Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

49 reviews

ashleycmms's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Eating disorder

jodierose14's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment

sonshinelibrarian's review against another edition

4.0

I read the novel years ago but remembered the basics. It translates so well into graphic novel form, but it's rough. It's tough subject matter and definitely could have some triggers for people who have gone through any similar experiences. I love Emily Carroll's work in general. However, I did have one issue. While I understand there were stylistic choices to get the feeling across, some of the passages were really hard to read because of how similar gradient colors were. I can't imagine trying to read it if I had any sort of sight challenges. Dark grey on black is not friendly.

Beautiful graphic novel, important message, not always the most inclusive art-wise.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

nerdysread's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This one was hard to read. It’s a great graphic novel, a good story. Emily Carroll’s art style is perfect to illustrate Melinda’s story and thoughts. 
Now, I have to read the novel

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Bullying and Racism

field_of_books's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The illustrations capture the main characters trauma so vividly and accurately. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

readandfindout's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Art: 5 stars

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual assault

waterwolves's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This graphic novel knocked my socks off.  It grabbed me right away and didn't let go.  It is an incredible work of art.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying and Rape

Minor: Self harm

leahsbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I haven't read the original novel that this graphic novel is adapted from, but this story is incredibly powerful in graphic format, and I can't help but think that it makes it even more accessible. Stories like this are so important to have out in the world, so that young people (and adults too) who are struggling can understand how to process events and emotions that they may not be comfortable sharing. 

Melinda is a character who my heart broke for. After experiencing a severe trauma, she doesn't know how to share it with anyone else, and it keeps her isolated and alone. So instead, she continues to draw further inward as everything around her falls apart. Her family life is in shambles, as are her grades and social life. The only positive in her life is art class. 

It was so hard to see Melinda self-destructing, but seeing her learn how to reclaim her voice and use it to speak up for herself was incredible. I'd highly recommend this graphic novel, and I'm absolutely planning to read the original book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Violence

nxclx's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was extremely well drawn and written, with an impactful message.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence