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.

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.

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.

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.

It's hard to read, (I was weeping through it) but a powerful, strong story that teaches about trauma. If u look at the ratings at the end of the book it says that 1 out of 6 American women are sexually assaulted at some point in their life so I don't see why it's not appropriate to discuss it with pre teens. The book is awesome.

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.

Uplifting