Speak, a Review

Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson

GENRE: Realistic Fiction
THEME: Growing up, Rape, Confidence, and Fitting in.
RL/IL: Young Adult: Grades 8-12
AWARDS: A 2000 Printz Honor Book, A 1999 National Book Award Finalist, An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist, A 1999 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist, Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, An ALA Quick Pick, A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, A Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 1999, A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, A Horn Book Fanfare Title
PAGES: 198
Warnings: Rape

Melinda begins her high school career as a social outcast because she called the cops from an end-of-the-summer party. Her friends think she called the cops to break up the party, but only she knows the real reason. Consequently, from day one of high school, Melinda’s friends shun her and she retreats into her own self to fight internal demons. She doesn’t speak to anyone, she doesn’t do her homework, she doesn’t go to class, she doesn’t shower, and she certainly doesn’t talk to her parents or go out of her way to make any friends.

Finally, her almost nonexistent parents begin to notice her changes and try to help. But what is the cause of these changes? Melinda won’t reveal what really happened to her at that party. But when the same thing almost happens again, Melinda fights back and finally speaks.
Anderson expertly chronicles a young girl’s traumatic first year of high school and a young girl’s struggle with rape and relationships. Melinda speaks to us with wit, humor, and anguish. Her rite of passage is evoked by a stranger and ends with her own strength and courage.

CONNECTIONS:
Cut
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
Stuck in Neutral
Many Stones
Catalyst
Go Ask Alice