Freedom to Read Books

Welcome to the Walhalla High School Library book blog, Freedom to Read Books. Join us for discussions about banned and challenged books; tell us what you really think. Just remember that you are still in a school setting, so be responsible and keep it clean. Click in using NAME/URL to identify yourself, but sign your FIRST NAME and LAST INITIAL ONLY in the name box. Do NOT give out personal info. It's a crazy digital world out there; be safe.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Have you read any banned books lately? Share your insights on this controversial title from author Laurie Halse Anderson.

1 Comments:

At Tue Nov 28, 11:13:00 AM 2017, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is a novel that would certainly appeal to adolescents because it features a realistic teen narrator who faces familiar struggles. Trouble with algebra, hard-to-please teachers, and the desire to fit in are just some of the issues that the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, faces at Merryweather High. She tells about these difficulties with humor and wit, but Melinda is also coping with a secret that is steadily destroying her. Many teens will understand Melinda’s reluctance to talk to someone about her secret, but this lack of communication causes even more problems. Her parents and teachers think she is just being difficult, and her former friends continue to exile and berate her without knowing the whole story. Teens often find an outlet for their frustrations, and Melinda does find some solace in Mr. Freeman’s art class. It is not until the truth is revealed, however, that she is able to move forward and begin to heal. Teen readers will empathize with Melinda’s struggles and will be able to connect with her experiences, making this an excellent novel for adolescents.

 

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