Speak

By Laurie Halse Anderson

Penguin Group (1999)

Interest Level: Grades 8-12

Awards:

National Book Award Finalist, 1999

Michael L Printz Award, Honor Book, 1999

Category: Young Adult

Type: Novel

Summary: This is the story about Melinda Sordino, a young girl who begins ninth grade hidding a secret so big that it threatens to destroy her. Laurie halse Anderson does a great job creating a authentic and compelling voice for her heroin who exemplies the plight of many young women. Melinda will learn that sometimes speaking and facing our problems is better than living in shame and fear.

Online Connections:

1. Author official website: http://www.writerlady.com/


2. ALAN review on Speaking Out: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/spring00/anderson.htm

Book Connections:

1. Twisted by Laurie halse Anderson
   
2. Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
   
3. The Chocolate War by Robert Cornier
   

Keywords: High School, frienships, rape, Emotional problems, depression