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Summary Of Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson should be mandatory reading for 8th graders due to its take on how trauma can affect the lives of its survivors. Through completed writing, the National Book Award finalist and Golden Kite Award winner, Laurie Anderson captures the thoughts of Melinda Sordino. After she gets raped and has to deal with a misunderstanding that leaves her silent and outcast. This short book of 224 pages is mostly written in short statements. From casual thoughts such as, “I zone out,” to ones with impact like, “Why go to school.” The direct language mirrors Melinda’s way of coping with her trauma, by shutting down and isolating herself. This type of writing not only adds to the tension of the book but keeps readers intrigued by Melinda.

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