A review by camilleo
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

challenging emotional sad 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? Yes

5.0

Melinda was only 13!!!! ☹️
Some things that stuck out to me:
-“If you don’t learn art now, you will never learn to breathe!!!!” (Page 11)
-“I think the white people who have been here for two hundred years are the ones pulling down the country. They don’t know how to work - they’ve had it too easy.” (Page 55)
-“When people don’t express themselves, they die one piece at a time. You’d be shocked at how many adults are really dead inside-walking through their days with no idea who they are, just waiting for a heart attack or cancer or a Mack truck to come along and finish the job. It’s the saddest thing I know.” (Page 122)
-The bruises are vivid but they will fade. (Page 198)
-May you always have the courage to speak up. (Page 199)