1. Speak
Halse Anderson, Laurie. Speak. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1999.
Annotation
In Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Speak,” one teenager faces the beginning of high school after a summer’s party goes horribly wrong. Freshman Melinda Sordino is shunned by all for the phone call she made at that party and the subsequent emotional rollercoaster she rides throughout the rest of the year as she struggles to find her place in the abyss of high school. Melinda soon learns that she must have the courage to “Speak” or the unspoken words may just swallow her forever.
Nomination
Halse’s books talks about a tragedy that most women would have hard time delaing with, and puts it squarely on the shoulders of a teenager entering her first year of high school. She eloquently combines this tragedy, almost downplaying it (as some unknowing teenages may do in an attempt to deal with the it) with the stresses of starting high school as an outcast. Melinda’s character is such a rich, soulful character - many in her position would be tempted to blame others for her suffering, scream the truth at the top of her lungs to whomever will listen so her classmates will stop punishing her for a misunderstanding or turn violent or harmful in an effort to deal with her overwhelming pain, but she does none of it. Instead, Melinda does what many victims do and turns the blame and shame onto herself. As we follow her throughout the year, the reader silently cheers Melinda on - a fly on the wall during her triumphs, her disappointments, and her eventual realization of her strength. Melinda takes back her life and finally finds her voice to speak the truth, and that is a moving moment that affects teenagers and adults alike.
Halse’s book uses foreshadowing well to keep her readers interested in the story and invested in the character to compel the story forward. Every teenager has felt the sting of rejection and the pain of not entirely “fitting in” so all can relate. Most importantly, Halse’s book teaches the lesson that not all is what it seems and never be too quick to judge lest you get it wrong. While she subtly reminds her readers to be mindful of their judgments, she also inspires them to reach for the inner strength to finally stand up for themselves and find their voice. This book is hard to read because it reminds us of the cruelty of others, but it’s a must because it also reveals the innate strength in everyone. Perhaps the most wonderful gift the book gives is the timeless message that truth will be revealed to all who just speak. As teenagers grow into adults, and adults reading the book remember their teenage years, they will remember this book and remember its invaluable lessons of truth, hope, strength and the importance of communication.
Genre: Realistic experience
