Speak

by Anderson, Laurie Halse

• ISBN13: 9780312674397
• ISBN10: 0312674392
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781429997041
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780142407325
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-05-10
• Publisher: Square Fish

About This Book

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that has resonated with millions of readers worldwide. First published in 1999, this book has been a cornerstone in the world of young adult literature, addressing critical issues like consent, healing, and finding one's voice.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, Speak is used by high school students and educators in English literature and social studies classes. The book's themes and messages make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring complex social issues, particularly those related to teenage life and personal struggles.

History and Editions

The original edition of Speak was published in 1999 and quickly gained recognition for its raw and honest portrayal of teenage life. Over the years, it has been updated and reprinted several times, including a 2011 edition published by Square Fish. This edition has been widely acclaimed and remains a bestseller.

Author and Other Works

Laurie Halse Anderson is a renowned author known for her engaging and often provocative writing style. Speak is one of her most celebrated works, but she has also written other notable books like Chains, Wintergirls, and Shout, which also address themes of identity, trauma, and resilience.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780312674397
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780312674397 (Note: This ISBN may be used for various digital formats)
• Audiobook: ISBN-13: 9780312674397 (Note: This ISBN may be used for various digital formats)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Square Fish
• Publication Date: 2011
• Number of Pages: 224
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• Used Paperback: Available through various retailers with conditions ranging from Very Good to Fair.
• New Paperback: Available through various retailers.

Awards and Accolades

• National Book Award Finalist
• Michael L. Printz Honor Book
• Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
• Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
• TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time
• Cosmopolitan Magazine Best YA Books Everyone Should Read, Regardless of Age

This information provides a comprehensive overview of Speak, making it easier for students and educators to understand the book's significance and availability in various formats.

Author Biography

Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids of all ages--including Fever 1793, Chains, Twisted, and many others. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Anderson was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by the YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.”

 

Anderson was born in Potsdam, New York in 1961. Growing up, she loved reading and listening to family stories. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was freelance journalist, and then worked part-time at a bookstore to earn money while working on her fiction. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes.

Table of Contents

“In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. . . . Yet Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers’ empathy. . . . But the book’s overall gritty realism and Melinda’s hard-won metamorphosis 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

“A frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much of contemporary high school life, as real as today’s headlines. . . . The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn . . . a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.”—Kirkus Reviews, Pointer Review

“Melinda’s pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story.”—School Library Journal

“A story told with acute insight, acid wit, and affecting prose.”—Library Journal

“Melinda’s voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. . . . Melinda’s sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.”—Booklist

A Michal L. Printz Honor Book
A National Book Award Finalist
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Quick Pick
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Top Ten First Novel
A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Horn Book Fanfare Title
A New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller