Anderson, L. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
ISBN-10: 014131088X
•Plot Summary
For two months, ninth grader Melinda Sordino has been ostracized by her peers, and even her former best friends, for calling the police during a party. It was Summer, she'd had too much to drink, and the best looking boy in school had been flirting with her all night. When she wakes up from a temporary blackout, IT (Andy Evans), is already zipping up his pants. Desperate for friendship, she seems to connect with the new girl in school, Heather. Only Heather is more interested in being a Martha, a series of clones that do good deeds, and grade Heather on her appearance/behavior. Melinda's unlikely rescuer from her dismal everyday life is a forgotten janitor's closet with a poster of Maya Angelou, and her art teacher's assignment that compels Melinda to try to create the perfect project about a tree.
•Critical Evaluation
Sad, but realistic account of what it's like as a young woman carrying a torturous secret. Telling the truth can be harder than keeping it inside, and the moment of the reveal may come in an unexpected way. Anderson's work is unassuming, but powerful, and doesn't overdramatize.
•Reader’s Annotation
Hard hitting enough for older teens, but lacking the graphic details that would prevent it being read by those younger. Character is only in ninth grade, reminding us that rape can happen to anyone.
•Information about the author
Laurie Halse Anderson was born in Postdam, NY in 1961. After years of believing that writing was only suitable as a hobby, she changed her tune, and began to work in freelance. After joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, people that offered helpful critiques, things began to come together for her writing career.
To date, Anderson has written five novels for young adults. Her books have become National Book Award finalists, been on the New York Times bestseller list, and garnered an American Library Association's Best Book for Young Adults. In addition, she has received several awards for her two historical fiction novels.
She married her childhood sweetheart, and still lives in upstate New York. The couple have four children, and a dog. In her free time, Anderson hikes, gardens, and trains for marathons.
•Genre
Realistic Fiction
•Curriculum Ties
Social Science
•Booktalking Ideas
Rape, self esteem, teen drinking, art therapy
•Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12/Ages 14-19
•Challenge Issues
For parents or administrators concerned about the content of the novel, it can be shown that turning a blind eye to teen drinking and what can come from it, won't change these situations for the better. As Anderson points out, the novel isn't just about rape, but also about the many stress factors that lead to teen depression.
•Why did you include this book in you’re the titles you selected?
My older sister was raped by someone she trusted, and kept it hidden for several years. Her experience was not in high school, but because she is developmentally challenged, her way of handling the situation took her down a road a lot like Melinda's.
