Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Speak is a multiple award winning book, most notably a 2000 Printz Honor Book and a 1999 National Book Award Finalist, written by Laurie Halse Anderson. Its gripping plot and powerful characters, along with its raw and unvarnished look at high school life, make it a very popular book among young adults. Speak tells the story of Melinda
Sordino, a freshman who is starting her first year of high school with a huge problem. No one
likes her - not even her former best friends. In fact, everyone pretty much
avoids her like the plague, and it is all because she called the cops at an
end-of-the-summer party. But it was not Melinda's fault. You see, Melinda has
a secret about that night that is begging to be released in order to relieve
her of the burden that she is forced to carry because of it.
Praise for Speak:
"This extremely well-written book portrays a large suburban high school with a fresh and authentic eye - all the cliques are there, from the jocks, to the Goths, to the "Marthas" (Martha Stewart wanna-bes)....This powerful story has an important lesson: never be afraid to speak up for yourself." -VOYA
"Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers." -Booklist, starred review
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Questions? Contact Ms. Sacia at saciamm@uwec.edu
Page last updated on
October 28, 2004