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Title: Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
type of book: YA Fiction
call number: YA/FIC
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This book is strong in character and story.
Summary:
Melinda Sordino, 9th grade outcast, is finding it harder and harder to use her voice. Her parents aren't around much and her old friends have abandoned her because of something that happened in the summer at a party. No one knows the truth about what happened that night.
A new girl, Heather, keeps following her around, always talking. Heather is intent on joining a group. She is pledged to the "Marthas." After she begins to model, they really go after her to join. She keeps dieting, but she is already very thin.
Eventually Melinda's situation gets so bad she begins cutting her own skin. She needs to talk to someone about what happened at the summer party, but she doesn't know who to trust and she assumes no one will believe she's telling the truth.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
This novel is an edgy account of a troubled teen's life, due to a traumatic event she was unable to control. It explores ways, both right and wrong, to handle a serious situation.
This book could be useful for both male and female readers who have been a victim of crime or know someone who has.
Related links:
Laurie's Bookshelf ~ Laurie Halse Anderson
Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: February 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
