SuitabookSpeak
Laurie Halse Anderson
- Reading
- Prepare for emotionally difficult material rather than treating the assault as background. Reading in shorter sections, pausing after intense passages and discussing Melinda’s choices without blame may help sustain thoughtful engagement.
- Themes
- Silence, disclosure and recovery: After the assault, Melinda stops speaking about what happened and gradually finds forms of expression, including art. Silence is presented as initially protective but also confining; recovery is associated with expression and reclaiming a voice.
- Social power and credibility: Andy Evans is described as popular and charming, while Melinda becomes isolated and appears less credible to others. The book takes a critical view of this.
- Art and self-reclamation: Melinda makes progress through art class and uses drawing, sculpting and a tree project to express what she cannot say. Art is portrayed as a significant route through which Melinda reconnects with herself and makes progress.
- Worth knowing
- The central rape, prolonged silence, bleak emotional state, social exclusion and failures by adults to notice or protect Melinda deserve attention. Consider whether a trusted adult should be available for discussion while reading.