Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson

🗣️ Genre: Young Adult · Contemporary Fiction · Drama · Coming-of-Age

Melinda begins her freshman year of high school feeling completely isolated. After a traumatic experience over the summer, she stops speaking and withdraws from her friends and classmates. Through art and a new way of expressing herself, she slowly begins to confront what happened and find her voice again.

A powerful novel about trauma, silence, friendship, identity, and the courage to speak up.

🚫 Why has it been banned or challenged?
Speak has been challenged or removed from some U.S. schools and libraries because of sexual assault, sexual content, profanity, and references to alcohol and drugs. Some challenges have also objected to its mature themes. The book has nevertheless been widely taught and discussed for its portrayal of trauma and its emphasis on finding the courage to speak about abuse.

Recommended age: 14+