 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Speak
- By Laurie Halse Anderson
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Controversial book about rape is powerful and painful.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this National Book Award finalist is about a girl traumatized by a rape (and is then isolated from her peers). Wounded, silent Melinda ditches class, steals passes from teachers, and deliberately cuts herself. Accurate descriptions of the minutiae of high school will appeal to any teen who has felt like an outsider, and when Melinda is finally able to speak, readers will rejoice in her triumphs. This is a gritty, powerful book that teachers and parents could use to launch a number of discussions. Readers must meld short descriptive passages to form the narrative.
What's the story?
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. In fact, she isn't speaking at all. Melinda's slow healing process is a realistic and compelling one, and readers will cheer for her when she finally does use her voice.
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this book has received lots of praise and is taught in classrooms, from eighth grade on up. But its controversial subject matter has also made it a target of censors. What do you think? Is it too intense for teens? In your opinion, should any book ever be banned or require parental permission?
Speak was a finalist for the National Book Awards, a very prestigious award given out each year. Looking at the list of previous year's young adult winners, are there any other titles you'd like to read? Does it make any difference to you if a book has been selected for an award?
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AGE
One of those books...
This is one of those books I just couldn't put down. I have read other good ones, but this one I stayed up late in the night just to get that one chapter in to find out more. The feelings and pain Melinda, the main character, shares with the reader is truly an experience. I watched the movie before the book because I didn't even know the book was out! But I loved the movie so much, I saw the book one day, bought it, and didn't put it down until it was finished. I read this when I was 14 I believe, and I would only recommend this book to ages 13+. DEFINITELY READ IT. :)
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AGE
The Wonders of Reading.
I love this book so much. It helped open my eyes to the world. This will hopefully open other teen's eyes. I am sure that reading this book will shape teens into better judges of character and better role models. I know it made me into a better person.
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AGE
Perfect for awny child that wants to learn something about how you should be.
Love it!! I think this book is very motivational and it shows that no matter what happens to you there is always someone you can talk to about what is happening.
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AGE
darker... but great
It shows you what it is like to deal with rape and what it is like. You need to be a mature teen to watch it/read it... it is a darker topic, the main character cuts herself at one point. but it shows you the power and fear she has. READ!!!
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AGE
Great for young adults
I read this after my teacher recommended it to the class. I loved it. The novel is moving and touching, yet is very heart wrenching. The characters are relatable and the book is honest. The book isn't very graphic, as most of the book is about the girl learning to deal with the overwhelming emotions of being assaulted and raped. Maybe some parents don't like young girls reading these types of girls, but luckily my parents aren't so. I find the main character more a heroine than a victim. The subject is scary, but the message is clear- Overcoming, in powering and embracing your situation, feelings, and most of all, yourself.
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AGE
Beautifully Written Book-A Great Read
This is a truly wonderful book lent to me bye an old friend of mine. Though dealing with a tough topic, the book centers around trying to overcome traumatic experiences. Melinda starts out with a negative view on her life and school but changes over the course of the year. Every emotion in the book is real and feels almost personal. The writing is witty and funny throughout the book, the narrator easy to relate to. It's a beautifully written book thats defiantly worth a read!
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AGE
Perfect for 13 and older
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.
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AGE
These pages must be lined with gold, I couldn't stop reading!
Man, I just love this book! I would recomend it for ages 13 and over, but 12 year olds (depending on how mature they are) can read it too. It made me grind my teeth the way everyone bashed Melinda for crashing that party. For one, drinking parties- ugh, been to one (that was unintended) stupid, stupid, STUPID children. And Melinda was getting more depressed each day while holding in this awful secret that made her feel so much shame. I was on this book like politicians are on money, I couldn't put the thing down! Later on I heard that Andy Evans actually didn't get arrested! They let him go! Ahhg I was so angry!
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AGE
Good book, though not for young kids or young teens
I loved Speak. It was a very good novel in general. I would not recommend that younger kids or even younger teen read this. While it is a good book about survival, it's just not good for younger kids or young teens. Kids will probably be scared when they read that Melinda had cut herself on the wrist with a paper cuter. The whole book steadily leads up the fact that she was raped in the woods at a house party. That fact alone will probably scare kids and young teens. Though the rape scene is not graphic, the implication of what happened, it will kids with some questions and maybe they'll be a little scared. In the end of the novel, Melinda finally learns to defend herself and speak out after she discovers her ex best friend is dating the rapist. Kids will also be probably be scared of the ending when the rapist confronts Melinda and attempts to hurt her again. Luckily the hockey team comes in and helps her. Over all, I loved the book myself, but it is most definitely not for young teens or young kids.
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AGE
Really good book that helps people understand
I think this book was amazing. Melinda got raped and this is her story. The survivor ALWAYS gets to tell the story and her being a survivor from one of the most occuring crimes of today makes her strong but ignored. I felt very happy when she finally became the hero. High school is tough especially for the "outsiders". You cant fit in and it seems like there is no place for you. My advice is to find someone like you or just be alone. Dont care what people think because you do whast you have to do. Melinda cant speak but finally learns how to through art. This book is a touching story of a girl's path to hope and strength. It definitely deserved to become a platinum edition book just like "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton and "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements. It also became sa movie, so watch it! I recommend this book to anyone who can understand and feel Melinda's pain. Hopefully, this story will make this world a little better than before.
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| Author: | Laurie Halse Anderson |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Puffin |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1999 |
| Number of pages: | 198 |
| Paperback price: | $7.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
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