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CE Pick ✦ Best Seller Award Winner

Speak

Featured Reading List Canonical Reading Best Sellers Books Turned Into Movies/Series Award Winners Popular Reading

Overview & Summary

After calling the police at a summer party, high schooler Melinda Sordino becomes a social outcast, shunned by former friends who don't know the real reason she called -- that she was raped by an older classmate -- and Melinda retreats into near-total silence as she struggles to process the trauma. Laurie Halse Anderson's novel is a groundbreaking, unflinching account of sexual assault and the long road back to finding one's voice.

Available Formats

  • 🎧Audiobook
  • 📖Hardcover
  • 📱Kindle
  • 📖Paperback

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Who This Book Is For

Recommended for High school students (Grades 9–12) working on English Literature. Fits students building reading confidence, vocabulary, and strong comprehension.

Grade LevelUpper (9-12)
Lexile ComplexityHigh School & Up (1100L+)

Why CE Recommends This Book

A foundational Classic text. Reading canonical literature builds deep comprehension, exposes students to mature writing styles, and prepares them to write thoughtful essays and participate in classroom discussions.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Upper (9-12).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for High School & Up (1100L+).
Subject Alignment: Builds vocabulary, reading stamina, and analytical skills for English Literature.
Reading Goal: Lexile growth, classroom discussion readiness & essay depth.