"Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say."
A timeless novel about consent and finding the courage to speak up for yourself, the twentieth anniversary edition of the classic novel that has spoken to so many young adults now includes a new introduction by acclaimed writer, host, speaker, and cultural commentator Ashley C. Ford as well as an afterword byNew York Times-bestselling author ofAll American BoysandLong Way Down,Jason Reynolds. This edition will also feature an updated Q&A, resource list, and essay and poem from Laurie Halse Anderson.
From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether.
Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back, refuses to be silent, and thereby achieves a measure of vindication.
Praise forSpeak:
“In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. . . .Will leave readers touched and inspired.”
—Publishers Weekly,starred review
“An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness,Speak will hold readers from first word to last.”
—The Horn Book,starred review
Accolades forSpeak:
New York TimesBestseller
Publishers WeeklyBestseller
Michael L. Printz Honor Book
National Book Award Finalist
Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
Los Angeles TimesBook Prize Finalist
ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick
Publishers WeeklyBest Book of the Year
BooklistTop Ten First Novel
BCCBBlue Ribbon Book
School Library JournalBest Book of the Year
