Speak By: Laurie Halse Anderson

About the Author “ Laurie Halse Anderson masterfully gives voice to teen characters undergoing transformations in their lives through their honesty and perseverance while finding the courage to be true to themselves.”  Laurie Halse Anderson was born on October 23, 1961 in Potsdam, NY.  She is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition.

The inspiration for Speak A nderson thought up the main character of this novel through a nightmare. She woke up one night panicked because she thought she heard a girl sobbing. This main character somewhat resembles Anderson during her own freshman year of high school. She had just moved into a new town and her own family was experiencing difficulties. “The crying girl was in my head, a bad dream. I sat down at the computer and wrote out what I was hearing. The next morning I listened to that voice again and the character of Melinda Sordino unfolded.”

The Novel  Intro: Speak is about a young girl entering her first year of high school.  Setting: Syracuse, NY- present day, the novel is meant to be modern and relatable to young teens. Most of the novel takes place in her high school, Merryweather High, her home, or in the town in which she lives.  Point of view: First person- our main character, Melinda Sordino

The Plot Melinda Sordino is an outcast. She is entering high school on what most would consider “the wrong foot.” A serious event over the summer changes her life and her social status as well. We see her struggle with many conflicts, thoughts, and personal issues as she navigates this first year of high school.

Additional information about the novel: Melinda presents and separates her struggles to the audience through marking periods. There are four marking periods throughout this novel, and we will see Melinda’s character develop and transform throughout these four sections. Each marking period ends with an overview of her report card- symbolize/summarize the significance of the events in that marking period. The novel is also presented to us in several different tones: the underlying tone of the novel is serious, but Melinda adds a sarcastic vibe to the reading. Melinda presents her story to us as a journal entry.

Characters  Melinda Sordino- our narrator and protagonist.  Melinda’s parents.  Rachel Bruin- also known as Rachelle, is Melinda's ex- best friend.  Heather- Melinda's first friend in freshman year.  David Petrakis- Melinda's lab partner.  Andy Evans- also known as Andy Beast or IT, is a senior and the subject of Melinda’s hatred.  Mr. Freeman- Melinda’s art teacher.

Themes  Strength of character  Conformity  Self-identity/self-reflection  Stereotypes  Family influence  Growing up

Conflicts present within the novel Internal conflicts: occur when a character is in disagreement with him or herself. - Character vs. Himself/Herself External conflicts: arise from obstacles located outside the protagonist including nature, the supernatural, or society. -Character vs. Character, Character vs. Society, and Character vs. Nature.

Symbols  This novel is filled with symbolic references.  Be aware of these symbols as they occur because they continue to grow throughout the course of the novel in meaning.  Pay specific attention the the tree and the number four.

Speak up about Speak The book is not just about what happened to Melinda or the anger, hurt, frustration that she feels due to the incident that changed her life. It is also about not feeling confident in oneself or being able to speak out about what is happening in ones own life, regardless of the situation.