logo

86 pages 2 hours read

Speak

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

High School • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda, a teenager who starts her first year at Merryweather High School, grapples with the trauma of being raped at a summer party by a senior named Andy Evans. Isolated and unable to speak about her experience, she finds solace in art class under the guidance of Mr. Freeman. Through creating art and confronting her pain, Melinda gradually finds her voice and begins her journey toward healing.

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

605,486 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak is praised for its raw and powerful narrative, tackling themes of trauma and resilience through the protagonist's journey. Critics commend its authentic teen voice and emotional depth. Some find the subject matter heavy, yet essential. Its handling of sensitive issues garners both acclaim and discomfort.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Speak?

A reader who would enjoy Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is likely a young adult or teenager who appreciates strong, emotional narratives about personal growth and resilience. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Thirteen Reasons Why would find similar thematic elements and relatable, poignant characters.

4.4

605,486 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

High School • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.