Speak

Written by Laurie Halse Anderson

Bibliographic data

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 9780374371524

Plot Summary

This story is about Melinda Sordino, a freshman in Syracuse, New York. After going through a traumatic event at a party, she calls the cops and becomes a social pariah. This is her nine-grade year and the story of what she has to overcome to find her own voice and help others.

Critical Analysis

This book is filled with despair, sadness, loneliness, and hurt. Even though the mood of the novel is very depressing, it has a good and honest story. As Melinda, the main character, strives to find the strength to overcome her fears, the mood shows some inspiration and empowerment.

Laurie Halse Anderson provides multiple themes, such as, the strength Melinda has to find to overcome her experiences, the pressure of conforming to the rest, and the difficulties of growing up. Everyone goes through having pressures to join the crowd in high school.

Melinda is a character that some young women can really relate and look up to. Young women who have been through similar events will find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their feelings, fears, and hurt. Readers are also able to relate to the relationships problems Melinda goes through with her past friends and boys. Most young females go through different phases of friendship once they transition in the high school.

Anderson delivers the story in four marking periods. Each marking period Melinda gives the readers her report card results except for the last one. Anderson simple ends the story with the dialogue between Mr. Freeman and Melinda. As Mr. Freeman gives Melinda her A+ he mentions that she has been through a lot. This is where Melinda shows her trust in Mr. Freeman and her ability to finally breath and speak out by saying, “Let me tell you about it.” It leaves you feeling proud of how far Melinda has come.

Being that rape is a sensitive subject, some readers may find themselves uncomfortable reading this story. It is inspiration but the reality of the situation may be too much for some.

Review Excerpts

• SLJ Best Book of the Year
• Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
• Golden Kite Award winner
• Michael L. Printz Honor 2000
• New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age 1999
• “An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.” Horn Book
• “In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager.” Publisher’s Weekly
• “This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.” School Library Journal

Connections

• Intended for young adult readers
• Have students discuss the “The first ten lies they tell you in high school.” See if they agree them, and if they would add anymore to the list.
• Show a male experience of being bullied by having students read Burn by Suzanne Phillips.