Realistic YA Fiction

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Speak 

by Laurie Halse Anderson

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2006. SPEAK. New York: Penguin Group USA. ISBN 0142407321

PLOT SUMMARY

In Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, Melinda Sordino begins her high school life as a social outcast. Her former friends have abandoned her, and the rest of the student body shuns her for having called the police at a recent summer party. Add to that her increasingly distant relationship with her parents, and Melinda’s inability to talk to anyone, and high school is far different than what she imagined it would be. What others don’t know, and what Melinda is refusing to say, is that she was raped by a popular student at the party. Throughout her freshman year, a few people manage to get through her silence and slowly Miranda deals with her attack internally, and begins her healing process. However, when her attacker tries to intimidate her in another confrontation, Melinda finds her voice and literally, finally, screams.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Anderson cleverly gives her silent protagonist a voice by making her an articulate and even witty narrator of this thought-provoking novel. Through Melinda’s silence and the other characters’ reactive dialogue, readers see the cracks in a seemingly idealistic town of Merryweather and its residents. The novel is broken down into four large sections, chronicling Melinda’s school grading periods and her increasingly failing grades. Within these divisions, the “chapters” are written in short, journal-like sections that take readers alongside Melinda’s emotional journey as she tries first to forget her traumatic experience, and slowly begins to accept and deal with what really happened to her.

While the basis of her silence and isolation is not easily identifiable with most students, high school readers can still recognize Melinda’s experience of navigating through the high school social construct and her perspective of those around her. In addition, her emotional journey can show readers who have experienced any traumatic event the power of expression, and the healing that it may bring. Anderson's writing style is filled with symbolism throughout the novel, mirroring Melinda’s feelings and mind-set. The most prominent symbol is the tree, which Melinda randomly selects as her year-long art subject. Add to that her raw descriptions and keen observations, and the novel is an engaging and unforgettable story of tragedy and recovery.

The platinum addition includes useful added materials, including a thank you note to readers, questions about the book to the author, and Anderson’s views on censorship. Speak is recommended for students in grades 9 and up.

REVIEW EXCERPTS and AWARDS

“An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” — The Horn Book, Starred Review 1999

“In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. . . . the book’s overall gritty realism and Melinda’s hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review 1999

“A frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much of contemporary high school life, as real as today’s headlines.” — Kirkus Reviews, 1999

“Melinda’s voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. . . . Melinda’s sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.” — Booklist, 1999

“Melinda is a dry, witty narrator whose cynical observations about high-school life are tempered by glimpses of something much deeper and darker at the heart of her story. It is utterly abosorbing - …” — Bookseller, 2010

• Michal L. Printz Honor Book - 2000
• National Book Award Finalist – 1999
• An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults – 2000
• Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year - 1999
• Booklist Top Ten First Novel – 1999
• BCCB Blue Ribbon Book 1999
• School Library Journal A Best Book of the Year – 1999
• Horn Book Fanfare Title – 2000
• New York Times Bestseller – 1999
• Publishers Weekly Bestseller - 1999

CONNECTIONS

Preview the book with this Book Trailer.

Just as the character of Melinda studies symbolism in her English class, student can study the symbolism found throughout Speak, such as trees/seeds, Melinda’s closet, different forms of expression (speaking, notes, etc.), Melinda’s mouth/lips, and her social circle (new friend, lab partner, art teacher, etc.).

Although tough and touchy subjects, this book can be part of a bigger discussion on sexual assault, teen depression, bullying, cliques & friendships, and fitting in.

Compare and contrast the book with the film version. 

Visit the Teacher’s Section on the author’s website for more questions and activities. 

Other books for young adults about rape & sexual assault.

--Just Listen by Sarah Dessen 

--Rape Girl by Alina Klein 

--Scars by Cheryl Rainfield 

--Identical by Ellen Hopkins 

Other young adult books by Laurie Halse Anderson.

--Wintergirls (2009)

--Fever 1793 (2000)

--Twisted (2007)

--Catalyst (2002)

--Prom (2005)

Other Micheal L. Prinz Award and Honor Books 2000

-- Skellig by David Almond

-- Monster by Walter Dean Myers,

-- Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger 

Visit the Laura Halse Anderson's website 

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