"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

1) a) Bibliography:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (1999). Speak. New York: Penguin Group, 198 pp.
b) Genre and Awards:
Teen Fiction/Emotional Problems.
A National Book Award Finalist
An ALA Quick Pick
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
An ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
A Horn Book Fanfare Title
A 2000 Printz Honor Book
Speak was nominated for the Siver Book Award.

2) Synopsis: A traumatic end to Melinda's summer makes her an outcast her freshman year. Readers see Melinda spiral into depression, but don't know exactly what happens until the very end.

3) a) Characterization: Melinda, the main character, is also the narrator of this book. We see every other character through her eyes, and this brings up the question of whether they are accurate portrayals, or the opinions of a hurting teenager. Melinda's former friends, parents, and classmates are all lesser characters, and not well developed. I think this is part of making Melinda's character believable, by seeing only what she sees of others.
b) Plot: The plot of "Speak" really keeps you guessing. You want to know what happened to Melinda, and you want desperately for her to be alright. Saving the big reveal of Melinda's rape for the end was very effective in keeping the pages turning.
c) Theme: Definitely Acceptance and Identity. When Melinda finds herself an outcast, she has no group, no clique, and no identity according to the laws of high school. No one will accept or befriend her. High school can be a cruel world, and this book captures it at its worst.
d) Setting: Melinda's high school and home. Both very lonely places in Suburbia, America.
e) Style and Effectiveness: The style of writing is very effective. Although the main character is a girl, I think both boys and girls would benefit from reading this book.
f) Value and concerns: Of course, the subject of rape is always controversial, but since this portrayal is not graphic or explicit, I think it is so important to be able to talk to young people about these issues that are happening every day all over the world. This book does so in a tasteful, appropriate way. The book ends happily for Melinda, which makes it more approachable for younger readers.
g) Needs of Adolescents: Adolescents need to be able to talk about the issues that they are confronted with. Speak is a great outlet for students who have ever faced rape or depression, and also a great tool for young boys to learn from.
h) Multicultural Issues: this book shows the effects of what an unaccepting society can do. Melinda wound up in an old janitor's closet because she was so shunned from the rest of the school. This message is appropriate for all students.

4) Classroom Uses for the book: This book would be useful in many ways. Read aloud, whole class discussion, small group discussion, or individual reading. I think teachers or parents should take the opportunity to talk to all kids who read this book about sexual violence and depression.

5) Appropriate Age Range: junior high to high school (12-18)

6) Personal Reactions: Personally, this book was very gripping. I feel so strongly for Melinda. It is hard to believe that a student can go through a traumatic year like that, and no one was clued in. No one noticed her "closet room." Her parents realized something was going on with Melinda, but didn't realize how far into depression she had sunk. As an aspiring teacher, my hope is that I would have noticed, but the reality is, maybe I wouldn't. This is what scares me. Melinda needed one person to love, accept, and value her. Maybe then she would have been able to speak, before The Beast was able to strike again.