One of the best written, most literate books I have come across in my job as a middle school librarian. This book perfectly captures what it means to be a teenager in today's society. It flies off the shelf regularly and often has a waiting list even though we have multiple copies available. I recommend it for mature 7th graders and older.
Speak
(1999, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Laurie Anderson)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A devastatingly painful portrayal of high school.
Themes in this book include: emotional abuse, imagination, peer pressure
updated 02.09.10
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–16
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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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
This review of Speak was written by Norah Caroline Piehl
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.
Families Can Talk About
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- 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?
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More on Speak
Book Summary
High school should be the best time of Melinda's life. Instead, freshman year is a nightmare, as Melinda finds herself rejected by her friends, cut off from her parents, and unable to reveal a terrible secret. Melinda's slow healing process is a realistic and compelling one, and readers will cheer for the strength she finally finds.
Is It Any Good?
This is one of the most devastatingly true and painful portrayals of high school to come along in a long time. The cliques, from the Jocks to the Big Hair Chix to the Marthas (devotees of a certain Ms. Stewart), are pigeonholed to perfection. Outsider Melinda seems somehow familiar, too. Her witty, ironic commentaries can't cover up her pain at being excluded.
Kids who are genuine outsiders stand to gain a lot from this compassionate novel. The author offers real solutions to Melinda's pain: Melinda's connection to a mentor, her artistic creations, and even her plans for a flower garden all feed her inner strength. When she's finally able to speak, readers will rejoice in her triumphs.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Puffin, Publication date: 1/1/1999
Number of pages: 198, Price: $7.99 (paperback)
Read Alone: 13+
Number of pages: 198, Price: $7.99 (paperback)
Read Alone: 13+
Our Members Say
See all 57 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Perfect for 13 and older
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Just another teen novel...
This book kinda went through one side of my brain and out of the other. I had to read it for english, and I as like okay, in english we ALWAYS have to read some kind of "meaning" book like the Scarlet Letter or Les miserables. I finished it, because it was good, but in my mind, did not convey a proper or strong message, and didnm't introduce any new concepts. The bottom line is, its a good book for entertainment and people who have way too much free time like I do. I dont see how this was different from any other teen novel (underaged drinking, cursing, and rape).
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
An Awesome Book
I am 13 and i love this book. It is a little graphic but i have seen worse on the television.
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
GREATTT BOOK!
This was litteraly the only book i have reas front to back,every word every sentance. This book really talks about the real problems in life and all the peerpresure kids go through in high school. the book may have its rated R parts (parts were melinda drinks cuts school and gets raped) but i belive that us kids should b aware of wht can happen if your not knowledable. overall you should give this book a try if your mature enough to handle it.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Amazing book.
This book is very touching and deep, you live in Melinda's thoughts and go through her pain. She is an outcast and you learn about how hard some people's lives can be if you don't get to know them. Great book for anyone to read.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 33% | of parents say it's too violent |
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