Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I am Outcast." (Anderson, 2011, p.4)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is the definition of difficult literature. As a work of fiction, Speak follows Melinda Sordino in her first year of high school. While the first day of high school should be exciting for any teenager, Melinda was the victim of rape by an upper classman, Andy Evans, at a summer party. She broke up the party by calling the cops during her panic, causing her friends to turn their backs on her. Seemingly, the entire school hates her, as she is mocked, bullied, and even treated unfairly by some teachers. Her only friend, Heather, abandons her, unable to handle her pessimistic attitude. Melinda’s parents are also emotionally unstable in their own relationship and refuse to deal with their “rebellious” daughter, which causes Melinda to feel even more alone. Throughout her freshman year of high school, she is completely withdrawn, barely speaks, skips school, traumatized, and ultimately, depressed. Her art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is the only person who sees through Melinda’s supposed rebellion and notices her depression. Mr. Freeman encourages Melinda to speak her truth and channel her emotions through art. While dealing with inner turmoil, Melinda’s ex-best friend, Rachel, begins dating Andy Evans. Melinda attempts to save her friend and ends up physically fighting with her attacker, conquering her trauma. In the end, Melinda slowly starts becoming the girl she used to be.

Because of the nature of this book, it is recommended for high school students. Even then, the subject matter of the book might be too difficult and a trigger for some students, which would require consent from parents and administration. Regardless, Speak, should be read by girls and boys alike. It will allow girls to differentiate right from wrong, give them a voice, and see the impacts of bottling emotions. It should empower young girls to speak out for themselves, as the book title suggests. For boys, at the very least, it is the perfect example of the saying “no means no”. A major strength found in the book is the dialogue, both between characters and Melinda’s internal thoughts. Laurie Halse Anderson wrote the book with the audience in mind by keeping the dialogue realistic to the age group of the characters. It is believable and does not try too hard, which makes the characters human.

While I cannot relate to Melinda’s situation personally, the subject is unfortunately too common in today’s society. It hurts to see Melinda slowly deteriorate with no one to reach out. If I had read this book sooner, I could have noticed signs in some of my classmates instead of immaturely thinking they were just “weird”. Now, as an educator, I am made aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and violence and will try my best to provide comfort, so students will be courageous enough to speak. Laurie Halse Anderson also understands the intensity of the subject matter for educators and students. On her website, there are many resources for Speak, including discussion guides, resources for victims, and activities. These resources can be found here: http://madwomanintheforest.com/book/speak/

Since the “Me Too” movement started, it has shed light on sexual violence and made books like, Speak, even more prevalent. Because of this, Speak, has actually become a graphic novel with the hopes of reaching more adolescents. The graphic novel is a great alternative for reluctant readers.

Speak was made into a movie in 2004! A young Kristen Stewart stars as Melinda in this independent film. You can watch the movie in its entirety below:

Anderson, L. H. (2011). Speak. New York City, United States of America: Square Fish.

Anderson, L. H., & Carroll, E. (2018). Speak: The Graphic Novel. New York City, United States of America: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR).