Speak

Book Title: Speak

Author(s): Laurie Halse Anderson

Publisher: Penguin Group

Copyright Date: 1999

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction – frequently banned book

Brief Annotation:

A 14 year-old girl is silenced into fear after she was raped at a high school party the summer before her freshman year.

Your Rating (1-5) and why:

5 - Having discussions about these heavy teenager topics will help address the primary struggle the main character in this novel had: she had no voice – no convictions – no experience – she wasn’t prepared or old enough to know how to cope with such a traumatic experience. Through reading the story and discussing it, the students will be more open-minded and aware of such unfortunate and possible consequences.

Readers who will like this book:

Anyone older than 13 – this is the time in a young adult’s life when curiosity about cliques, sex, alcohol, and high school life begin. It would be best to acknowledge these truths and discuss the implications of exploring any of these ideas before they are aware of the consequences. This book, told from a 15 year-old girl’s perspective, is both readable and relatable, and a great way to spark meaningful discussions.

Teaching Strategy from Tompkins or Yopp & Yopp (you'll link a strategy to at least 10 of your 40 books) :

Partner Journal – Going along with the theme of “finding your voice” in the book, these small 2-person dialogue journals could help give the students the courage to write what they would be too afraid or embarrassed to say in front of the class. They might surprise one another with what experience or thoughts their partner may have and it would prepare the students for whole group discussions.

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud:

There would definitely be a discussion about rape and what it entails. I would also ask the students if they ever felt like they had something important to say, but just didn’t have the voice to say it? Were you too afraid, embarrassed or unsure about how to say it in the right words?

Optional, but noted as extra effort:

1. Interest Level (age): 14-18 year olds

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 7.1

3. List awards

2000 Printz Honor Book, 1999 National Book Award Finalist, An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist, Winner of the Golden Kite Award, ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults, ALA Quick Pick, Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Booklist Top Ten First Novel 1999, BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, SLJ Best Book of the year, Horn Book Fanfare Title

4. Does this book have a book trailer? If so, cut and paste the web address here.

Speak was made into an independent film

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4208745/speak_movie_trailer/