Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. U.S.A Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. ISBN-13: 978-0142414736
Plot Summary
Speak is an absorbing story of a 9th grade girl named Melinda who rarely speaks. She doesn't speak to her peers at school, teachers, nor her parents. There's a haunting secret within Melinda that is trapped she wants to say something but can't. This secret has transformed her from a happy normal high school girl to a non sociable girl who has lost friends and starting to make failing grades. No one knows how to help because she won't open her mouth and say anything. But reliving a painful experience might trigger something that will cause her to say something.
Critical Analysis
Anderson creates a character that is so real it's impossible to not have any feelings for Melinda as she goes through her difficult journeys. The author writes this story and it portrays a great deal of emotion. Melinda shows a great deal of character even though she is silent.
This book is an easy to read book because it covers subjects on bullying, outcast, losing friends, feeling of being ignored, parents not understanding and rape. All of these things can occur while in high school, that's why this book can be relatable. Melinda has an art project that speaks for literary symbolism from within. Her assignment is a tree which she has trouble creating, however Melinda branches out and makes the tree come to life. The project becomes an outlet for Melinda's pain.
Reviews Excerpts/Awards
-National Book Award Finalist
-Booklist: “In her YA fiction debut, Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”
-School Library Journal Best Books, 1999
-Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 1999 (ALA)
-Sequoyah Book Award, 2002
Connections
-Read other books by the author, Catalyst and Fever 1793.
-Write about if someone took advantage of you, what would you do?
-Have a speaker come in and address the issue of rape.
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