Speak (Book)

Title: Speak

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

ISBN: 0-14-240732-1

Recommended Grade Level of Reader:  9th and Up

Publisher: Penguin Group

Media Type: Book

Copyright:  1999

Genre: Fiction

Reader's Annotation: If only they could hear her side of the story then they would understand why she called the cops. So, why can’t Melinda just say something?

Plot Summary: After a terrifying night at a party, Melinda quickly becomes an outcast at school. Everyone blames Melinda for breaking up an end of summer party, but they don’t know the real reason she called the police that night. Slowly, the terrifying events from that night consume her and Melinda is no longer able to talk. She quickly becomes even more of an outcast. Throughout the course of the novel Melinda finds her own ways to deal with what happened that night and finally makes a shocking revelation. 

Evaluation:  (A)  Laurie Halse Anderson provides for a realistic plot line that results in a timeless story.  The events that unfold in Speak have happened to many high school students and, sadly, will continue.  The author describes Melinda's experiences with an impressive amount of realism.  Additionally, Melinda's thoughts and inner dialogue are surprisingly realistic.  Laurie Halse Anderson must have channeled her inner teenager when she penned this novel.          

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Speak (Movie)

Title: Speak

Director: Jessica Sharzer

Based on a Novel by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Starring:  Kristen Stewart

ISBN: 1-59447-236-X

Rating: PG-13

Suitable for Ages:  Some Material Inappropriate for Children Under the Age of 13

Production Company: Showtime Entertainment

Media Type: DVD

Copyright:  2005

Genre: Drama

Reader's Annotation:  Sometimes silence is louder than words.  

Plot Summary:  After a terrifying night at a party, Melinda quickly becomes an outcast at school. Everyone blames Melinda for breaking up an end of summer party, but they don’t know the real reason she called the police that night. Slowly, the terrifying events from that night consume her and Melinda is no longer able to talk. She quickly becomes even more of an outcast. Throughout the course of the novel Melinda finds her own ways to deal with what happened that night and finally makes a shocking revelation. 

Evaluation:  (B)  This movie was consistent with the novel.  While some of the plot sequences were different, the film was representative of Laurie Halse Anderson's original piece of work. Kristen Stewart, of Twilight fame, does a superb job at portraying Melinda's character.  Stewart's accurate characterization of Melinda, through her tone of voice and demeanor, are powerful and evoke emotion reminiscent of the novel.    

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