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Maya was a smart girl. But she felt scared to read out loud. She liked to hide in the back of the class.
One day, her teacher asked Maya to read a short story. Maya's hands shook. Her heart went boom, boom, boom.
Maya took a deep breath. She walked to the front slowly. She could do hard things, she told herself.
Maya opened the book. She saw words she knew: cat, sat, run. She read the first sentence out loud.
Her voice was quiet at first. But then it got stronger. The class clapped and smiled at her.
Maya felt proud inside. She read more sentences. The words came easier now.
When Maya finished, everyone cheered. Her best friend gave her a big hug. Maya felt so happy!
After that day, Maya raised her hand more. She read with new confidence. She learned she was brave all along.
Other shy kids watched Maya. They felt brave too. Soon, more kids read out loud in class.
Maya learned something important: being brave means trying even when you are scared. You can do it!
