SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino begins her freshman year at high school ostracized by her fellow classmates and literally alone. She is tormented by memories of her rape that took place over the summer, cannot talk about it, and rather expresses herself by creating trees in art class. With the help of her art teacher and Maya Angelo, Melinda must learn to speak out.

A requirement in most ninth grade English classes, this novel is helpful in understanding the mind of a sexually abused teenage girl.

I have many friends who have enjoyed Speak, but I personally did not find Melinda's head an enjoyable place to be, mainly due to the writing style.

Recommended for Grades 9 - 12


RVK in Esopus