Speak
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie H. 1999. Speak. New York, NY: Houghton Macmillan. ISBN 9780312674397.
PLOT SUMMARY
Before high
school, Melinda had her groups of friends and nothing could be going
better. But one summer night, while at a
party, Melinda had to call the cops.
That was the beginning of her rejection as her own friends and even
strangers turned against her. Now, at
the start of her freshman year in high school Melinda does not have much to
look forward to. Melinda is going
through a very difficult time as she can’t forget what happened that terrible
night and can’t talk about it with anybody.
She has terrible grades, is skipping school and her relationship with
her parents is not the best. The only
place she finds some solace is in art class where her teacher pushes her to do
her best. At the end, the truth comes
out and Melinda can finally speak about what happened.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
It is difficult
to read how Melinda has been treated unfairly by her friends and others without hearing her side
of the story. Unfortunately, readers might identify with Melinda with what happened
to her in the party that summer and others by the way they are treated by friends
and other peers during their high school years.
Anderson does an excellent job of portraying the negative consequences after
such a traumatic event in one’s life. At
the end of the book Anderson has provided information to help readers that have
gone through a similar experience like Melinda and how to respond if one knows of
somebody going through a similar situation.
Hopefully, this book can encourage individuals to “speak” and get the
support needed to heal from the experience.
1999
National Book Award Finalist
2000
Michael L. Printz Honor Book
BOOKLIST: “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 shoes
ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”
KIRKUS: “A
frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much
of contemporary high school life, as real as today’s headlines….The plot is
gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn…a novel that will be hard for
readers to forget.”
SCHOOL
LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Melinda’s pain is palpable, and readers will totally
empathize with her. This is a compelling
book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the
story.”
Connections
Use the
discussion guide provided at the end of the book.
Read other
Michael Printz YA Award/honor books such as:
Nelson,
Jandy. I’ll Give You the Sun. ISBN 0803734964
Zusak,
Markus. I Am the Messenger. ISBN 0375836675
Green,
John. Looking for Alaska. ISBN 0525475060
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