Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. New York: Penguin.
Speak is written intelligently and speaks to chaos and heartache of high school from the personal narrative of Melinda.  Melinda is just beginning high school and everyone is ignoring her. The close set of friends she had since childhood are hostile to her.  Something has happened at a summer party but we as readers aren't really sure. Melinda has the typical high school teachers but she finds refuge in her Art class with Mr. Freeman.  Her art projects are centered around trees, the subject she randomly pulled.  Melinda's mom and dad love her but do not really understand her.  As the school year progress, Melinda finds a secret hide away in an old janitor closet, a space she can have all to herself away from the horribleness that high school can be.  IT seems to always be around, a most unwelcoming presence. To make matters worse, IT (Andy) is starting to date her former best friend, Rachel.  If she only knew what happened with him last summer, Rachel would not like him so much. David is a welcome awkward presence in her high school experience but she isn't sure if he likes her or not.  Melinda finally has the courage to tell Rachel what happened last summer, something she hasn't told anyone.At first, she is sympathetic but once Melinda tells her who it was she doesn't believe her. As the school year winds down, Melinda cleans out her secret place closet at school and IT confronts her again. Will this be a repeat of the summer and more of the endless cycle of isolation or will the encounter finally reveal the truth?
Speak is wonderfully layered and creates a identifiable experience of high school.  The author writes with clarity and details that draws the reader into Melinda's frustrations. The book's themes of rape, bullying and intimidation is relevant to the classroom.  Speak also has a movie based on the book.  I would recommend watching the movie after reading the book.  The book is well written and the movie is minimal in the acting.  I still believe that the movie would help create a dialogue to further a conversation about the important topics of sexual crime and cover up, speaking out and isolation.
Speak was deeply personal to me and as the textbook reflects - reading autobiographically. I identified with Melinda as I think most would during the high school years. It was completely reflective as a mirror on teenage struggles and journey. My connection to the story went a little further as I have experience some of Melinda's trauma. My high school experience junior high and high school journey included being "hunted" by older boys and not telling anyone but a couple of friends.  I want to open up a dialogue with my daughter and later on students about Melinda's journey as a springboard to discuss about the issues presented. I want my daughter about her experiences.  It is important to talk about these topics with boys as well as girls. One question in discussion could be, Who do you see yourself as in this book?.