Speak by Laurie Anderson

Speak by Laurie Anderson
Young Adult Drama
ISBN: 0-374-37152-0
Suitable for 15+

Readers Annotation: Freshman Melinda loses her friends, her grades slip, and really doesn't speak anymore due to a party last summer.

Plot Summary: Melinda has just entered high school. All her past friends no longer talk to her due to a past party. She has now become an outcast. Her grades, once good, are now slipping to the point where her guidance counselor gets involved. She even receives unfair detentions and seems unable to meet a friendly face. Melinda's one and only friend that she made leaves her as well. Her family is sort of dysfunctional. She doesn't really care anymore and because of that she doesn't speak much anymore. But the one class that she excels in is art class. The class speaks to her in ways she never knew and she's applying herself in new ways too. And once she revisits the party that ruined her life, she eventually comes to terms with what happened.

Critical Evaluation: Though the contents of this book were at times, tough to read, Anderson has provided a skeptical, sarcastic language that is very enjoyable to read. The words are very descriptive, with many analogies and metaphors. The pacing of the book is also enjoyable, with chapters short and sweet, which helps with reluctant readers. Even the writing on the pages are split up by characters and thoughts. The main character is so well-developed that the reader can visualize her, not to mention that the words and chapters belong to her. You know that something is on her mind but she just can't get it out, thus her silence and her sarcastic observations. The numerous changes of the school mascot are quite humorous, while also showing how time has flown by. The flashback brings everything together to where the reader has the "oh, yeah" moment of realization. Its a great thing that the book is so enjoyable because its underlying message is about confronting your problems, speaking the truth because its much worse to be silent.

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson was born in 1961 and began her career as a freelance journalist. But in 1999, she published her most famous novel so far, Speak, as this won many awards. It got her recognition and the book is widely considered to be one of the most important books for young adults in recent years.

She has also written Catalyst, Prom, Twisted, and most recently, Wintergirls. All of these have been best-sellers and award winners. Anderson has also showed diversity in writing historical fiction such as Fever, 1793 and the Chain series. She currently lives in northern New York State with her husband.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) High school culture
2) Rape
3) Emotional problems
4) Family Issues

Challenge Issues: Due to the graphic detailed descriptions of rape, this book is definitely challenged.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: I've heard many things about Anderson that she is the quintessential young adult author and have discovered that by already read two of them. I'm so impressed with her style of writing that I may read her whole cannon.