Book Review: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Bibliography: 
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374371520.

Plot Summary: 
Melinda is a high-school student who had something terrible happen to her at the end of summer before freshman year. The novel walks through her freshman year, marking period by marking period, talking through her trials with family, friends, art class (among her other courses), and herself. Ultimately, the issues are not all resolved, but things are turning around for Melinda.


Critical Analysis: 
This young adult novel's main character is Melinda, a high school freshman. She is fighting to find herself and resolve the issue of what happened with "IT" during the summer. Many young adult readers would be able to identify with Melinda on different levels - from being the outcast to being a victim of violence. The "IT" male figure is not in a positive role, but the male teacher Mr. Freeman had a positive role and very relatable.

The setting of the book was well detailed and contemporary. Any high school student would related to switching classes, having difficult courses or teachers, the lunch room, etc. Middle school students may even relate to this, but I would not recommend this book for younger than 9th grade students due to subject matter and the age of characters. Students will be able to relate to issues with peers and parents presented in the book mostly likely.

The style of the book was interesting to me. I enjoyed the "mini-chapters" with sometimes humorous titles such as, "DEAD FROGS" or "LUNCH DOOM." Each heading tied into the next few paragraphs or pages. The book was sectioned off into marking periods, so students can relate to timing in the book as well. I felt the entire book was about Melinda overcoming her past. While the book didn't tell the reader everything was headed in the right direction, you get the idea that it is.


Awards: 
1999 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature
ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Booklist Top Ten First Novel
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Horn Book Fanfare Title
New York Times Bestseller
See http://us.macmillan.com/speak/LaurieAnderson for full list

"An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from the first word to last." -The Horn Book 


"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." -School Library Journal 


Connections: 
*While students read this book, have them privately journal about their own experiences in the past and present. Have them venture in the end to write about their futures.
*Counselor's can use this book for students who have been victims of violence.
*Have high school students talk about "THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL" and "TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL." Open up conversation about fears and hopes for the coming years. What would students have on their "Ten Lies" list?
*Art Connection: Students make their own tree art project that Melinda studies and works on throughout the book.
*If appropriate, have students watch the movie Speak (film 2004) after finishing the study of the novel.
*Discuss the author's purpose and how it relates to our lives today.
*Author Study: Other books by Anderson - Catalyst, Twisted, Prom, Wintergirls, Thank you, Sarah, Chains, Forge, and Fever, 1793.