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.

Although this book was questionable, it still sent across a positive message. Kids should be proud of who they are, and talk to adults when they need help. Melinda finds herself at the end of the book through her art and begins to open up to her art teacher.

this was a great book but melinda skips class and cuts herself. she was raped and won't tell anyone. she portrays high school as an awful ordeal. it was still a great book but is a bit depressing. however it ends well.

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.

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).

I am 13 and i love this book. It is a little graphic but i have seen worse on the television.

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.

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.

This book had very descriptive sexual scenes and many more sexual remarks and comments. It was a very negative book - although it ended in a very positive way. The risks involved involved in being a 13 year old girl at a drunken party with men was never addressed (such as the possibility of rape!).

I really liked this book. It gave you an insight into a teenagers mind. If you feel like a outcast, or don't know where you fit in at High School you would love this. Also the humor and the way that Melinda deals with her situation is the way that you would expect a teenager to deal with it. Of course all the parent stuff that us teenagers go through. What I also liked about this book was that at the end of every marking period Melinda grades herself on social life and clothes along with her core subjects. I also liked Mr.Freeman the art teacher was a great teacher. All in all this was a great book but I would only recommend this to your older teens 16+ and up. Any younger and you wouldn't grasp the story. Also the subject matter and the drinking is in my opinion inappropriate for younger teens. Overall this was a great read. I couldn't put it down once I got in my hands. I even had to stay up past my bedtime just so I could finish it.

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.

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.

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 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!

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

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

great book and movie it really makes you think...

Laurie Halse Anderson puts great humor into this book. I just finished reading this book a couple weeks ago and I think it is great. You feel bad for Melinda even when she's not always the nicest person lol

There may be drink, sex, and violence in the book but that doesnt make the message any less effective and clear. All those horrible things are there to show why Melinda is acting the way she does. And this is the kind of thing that can happen as a High School student.Not only could it really happen but the characters are written to seem very real. And its very relatable for teens. Some people may even see some of themselves with in Melinda. I personally find the book to be a great read and a book everybody should pick up.

Very good book. I like it. It's a little iffy for me, but it's good.

This book has a lot of dry, witty humor. It describes highschool in a very dark & depressing way. I think the way Laurie portrays the students is some what realistic. I have read this, and noticed that this book has received quite a number of awards that personally, I don't really think it deserves. It is quite boring and slow moving. I do understand this is the reality of highschool, but why would someone want to spend time reading a novel of this portrayl. I would rather be reading something with more of a story, plot-line, and really I could go on and on but I think you know what I mean now. Thanks for your time - ha.

Anderson impressively wrote Speak, which centers around Melinda, a typical teen, who is getting herself situated in your average high school. Which includes the sleazy teens, the jocks, the cliques, and the list goes on. Although, she feels pressure setting in when she called the cops at a party, because of a situation that she was in, that occurred. Speak is a highly recommended book from me because Anderson writes at adept and she knows how to go in-depth with characters, without having a bland experience. Speak will make you laugh and cry. A great book that was cleverly written. In case you want to envision the content Speak will contain, I'll tell you the concealed material. For sexual content, (this comment will contain major spoilers) the book deals about a girl that was raped at a party (major spoilers end). There are several discussions about the assault. Melinda talks about sleazy teenagers in high school. For violence, (spoilers reoccur), a girl is assaulted and she is pushed against a sink and she has little blood flowing from her lip (spoilers end). For profanity, the typical high school swearing such as b****, b***s***, b*****, b******, and w****.

This book perfectly describes High School. Except for the assault. I assume that happens everywhere but not at my school. The cliques...perfect. No one really likes cheerleaders. The jocks are always jerks and the less populars always treat you like a person...(David). The art teacher is always a little out there, and there is always one teacher that hates you no matter what. Melinda is a great character that overcame this event just like any teen probably would. Great Read! I just got the book started around my high school.