Estimated Time: 5 minutes

Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak is a powerful novel about a high school girl named Melinda who faces the struggles of isolation, trauma, and finding her voice. Set in a typical high school environment, the story gives readers a raw look into the emotional journey of a teenager dealing with difficult experiences while trying to navigate friendships, school, and family.

The novel is told from Melinda’s point of view, giving us a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings as she goes through her freshman year. This novel highlights important themes like depression, self-expression, the impact of trauma, and the importance of speaking up.

Many teens deal with depression, like Melinda. The video below shares some of the symptoms of depression.