What is the message of the book Speak?

One theme of Speak is finding one’s voice. Another theme in the novel is identity. The story can also be viewed as speaking out against violence and victimization. Melinda feels guilty, even though she was a victim of sexual assault.

Is Speak a good book?

Speak gives a great look at depression and related mental illnesses. It allows a teen reader to gain a new perspective on what is going around them, and perhaps within them. The novel does this by being very relatable through the language used through the eyes of Melinda.

Why is the book Speak controversial?

It is most frequently challenged for what is considered to be explicit sexual content. In 2010, an associate professor at Missouri State University challenged “Speak.” He deemed the discussion of rape as “soft pornography.” To him, the novel was “filthy” and lacked morality.

Is the book Speak inappropriate?

This book is pretty negative. There are very few redeeming characters. The main character has been raped and that frames her narrative. The words ‘spaz’ and ‘retarded’ are used more than once and it feels like lazy writing.

What is the story Speak about?

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, chronicles the struggles of thirteen-year-old Melinda Sordino after she is a raped by at a party the summer before her freshman year of high school by another student. Melinda tells her story in first person narrative.

What do lips symbolize in Speak?

For much of the story, Melinda’s lips are described as cracked, swollen and dry. The ugliness of her mouth represents the ugliness and shame she feels inside as well as her inability to take care of herself. Later, as Melinda begins to heal and learns to speak about the rape, the condition of her lips improves.

What age group is Speak suitable for?

Ages 12-up. (Oct.)

What kind of book is Speak?

Novel
Young adult fiction
Speak/Genres

Where has the book Speak been banned?

Richard Sweir, an “activist” who tried to get her novel, Speak banned in Florida, decided to participate in the comments section. Dr. Sweir called Speak “child pornography” because the book deals with rape and he feels that having 8th grade students read the book is akin to child abuse.

What grade level is the book Speak?

Speak

How do you summarize the book Speak?

What happens in the ending of Speak?

It also includes “symbolic speech” – such as writing, art, and other media. For example, at the end of Speak, Melinda finally draws a tree that expresses her emotions. At the very, very end, Melinda is about to tell Mr. Freeman, her art teacher, her story.