Young Adult Novel
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson portrays the brutal truth of not fitting into high school. The story follows Melinda, a teenage girl who is entering the chaotic stage of life, high school. Speak shows readers the reality of high school cliques and how they impact young adolescents mental and social health. Melinda believes she does not fit the standard roles of a high school cliques at her school: “Jocks, Country Clubbers, Idiot Savants, Cheerleaders, Human Waste, Eurotrash, Future Fascists of America, Big Hair Clix, the Marthas, Suffering Artists, Thespians, Goths, Shredders.” Melinda’s character has a dry sense of humor and embodies the reality of being a part of a community with cliques. Speak is relatable to readers because the idea of cliques and bullying is present in our everyday school, at all grade levels. The book contains several examples of symbolism, most importantly the tree on the cover representing her growth throughout the story. In the beginning, she starts painting trees for her school project that were dark, gloomy, and isolated, which is how Melinda sees herself in her school. As the story progresses, the trees become brighter, symbolizing her growth and finding her identity after dealing with the high school cliques and the trauma she experienced. Speak also discusses tough topics, especially for a freshman in high school, that bring awareness and comfort to any readers who have also experienced any trauma like that as a high schooler who feels isolated and alone. This book is important to incorporate in our young adolescent classrooms because it discusses real-world issues students face in high school and how to navigate through them. When readers read relatable content, especially in the tough to talk about areas, it makes them feel less isolated and not alone in the experiences they have had.