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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
<i>I don't know why, I don't know why
I return to the scenes of these crimes</i>
I always think of Ghosts of Beverly Drive by Death Cab for Cutie when it comes to my own assaults. I have a feeling Melinda would too.
I return to the scenes of these crimes</i>
I always think of Ghosts of Beverly Drive by Death Cab for Cutie when it comes to my own assaults. I have a feeling Melinda would too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
I think the last time I read a graphic novel was when I was a child. I have a copy of the Speak novel, but haven't gotten to reading it just yet. This was a quick read and I really loved it. The strong message that was conveyed through the graphics spoke volumes. I can definitely see myself handing this novel over to my niece when she's a bit older to read, to ensure her that no matter what, speaking out is what should be done and that she will always have a support system with me and our family. I hate to think it will ever happen to someone around me, but I would love to be able to let them know they are not alone.
A must read for grades 7-12+. Thank you both, Laurie and Emily, for this. It means a lot.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read the novel when I was in grad school, and this remains a powerful story. I prefer a novel to a graphic novel, but this is a great addition to my classroom library and has been extremely popular with students.
Thanks to a community of educators and literacy advocates who have boldly championed SPEAK through countless censorship challenges that have helped change the national conversation about teen sexual violence, this book has remained accessible to those who need it most. Several decades later and the content is still relevant, and can be seen on stage, in film and gloriously, this year, as a graphic novel. Art and artistic expression play a significant part of Melinda transition from traumatized victim to empowered survivor. Even if you have experienced this story in other formats, don't overlook this graphic novel.
I read the older version as a teenager and when I saw the graphic novel version I decided to reread. The illustrations are really powerful and add a juvenile element to the story. This story had some pretty heavy topics such as self harm, depression/anxiety, bullying, and sexual assault. I think it’s important that these topics are addressed in books for a younger audience because it can help young teenagers get perspective on how to handle things like this. Definitely a book to have in a classroom lib!
emily carroll’s beautifully haunting visuals paired with anderson’s raw and poetic writing work beautifully together as they take you down into the depths and then hold your hand as they lead you back into the light
Gripping. I couldn’t put it down. I have not read the original story, and now I really want to.
The artwork by Emily Carroll adds so much depth to this story. So captivating. It added a heightened level to the storyline. That and the fact art was the one thing that kept Melinda sane during her year, made this a perfect pairing.
It hurts so much that Melinda was so alone. That not even her parents could see that she was suffering. It’s heartbreaking.
I can see how this was a critically acclaimed novel. The topic of rape and its rippling after affects; depression, self-harm, withdrawal. It’s all too real for too many people. I hope it helps give strength and power to those who have been affected by these horrible events, to not feel alone and isolated.
The artwork by Emily Carroll adds so much depth to this story. So captivating. It added a heightened level to the storyline. That and the fact art was the one thing that kept Melinda sane during her year, made this a perfect pairing.
It hurts so much that Melinda was so alone. That not even her parents could see that she was suffering. It’s heartbreaking.
I can see how this was a critically acclaimed novel. The topic of rape and its rippling after affects; depression, self-harm, withdrawal. It’s all too real for too many people. I hope it helps give strength and power to those who have been affected by these horrible events, to not feel alone and isolated.
