Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda is entering high school, a freshman but already an outcast because of something that happened at the end of the last school year. She used to have friends, but now she’s isolated, depressed, and finds it hard to talk to anyone. This is a very funny, powerful book. I couldn’t stop reading it. 

I read a used copy that I picked up because of the compelling cover. Inside I discovered a book group form that had been filled out by the previous owner. The pages have some notes in the margins: that can be annoying, but in this case the notes let me into the mind of the girl who pre-loved it. I could trace how she was moved by the story, and it convinced me that it still succeeds in reaching kids. The author has received zillions of comments: she says it’s painful that many boys don’t get why rape is such a big deal to Melinda. At least they saw that it is a big deal. Reading this book, therefore, is strongly advised for boys as well as girls. 

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