Speak

Speak. By Laurie Halse Anderson. 240 pages. Speak, 2009. PB $11.99 ISBN 978-0142414736

Summary: When word spreads that Melinda Sordino called the cops to a party a few weeks before the end of summer, she effectively becomes the pariah at her high school. At the party Melinda is raped by a high-school senior, and hides this from everyone, virtually becoming mute the entire school year. Instead of speaking with others, she turns into herself. Initially a stellar student, Melinda is now failing every class with the exception of art. It is in art class that she feels comfortable to express her feelings. Will Melinda be able to escape from being raped, or will it continue to haunt her?

Critical Review: The transition form middle school to high school is tough, but it is especially so for Melinda Sordino. Laurie Halse Anderson powerfully illustrates the disgusting trend of senior boys preying on freshmen girls. Every tween girl should read this book before starting high school. As librarians working with tweens it is vital that we recommend titles that can positively impact the live of these girls. Melinda Sordino speaks for all tween girls that have been raped. Keeping silent is never the answer, as Melinda discovers with the help of her sensitive teacher, Mr. Freeman. Through his guidance she learns to confront her past and move on with her life. We owe it to tween girls to speak about these issues. However painful they may be to discuss, tween girls deserve to receive the information. 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 14-18 years

Awards: National Book Award Finalist; Margaret A. Edwards Award, 2009

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (2001, April 9); School Library Journal (2001, January 1); Voice of Youth Advocates (1999, December 1); Library Journal (1999, December 1)

Similar Materials: Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls

Subjects/Themes: depression, rape, under-age drinking, high school, high-school freshmen, high-school seniors, art class, loneliness, pariahs

Character Names: Melinda Sordino; Rachel Bruin; Any Evans; David Petrakis; Nicole; Heather Billings; Ivy

Author Website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/

Brief Annotation: At a party a few weeks before beginning high school, a senior rapes freshman Melinda Sordino.