Speak: The Graphic Novel

As a parent, I would recommend reading this book before your child reads it, so you can be prepared to explain rape, depression, suicide and self mutilation to your child. The main character is raped not once, but twice. These are extremely heavy/graphic (both emotional and physical) topics which should be discussed in the method/delivery you choose best fit for your child. Not all children receive/respond to heavy information/topics the same. Many children do not comprehend exactly what rape is or the after effects, hence the importance of serving as a sounding board to answer deep/thought provoking questions your child might not feel comfortable asking in a classroom atmosphere. If your child is assigned this book as required reading, PLEASE PARENTS, read it before they do, so you understand the content and you and your child can decide if it's age appropriate.

Triggers including rape, violence, and self-inflicting pain. This book was assigned in my son’s 9th grade English class. Something of this magnitude should not be addressed in a comic-style reading book. While rape is a true problem, perhaps this subject should be saved for a health class setting or other. Neither my child or myself were comfortable with this as a required reading book, especially for this age group. Reading level is low but content way too high for school age children.