Biographical Data:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (1999). Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 978-0-374-37152-4
Brief plot summary:
Melinda Sordino is a high school freshmen and an outcast "with the wrong hair, the wrong clothes, the wrong attitude." Everyone knows she was the one who busted the end-of-the-summer party by calling the police, but they don't know why she did it - they never ask. As a result of that night, Melinda becomes so withdrawn that she rarely speaks. Her friends have abandoned her, her parents don't know what to do with her, and her teacher's don't take much interest in her -except for Mr. Freeman, her art teacher. He encourages her as she works on her art project which begins to lead her to recognize the events of the party. Melinda realizes she has to speak the truth about that night.
Critical analysis:
Melinda's character transforms from "a wounded zebra in a National Geographic special" who bites her lips and rarely speaks to being "suddenly...popular" because she was able to confront her rapist, Andy Evans. The story is told from Melinda's perspective and emphasizes her internal journey ending with the events of her rape and how she comes to terms with it. The setting is modern times in a high school in New York. Melinda's internal dialogue is natural and believable as well as that of her others in the novel: her parents, Heather, teachers, and her counselor. Melinda comes across as weak and meek, but we see her gain her confidence and strength as the school year progresses. Although the subject matter is serious, Melinda maintains a sense of humor. The chapters are short with fun chapter titles. This is a story of a victim who realizes that she doesn't have to be a victim "it wasn't my fault. And I'm not going to let it kill me. I can grow."
Awards:
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults
- ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
- Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
- IRA Young Adult Choice
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- Michael L. Printz Honor Book (American Library Association)
- National Book Award Finalist
- New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
- New York Times Bestseller List
- SCBWI Golden Kite Award
- YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
Reviews:
In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. ...Yet Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers' empathy. ...Only through her work in art class, and with the support of a compassionate teacher there, does she begin to reach out to others and eventually find her voice. Through the first-person narration, the author makes Melinda's pain palpable.... Though the symbolism is sometimes heavy-handed, it is effective. ...But the book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) -- Publisher’s Weekly Oct. 1999
Melinda’s voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. In her YA fiction debut, 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 (Sept. 1999)
Connections:
- A unit study over assault or personal rights (a review of what is rape legally).
- Listen by Laurie Halse Anderson - a poem available on her website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-speak/Other books/poems?
- Webquest: http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/crc/webquest/SPEAK/
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