Speak

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. NY: Penguin

Melinda Sordino attended a party with her friends and ended up calling the cops because she was afraid.  As she enters high school, Melinda is an outcast because of her actions at the end of the summer party.  All of her friends have abandoned her, believing she was out of her mind for calling the cops and breaking up the party.  They have no idea what she went through that night beening raped by Andy Evans.  She is alone, and her lips are sealed. Melinda struggles socially, academically, and mentally, but she finds shelter in Mr. Freeman's art class. Mr. Freeman seems to be the only one who notices something is actually wrong and bothering Melinda.  Melinda is given the assignment of turning a tree into a piece of art.  Melinda reminds herself that what happened to her was not her fault as she begins to stand up for herself and speak.

Speak is an excellent young adult book for any girl who has been the victim of rape. Speak is for ages 12- 18 years old.   The potential for healing through Melinda’s eyes. Girls will hopefully begin to realize they can speak up for themselves and begin to heal.  Melinda exhibits behaviors of a rape victim, grief, shame anxiety, lack of interest and trouble in school.    If you like Speak, I might also recommend  The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobksy or Dreamland by Sarah Desson.  The strength of this story is a realistic novel that in the end Melinda stands up for herself, This book could also be used to explore different themes, including: social & family issues, sexual abuse, depression & mental illness, and growing up.

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