This is a truly well written and touching read, though is appropriate for a mature reader. In this story a girl is raped, and that is a strong topic best read by older teens. This is a great opportunity to read along with your daughter. Though it is a strong theme, the storyline is positive and the reader will not be disappointed.
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Speak
(1999, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Laurie Anderson)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A devastatingly painful portrayal of high school.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–16
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Speak
Parents need to know that Melinda's antisocial behavior is a response to trauma, but her refuge in art will nurture readers' creativity. Readers must meld short descriptive passages to form the narrative. Accurate descriptions of the minutiae of high school will appeal to any teen who has felt like an outsider. Melinda's pain and ultimate hope for healing is described honestly and compassionately.
Read our full review by Norah Caroline Piehl
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about outsiders. Have you ever felt excluded like Melinda? How did you deal with the situation? Is your school much like the one in the book?
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Read this with your daughter.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
In school reading this book
Im almost done with the book right now, we are reading it in school. Im 13 and it seems to be a pretty good book to me.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Love, love, love this book! (and the movie as well) It's a great read! Laurie Halse Anderson makes this very fragile subject enjoyable and informative.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great!
I really like this book and recommend it for any girl over the age of 13! I know that Rape is a very sensitive issue, but don't let this deter you from letting your teen read this book! Melinda makes some mistakes along the way, but she eventually finds the strength and courage to tell and move on. It is a witty and inspiring book!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
A Wonderful Books For Pre-Teens And UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book holds an amazingly powerful story that can happen to anyone. It is a good book to have younger teens read it can help them see whats really out there....will it scare them...No Probably Not...but it informs the reader that life is not all peaches and cream...its not perfect...and all teens should know that going into high school.....My 8th grade reading teacher read this book to the class and I was moved...that was six years ago and this book still holds true...its a great book for all ages...parents don't be scared to let your children read books they can be a great learning experience...some books may have gruesome scene but I promise they wont traumatize your children
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