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Description for Speak
paperback. A powerful novel with a believable, bitterly ironic teenage heroine, following her through her first year at high school, from outcast to acceptance. Num Pages: 240 pages. BIC Classification: 5AN; YFB. Category: (J) Children / Juvenile. Dimension: 196 x 129 x 17. Weight in Grams: 166.
From her first moment at Merryweather High, Melinda Sordino knows she's an outcast. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know glare at her. No one knows why she called the police, and she can't get out the words to explain. So she retreats into her head, determined not to think about it. But, try as she might, it just won't go away...
From her first moment at Merryweather High, Melinda Sordino knows she's an outcast. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know glare at her. No one knows why she called the police, and she can't get out the words to explain. So she retreats into her head, determined not to think about it. But, try as she might, it just won't go away...
Product Details
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2008
Publisher
Hodder Children's Books
Condition
New
Number of Pages
240
Place of Publication
London, United Kingdom
ISBN
9780340950777
SKU
9780340950777
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 2 to 4 working days
Ref
99-5
About Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times-bestselling author, known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity. Her work has earned numerous awards and accolades. Laurie was the proud recipient of the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her 'significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature'. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes. She and her husband, Scot, plus dogs Kezzie and Thor, and assorted chickens and other critters enjoy country living and time in the woods. When not writing or hanging out with her family, you can find Laurie training for marathons or trying to coax tomatoes out of the rocky soil in her backyard. You can follow her adventures on Twitter, http://twitter.com/halseanderson, and on her blog, http://madwomanintheforest.com/blog/.
Reviews for Speak
Highly recommended.
THE SCOTSMAN
Anderson has produced an outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy ... The power of Speak to evoke a positive response in spite of harrowing realism lies in Anderson's poetic prose and witty first person narration.
BfK, July 2001
Strong and searching novels that cover very difficult scenarios...The humanity of the protagonist really shines through in the expert characterisation and writing, making these novels really challenge the reader's empathy. I would strongly recommend these stark and thought provoking titles.
The Bookseller, 13th April 2001
The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.
KIRKUS REVIEWS
Nails the high school experience cold. An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.
THE HORN BOOK
A stunning first novel... Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers' empathy. The book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Anderson holds the reader's sympathy with impressive skill in this classic 'outsider' story.
The Herald
A dark but ultimately uplifting story.
Writers News
An outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy rather than pity.
Books For Keeps
Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.
Booklist
Highly recommended.
The Scotsman
The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn... a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.
Kirkus Reviews
An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.
The Horn Book, Starred Review
THE SCOTSMAN
Anderson has produced an outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy ... The power of Speak to evoke a positive response in spite of harrowing realism lies in Anderson's poetic prose and witty first person narration.
BfK, July 2001
Strong and searching novels that cover very difficult scenarios...The humanity of the protagonist really shines through in the expert characterisation and writing, making these novels really challenge the reader's empathy. I would strongly recommend these stark and thought provoking titles.
The Bookseller, 13th April 2001
The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.
KIRKUS REVIEWS
Nails the high school experience cold. An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.
THE HORN BOOK
A stunning first novel... Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers' empathy. The book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Anderson holds the reader's sympathy with impressive skill in this classic 'outsider' story.
The Herald
A dark but ultimately uplifting story.
Writers News
An outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy rather than pity.
Books For Keeps
Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers.
Booklist
Highly recommended.
The Scotsman
The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn... a novel that will be hard for readers to forget.
Kirkus Reviews
An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last.
The Horn Book, Starred Review