Speak 20th Anniversary Edition — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A special 20th anniversary edition of the groundbreaking National Book Award Finalist and Michael L. Printz Honor Book with more than 3.5 million copies sold. Speak is a bestselling modern classic about consent, healing, and finding your voice.
"Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, an outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, Melinda 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—and refuses to be silent.
From Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award laureate Laurie Halse Anderson comes the extraordinary landmark novel that has spoken to millions of readers, been translated into 35 different languages, and was the basis for the major motion picture starring Kristen Stewart. This edition features a new introduction by acclaimed writer, host, speaker, and cultural commentator Ashley C. Ford; an afterword by #1 New York Times-bestselling and multi-award winning author Jason Reynolds; as well as an updated Q&A, resource list, essay, and poem from Laurie Halse Anderson.
Awards and Accolades for Speak:
A New York Times Bestseller
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature
A Michael L. Printz Honor Book
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
A TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time
A Cosmopolitan Magazine Best YA Books Everyone Should Read, Regardless of Age
And don’t miss the critically acclaimed Speak: The Graphic Novel adapted by Laurie Halse Anderson herself, with artwork from Eisner-Award winner Emily Carroll.
Frequently asked questions
Is Speak 20th Anniversary Edition appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book addresses the topic of sexual assault, depicting the aftermath of a rape experienced by the protagonist, Melinda. This theme is described as powerful and painful, highlighting the mental anguish inflicted on vulnerable teens. The book deals with intense themes such as high school rape and the emotional fallout from such experiences, which may be frightening for some readers.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have violence?
The book addresses the topic of sexual assault, depicting the aftermath of a rape experienced by the protagonist, Melinda. This theme is described as powerful and painful, highlighting the mental anguish inflicted on vulnerable teens.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have scary content?
The book deals with intense themes such as high school rape and the emotional fallout from such experiences, which may be frightening for some readers.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have religious themes?
No religious content detected in search results.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racism or race-related themes detected in search results.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have profanity?
Moderate swearing typical of high schoolers is present, with instances of words like 'bitch,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bulls--t.'
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have climate change?
No climate themes detected in search results.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have sexual identity?
The narrative centers on the protagonist's experience of sexual assault, exploring themes of trauma and silence. The book is described as a controversial exploration of rape and its impact on a teenager's life.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or themes related to gender roles detected in search results.
Does Speak 20th Anniversary Edition have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes detected in search results.
