, she is helping reshape the narrative around speech impediments one story at a time.
Sathvega Somasundaram, currently living in California, is a passionate teen author and researcher dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her passion stems from her interests in storytelling and advocacy, addressing topics like speech disorders and neurodiversity. Sathvega's work hopes to inspire empathy, awareness, and change through community impact and youth initiatives.