Video From the Author

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGM7W0BSv0M

Wow, this video touched me so much and I just had to share it on here. The authors own personal struggles are amazing and I had goosebumps watching this! She seems to have turned out as such a great person and has touched thousands of kids all over with her books. It's crazy to hear her express so publicly the exact thing Melinda had such a hard time expressing in the book. She seems to be an amazing person .

-Sarah Izzard

Quote - Tina Mahdavi

I thought this quote was what Melinda should have done. She tried many times to tell her parents, and friends what happened but she was so scared she couldn't even speak.

Trust Trailer - Tina Mahdavi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9J3fBSpXwc

I find this movie relates to Speak. In both movies/books a teenager girls gets raped. In both movies/books the girls are afraid to speak up because they are scared. In this movie the girl was pressured into having intercourse with a man she thought she loved, but in Speak Melinda was raped when she thought she was just going to  hook up with the guy everyone liked. Although the main idea of the movies/books are different watching the movie Speak it automatically reminded me of this movie.
-Tina Mahdavi

Review Response -Tina Mahdavi

I don't agree with the rating this person gave. I feel like the book was way better than a "B" to be honest I'd give this book at least an "A-" I thought it was really really good, like I couldn't get enough. I wish there was a sequel to it. I agree with what she put as the moral/message of the book. Many students do end up hating their high school experience because they get bullied, and don't speak up for themselves ruining what could be the greatest 4 years of your life. I agree when she says that from the first section of the book she couldn't stop reading it. I don't usually read books because I get very bored with it within the first few chapters, but when I began reading this book i was actually very fascinated because it's about a teenagers experience in high school and I feel like most of us could relate to some of the things Melinda went through. Maybe not rape exactly but other situations she had to overcome such as losing friends, failing classes and much more. The review said it was written in a child like and immature way, but I thought that it was better like that. I like how the book didn't have chapters. Although it was harder to find where I last finished reading, I feel like the narrator made it seem it was sort of like Melinda writing it. If that makes sense. Overall I think the review gave a low rating for the book. It deserved a much higher rating.

Discussion Question #4 - Tina Mahdavi

Why does Melinda choose not to confide in her parents about her rape?
I think that Melinda chooses not to confide in her parents about her rape because she's scared. Shes scared of them not believing her and thinking shes lying for attention, or that they wouldn't understand or wouldn't care.

How was art such an important element of Melinda's lonely life?
I think that art was a very important element in Melinda's life because it was her way of expressing how she felt. Everything that she had hidden and bottled up inside would be expressed through her art. Mr. Freeman says he sees pain in her art work.

Why did Melinda's friends turn against her after the incident, instead of asking her about what really happened?
I think that Melinda's friends turned against her after the party because all the "cool" kids thought she called the cops so they thought if they didn't turn against her they wouldn't be "cool" either. Also I think they turned against her because they were at a party with older people who go to their school and they want to make a good impression on the first day of high school by knowing all the cooler kids but if they had left with the "party pooper" Melinda they would hate them too.

Speak shows how important and valuable friendship is in life. How does Melinda show what life can be like without friendship?
Melinda didn't have any true friends she could trust. She has no one to talk to so she started to cut herself as her last resort. The only way she spoke was through her art.

If you were one of Melinda's friends would you just drop her as a friend or would you have tried to communicate with her and support her?
I understand that her friends panicked and didn't want to be considered a loser for being friends with the girl who called the cops at a party but if I were them I wouldn't let the pressure of being cool ruin my friendship with one of my best friends. I would have stayed with Melinda and asked her why she called the cops.

Do you think Melinda handled the incident properly?
I do not think  Melinda handled the incident properly, she should have spoken up and told the cops what had happened when they got to the party. But I understand she was just raped and was in shock and scared to say anything, and by the time she had enough confidence to tell them it was too late.

What do you think of Mr. Freeman?
I think Mr. Freeman was a very important person in Melinda's life. I find he was one of Melinda's only friends even though he was a teacher. He helped her a lot when she had no friends. He let her eat in his classroom even thought it was not allowed. He understood Melinda through her art. Melinda trusted him, and she told him about how she was raped.

The theme of the book is to speak up for yourself. How does this book show this theme?
The theme of the book is to speak up because Melinda didn't tell anyone about what happened the night of the party and caused herself more problems like losing all her friends and getting low grades. If she had spoken up she wouldn't have to deal with this situation all alone.

Journal #4 Tina Mahdavi

A lot happened in this section of the book. When I read the part about Melinda standing up to Heather I think I got a little too excited. I'm so happy she finally spoke up and told her off for mistreating her. Heather completely deserved what she got.
When Melinda tried to tell Rachelle about what happened to her at the party, I suspected Rachelle wouldn't believe it but I was still very mad. As Ivy said Rachelle is a b***h. She thinks Melinda lied about being raped because she was jealous of Rachelle. Reading that made me extremely furious and also made me realize she's full of herself and she's also not a good friend. I fell bad that Melinda has no one to rely on. She tried to speak up, and it doesn't go well. Instead Rachelle thinks she's a jealous liar.

When Andy tried to rape her again in the closet I was beyond furious, I was literally about to rip the book in half. He's a terrible human being. I kind of wished Melinda had stabbed him in the throat with the piece of glass she had. He deserved to die right there. But at least Nicole and her whole entire lacrosse team came to her rescue.
When I read the part about Melinda telling Mr. Freeman about what happened i was kind of confused. I thought she would tell her mom even though they weren't the closest family, or at least Ivy. I understand that Mr. Freeman and Melinda were very close but I thought it was kind of weird how she told him. At least she told someone and finally told someone who understands.

I really really liked this book. I would recommend this to anyone I know. Reading this shows you a teenagers experience in high school besides the fact that she was raped. It shows everything a teenager goes through such as.. losing friends, finding out which friends use you and which ones are your true friends.

-tina mahdavi

Review Response

     I agree for the most part with the review that was written. From start to finish I enjoyed the book incredibly. I was sucked in from the start just like the reviewer had expressed. One of the parts I did not agree with was when the reviewer wrote that her high school years were the best of her life. I mean, I'm only in grade ten but so far they aren't so great. Maybe I will have a different perspective by the time I'm done high school and seeing the real world but for now it isn't the greatest experience. Also the reviewer could be older and had gone to high school years ago, because this generation is very different than so many others, people aren't as nice as they used to be. I agree with that the reviewer said about the tone of the book is so gripping, even though Melinda is sharing her view of high school in an "immature" style. But I do not agree with the second part. I just think that Melinda wrote in a different way, the way most teens would express things in my opinion. But the way Melinda does explain things wants me to read more, because the words that she uses and how she explains it all is quite interesting. Almost like how I would explain something myself. When the reviewer spoke about the moral I agreed right away. High school IS supposed to be the best years of our lives, but why are most people so miserable during it? Maybe it's because we don't take the chances we have, or are too afraid to do something we like because of other people's opinions. Or maybe it's because we're just depressed, and we can't help it. Overall I agree with what the reviewer had to say, just a few details I would change to fit my own personal opinion on the book and such.

 

-Victoria

Relating Quote

I think this quote fits perfectly with the book. Melinda needs to speak up about what happened for things in her life to start improving. Nothing will change if she doesn't come out about what happened on that night.

-Sarah Izzard

Review Response - Sarah Izzard

In general I truly do agree with the opinions expressed by the reviewer. This book was amazing and I too was sucked in right from the beginning  Even though I had to put the book down, I too felt like reading it all at once too. This book is very relatable to anyone in or finished high school because I'm sure that everyone has had an experience like one of the things that Melinda went through in this book. I defiantly agree with the message the reviewer took from the book as I had the same one in mind. It's such a good message to be sending to teens because so many things are going to happen in your life that you need to stand up for yourself for. In the end though, I don't agree with the rating the reviewer gave the book. She mentions that the writing style is like that of a journal and that it's interesting and I agree, but then she says that it threw her off. For me, the writing style the author chose made it so much more fun to read and almost more relatable because she's writing like a girl in high school and I'm sure that's how I write too. Also, she says she doesn't like the uncomfortable topics in the book but the issues with her family and with herself happen all the time to people everywhere. It may be a bit uncomfortable at some points seeing all these thoughts and issues written down but in the end I think it's better like that because everyone can relate to something mentioned.

- Sarah Izzard

Poem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ic1c_MaAMOI

Oh my goodness I cried watching this. I watched it about four times. Listening to the parts that other people wrote to her. That they went through. They personal stories. Their thoughts on the book. It's eye opening. Hearing about others being raped. Not knowing who they are but what they went through. It's still heartbreaking. I absolutely love the poem she wrote. It's eye opening.

-Victoria

Quote

I couldn't remember what page this quote was on, but I remembered it because it has such a true meaning at least for me. "just because I don't say much, doesn't mean I don't have a lot to say" And I love this quote because it's true in the way that people who could be so quiet, acting like everything is okay, could make people believe that is true as well. They could be struggling with many different things in their life and they choose to keep it inside so people have a different perspective on them. They could also just think they have no one to talk to about it.

Not sure if this was meant to go with the book or not but I find it fits well with it. We can also use it for our poster if you guys want :)

Journal #4 - Sarah Izzard

Wow I was so shocked by the ending of this book. This section ended the book perfectly in my opinion. I love how the author showed Melinda growing and changing throughout the book and the way she stands up to Andy in the end is perfect! This part made me cry like she finds a way to express herself through gardening and art and gets up the courage to not only speak up but to confront her ex-best friend AND stand up to Andy! I didn't expect this at all but I think it fits so well with how the story was progressing. I could tell when I was reading the other parts that eventually Melinda would snap and find her courage and finally get out the secret she was holding in for so long but the way the author shows this is incredible. 

This book was so good; I would definitely recommend it to any of my friends because it touched me so much. The author did such a good job relating it to how teenagers think and feel right down to the way she spelled words and phrased sentences I’m sure that people who don't really like reading that much would enjoy this book. Well girls more than boys. I love how Melinda finally stands up to Heather as well! It made me sooooo happy that she could finally have the courage to tell that b***h how she feels. I would have been so mad if she actually helped her set up prom. I'm so glad Heather flopped. Maybe it taught her a lesson to value her friends more because you never know when you'll actually need one! 

At the end of the book when the girls come in the art room and one of them tells her they hope she's okay made me cry so much oh my gosh. It touched me so much and made me feel so happy for Melinda that after all the crap people put her through she's finally catching a break. I feel like her life would just keep getting better from then on because she had to have hit her low point for a while and things are starting to be looking up for her. I really want there to be another book continuing her life because we never found out what happens with her and David or even with her and her old friends! There are a lot of questions left un-answered. Ivy was being friendly with her, Rachel/Rachelle listened to her and Nicole helped her out in her fight with Andy. I really wonder if she's going to work things out with them and maybe become friends again! And with David, he said when he was lecturing her about her presentation that he only shows so much concern towards people he cares about so I still really hope that they end up dating. I'm sure he could understand and continue helping Melinda get over her traumatic experience.

- Sarah Izzard

Trailer

Ok so this is the trailer for the movie of the book so I thought I should maybe add it to the blog.

I feel like this is an important quote from the novel. It shows how Melinda feels and I think that it's so sad that she feels this way.

Journal #4

        I can't get over this. Honestly probably the best ending to any book I've ever read. I could not stop crying. I'm still crying. Melinda did it, she stood up to Andy. I was so happy, so overwhelmed with emotion. When I read that she bumped into someone, I knew it could only be Andy. Just her luck. I was afraid of what was going to happen next, I knew there'd be trouble. But Melinda deserved to say something. She hadn't said anything for so long and once she finally does she gets hurt by the one who first hurt her. It's what Andy deserved, he deserved to have karma come after him. He deserved to have Rachel dump his sorry a** (sorry I needed to say that). He deserved to have every girl talking about how much of a jerk he is. He did it to himself, he should've known better than to mess with someone so young, and to even rape someone in the first place is sickening. I was so happy when she finally said no. She was unable to say it the night she initially got raped because of how drunk and scared she was and she finally did, almost a year later. Better late than never, but she did it. I think Andy deserved more than just the piece of glass cutting him, I think she should have done more. But then again, during the whole book she was the bigger person, so I'm still proud. I'm so glad everything turned around or her. She finally found happiness, or at least she's getting to that point. She had her lowest moments in the duration of the book but in the end it all worked out. I never expected the ending to turn out the way it did, it came out of nowhere, but once I read how that one day in class she felt free and not scared to hide anymore I knew and was hoping things would turn out well for her. I honestly loved this book, from start to finish. It was so deep, and something people aren't very open about, it really hits the heart. Also it has become a common "trend" in teenagers lately so I think very many people would enjoy this book, or atleast be interested to hear Melindas story.

 

    -Victoria

Journal #4 - Monica Bell

Speak was an amazing book. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it because it made me think a lot and feel a lot of different emotions. The last section of the book was probably my favourite and, in my opinion, the most well written. The ending of this book was so great although I didn’t expect it at all. I was so happy for Melinda because she finally told someone what happened.

When Melinda tried to tell Rachel what happened during their study hall period, I was so relieved. I thought maybe Rachel would actually believe her because she seemed so concerned for her. When I read what Rachel said I was furious. I couldn’t believe that she would think someone would lie about something like that. Obviously that’s not something you joke about.

When Andy tried to rape her again I got so upset until the lacrosse team found her. At that point of reading it I got so happy and relieved because someone finally found her and she finally had the perfect opportunity to tell someone. Actually, she didn’t even need to tell anyone because people actually saw and witnessed it and I was so happy about that. It wouldn’t have to be his word against hers or people not believing her because she had proof and witnesses now.

In the last few paragraphs of the book, I was shocked but really happy that she told Mr. Freeman about what happened. When I thought she would tell someone I kinda thought it might be her teacher but seriously doubted it, and thought maybe she’d tell Ivy or even her mom, although now that I think about it, it does seem unlikely. The end of the book had closed very well in my opinion. Although, like any good book I read, I was craving to know more about what happened next.

I think everyone should read this book, both boys and girls. Most people would think this is more of a girl book, but I think it’s pretty evenly split. It could show a girl what to do and what not to do if she unfortunately gets put in a situation like this. It could show boys what would happen if they did something this horrible to a girl. My thoughts on this book is that it was haunting, but in a good way.

-Monica Bell

Review Response - Monica Bell

I agree with most of this review. It was a very good book, even from the beginning like the reviewer said. Although I did not read it in one sitting like the reviewer, I easily could have. I agree with what the reviewer thought the message was, although I didn’t see it initially as that. I saw it as you should speak up for yourself as soon as you can or else it’ll make things worse in the end. For the age group, I agree completely. I would not recommend it to anyone under 13 because it does deal with serious issues, but I also think that people, girls especially, should read this. It could save someone from a lot of pain and anxiety if something like this happened to them. It could also make someone speak up if they have a similar situation. I agree with the reviewer saying the writing style is different and more like I journal. What I do not agree with is her overall rating. I found this book amazing and it is honestly one of my favourites now. I found the writing style creative and more interesting and it made me like the book even more. I agree that some things were a bit uncomfortable but I liked that it was a typical teen book and that it did deal with more serious and uncomfortable things because that is reality. The author of the book showed us what life can be really like and she made it so realistic. Overall, I think I am in agreement with the reviewer for most things.

-Monica Bell

Book Review for Speak

http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/blog_posts/review-speak-by-laurie-halse-anderson

Discussion Questions #3 - Sarah Izzard

1. Why doesn't Melinda try to make any new friends?

I think that Melinda doesn't try and make any new friends because she’s scared. The only people in her life either don't seem to care about her or leave her. Her old friends won't talk to her and completely ditched her upon the assumptions of everyone else. Her new friend Heather left her as soon as she found "better" people. Her parents don't seem to care about her at least not from her point of view. With all of that in her head Melinda must feel almost worthless and is most likely too scared to make new friends because to her, everyone always leaves her in the end.

2. Why does Melinda start to skip school more often?

I think that Melinda starts skipping school more often because she feels like her life is going nowhere. Her grades in all her classes but art are low. No one talks to her and she doesn't like talking to anyone either and she mentions in the book that she doesn't see herself getting a job or growing old. With no motivation to be in class why would she want to be there? It makes sense almost but at the same time she’s never going to see these people again after high school and should focus to improve her future even if the present is not so great.

3. Why doesn't Melinda want to talk to her parents about what’s wrong even though they are obviously concerned?
 

I feel like Melinda's parents truly do care about her that they just don't know how to show it. I think that Melinda doesn't want to talk to them because it appears to her that they don't care and that they don't understand her. I think she realizes this a bit on Christmas when they give her the sketch pad and charcoal but I don't think that's enough to prove to her against all the other things that they really are there for her so she's probably a little scared to confide in them because they haven't earned her trust in her mind.

4. How does the loss of Melinda’s friendship with Heather really affect her?

The loss of her friendship with Heather really affects her and I think it really comes as a shock. To Melinda, Heather was a somewhat annoying girl almost begging for her friendship. Now that Heather has found some new people, she turns the tables on Melinda and now she's that kind of annoying girl that she doesn't really want to be around. Melinda only realizes when it's too late just how much she appreciated Heather's friendship and I think it genuinely hurt her that Heather could brush her off so easily. I'm sure that her already low self-confidence sunk a little bit lower after that.

5. If Melinda had called the police the night of the party, why wouldn't she stay to tell them what happened?

I think that Melinda's initial reaction was to call for help and that of all people surely the police could help her. She was drunk at the time and I think it inhibited her judgement so as soon as she realized that everyone was mad at her for trying to get help she didn't know what to do and decided it would be safer for her to run away and avoid peoples false accusations rather than face up to them because she got really scared. The fact that she crawled away just to get away from these people proves that she was just too scared to face anybody let alone the police.

6. What is it about Mr. Freeman that makes Melinda feel more comfortable?

I think that Melinda uses art to help her cope with all the confusion and pain she’s feeling inside and so the fact that Mr. Freeman is helping her with her art and helping her express herself and relax is making the right kind of impression on her. He is also one of the only people in her life right now not pressuring her or trying to "help" her. I think she just feels like he could be a trustworthy person or at least that he’s not out to hurt her so she just feels more comfortable around him. I also think that maybe she can relate to him because it's shown through multiple things that he’s upset sometimes, seemingly depressed, and is also using art to cope so she might feel a connection to him.

7. What is it about art that helps Melinda relax?

I think that art helps Melinda to relax because it's a way to express yourself. It's obvious she really doesn't like to or feel the need to talk very much but she's obviously full of feelings of sadness and confusion so she has to be able to let those out someway even if she’s too scared to speak. I think that she’s chosen it as her way of coping with all the feelings she has. She went through a very traumatizing experience and the fact that she seems to be pretty good at drawing might make her feel a bit proud of herself and not feel so much self hatred so that would be something to make her want to continue drawing if it's something that she can feel proud of after.

8. Why do you think Melinda suffers from such bad anxiety?

I think that Melinda suffers from bad anxiety because of the traumatic experience she went through. Because something bad happened once, she's always thinking in the back of her mind that it could easily happen again. She's very cautious with who she spends time with because she can't shake the feeling that bad things are following her everywhere she goes. I also think it’s because she won’t tell anyone what happened to her. She refuses to express her feelings about anything because I think she thinks it’s would lead to her telling them what happened. One good way to release anxiety is to talk about what's bothering you so the fact that she won't let herself speak up is probably making it all so much worse.

9. Do you think Melinda will become closer friends with David Petrakis?

I think that maybe they will become better friends and that he will be one person Melinda can learn to trust. He isn't going along with everyone else and hating her just because she called the cops so that shows he's a strong willed person and will do things of his own accord. It seems like Melinda can trust him if she wants too, maybe not with her secret but just as someone she can spend time with and not be scared around. I really hope they do become closer friends and it really seems like they will. Hopefully David is one person who can help Melinda come out of her shell.

10. What characteristics do you think most shape Melinda’s personality?

I think that Melinda's shy side shapes her personality a lot. She may come across as quiet and awkward but she's also compassionate and listens well. She cares about Heather even though Heather has not been nice to her at all. She also listens closely to Mr. Freeman who she seems to respect and because of that she's excelling in his class. I think that even though she's very shy, she has a lot of strong opinions and if presented with a good opportunity she will not hold back her opinion I think that this shapes her as well because she thinks a lot about other people and almost seems to analyse them but the fact that she’s hated throughout the whole school makes her shy and scared so she never speaks her mind. I think that once she finds the confidence to speak up about what happened, then nothing will stop her and her true personality will come through. 

-Sarah Izzard

Journal Entry #3 - Sarah Izzard

This book just keeps getting more interesting the more you read. This section finally answers the question I've been wondering since the beginning; what happened at the party. It all makes so much more sense after reading past this part about why shes so upset and what it is that shes so scared to tell. The fact that in the last section the guidance counselor  principal and her parents talked to her and couldn't get her to talk showed me that it had to be a serious reason for her to be so closed and upset. Finally we know that Andy raped her the night of the party. When I read that part I just felt sick. The way it happened could so easily happen to any one and it makes the fact that everyone hates her so much worse almost because it for the reason that she called the police. What they don't know is what happened to her that night for her to feel the need to call the police and it makes me so mad that shes being penalized for this. I really think she needs to tell someone about it soon because it seems like her life would be so much better if she did. Everyone including her old friends would realize how wrong they were because she was really the victim in all this and she could get so much help in support if she would just tell someone.

Another thing when I was reading this section was that I realized how right I was about Heather not being a good friend. It made me so angry reading the part where Heather basically sat her down and told her they weren't friends anymore. Melinda is obviously in need of friends and Heather's reason for not wanting to be around her anymore is so shallow its sick. She feels like Melinda is too depressed and even goes as far to tell her that until shes happy again not to bother talking to her. I wanted to punch Heather. That shallow b***h is hating on the only person who was nice to her just to fit in with the stupid Martha's. None of them are her real friends but if Heather is going to be such a jerk to Melinda then she's perfect for the Martha's because I think that they're all b***hs too.

Melinda really needs someone in my opinion so maybe she should consider befriending David. He obviously thinks of her as a nice enough person considering he invited her over for pizza. Shes really overprotective of herself obviously because of what happened to her at the party but out of all the people shes talked about I think David would be the best person to be friends with. He shows that he will stand up for what he believes in based on what happened with Mr. Neck and he seems genuinely nice. I hope that him and Melinda become closer or maybe even date. I think that would be so cute and it would show all the jerks she goes to school with that she doesn't need them and they can take their hate somewhere else.

-Sarah Izzard

Journal #3

                I don't understand why Melinda keeps skipping school and her classes. I mean, I understand she has become depressed and is un-motivated to do just about anything and doesn't enjoy her life. You just would expect her to go to school and get the day over with because there isn't much else to do during the day while everyone else is in school especially since she does it by herself. I guess she just enjoys being alone that much more.

                I'm so tired of hearing about Andy (IT), I don't understand why he's putting effort into talking to her. He ruined her and he just tries to socialize. Does he not realize how much damage he has done? How affected Melinda is? How messed up he's made her. It's sickening. I just want her to transfer schools so she doesn't have to see his stupid face every single day and be so afraid. It frustrates me. If I were Melinda though, when she had seen Andy beside Fayette's, I would have immediately turned the other way and walked until he was out of sight. I don't know why she thought just standing there he wouldn't notice her, when obviously he would notice someone's presence. But I understand her being scared and not knowing what to do next.

                When Heather confronted Melinda, and how she pretty much "broke up" with her, I was raging. I can't stand Heather. From the start I had a feeling something like this would happen. It seemed like Heather has been using Melinda just to have around because she didn't have anyone else. What a b***h she was for saying that to her. Especially when she spoke about depression and how she's always in a bad mood etc. Like I don't get how you can say that. How can that be a reason not to be someone's friend? If anything, the friend should be there for her more. It's the time when the person needs someone most, just someone to talk to and explain what's going on and for them to be supportive. It really showed how much Heather really cared about Melinda... yeah not at all. I wanted to punch her. I had to stop reading at that point because I became so angry. I've seen stuff like that happen before between others because of depression. It's the most absolute dumbest and the b****iest thing you could do at that point. UGH.

 

                -Victoria

Journal #3 - Tina

My hate for Heather.........I HOPE SHE GETS RUN OVER BY A PACK OF ALPACAS. I hate Heather, shes a b***h!!! When I read that she didn't want to be friends with Melinda anymore because people would think of her as 'the weird girls friend', I wanted to break her face. Like I said in the other journal entries, Heather is a terrible friend, she knows Melinda is going through a rough time and instead of being there for her and helping her out she ditches her to be with the Martha's. When I was reading about Melinda finding one of the cards on her locker thinking it was David Petrakis, I was actually hoping it would be. I want Melinda to have at least one friend in high school. I feel really bad for her. It must be so hard having no friends and having to go through what she did at the party.
During the meeting with the Principal, guidance councilor and Melinda's parents, I thought it was funny when she started giggling because if I were ever put in a situation like that I would most likely start laughing too. I think Melinda should try talking to her parents more. I think she should become closer with her mom and tell her what happened at the party. I hate the fact that Andy hasn't been caught for what he did. I feel like Melinda's parents don't handle situations properly. When her mother found out about Melinda's wrist she didn't even care, she just told her she has no time for it and during the meeting when Melinda wouldn't speak, instead of trying to understand why she just started yelling at her, and making her feel worse.
After the basketball game, when David invited Melinda to go to his house and she refused I thought it was a smart move. Melinda barely knows David and she could have been raped again. Even though she was disappointed she didn't go to his party she made the right decision.
We learn more about what happened at the party when Melinda got raped. Reading this was scary, and awkward. When I  read the part that Rachel/Rachelle assumed Melinda called the cops because of the party, I got mad because she didn't even ask her why she called or why she was crying. She just assumed she called the cops to bust the party.
-Tina Mahdavi

Journal #2 -Tina

A lot has happened in this section of the book. My hate for Heather grew stronger, she pisses me off a lot. Shes over enthusiastic about everything and its super annoying. I don't know how Melinda can put up with her. Shes a terrible friend, she never sticks up for Melinda. When she was confronted by the cheerleaders she didn't say anything even though she clearly saw it all happen and again when the Martha's said the posters are ugly and that her brother could draw better, Heather didn't even stand up for Melinda who was doing her a favor. I find Heather is obviously a terrible friend but I also feel like shes using Melinda. In the beginning before she met the Martha's, Heather treated her like she just needed her temporarily until she finds cooler people to hang out with, like the Martha's, she will leave her.
I feel like this book relates to every ones high school experience. For example everyone has that immature group of kids in their class that laugh about anything that's inappropriate, like the kids in the back row in Melinda's biology class who were laughing at the word "reproduce" because it is related to sex.
When I read the part about Melinda cutting herself with a paperclip i kind of wished the author had written more about it because it was really short and I think if she had written more about it she could have gotten the reader more interested. When Melinda's mom saw her wrists, her reaction was pathetic. Her mom didn't even care. She didn't even bother to ask why she did it, or if shes okay. I feel really bad for Melinda because she cant tell anyone what happened the night of the party. It must be really hard to have to see his face in school and not be able to do anything.
I feel bad for Melinda when Andy Evans (IT) comes over to her table at lunch and purposefully twirls her ponytail just to make her feel uncomfortable and pissed off. I think he is an a**hole :)
-Tina Mahdavi

Couldn't Agree More.

Journal #3 - Monica Bell

This book has gotten very interesting. In this part of the book, you find out a lot about Melinda and what exactly happened at the party. When I read the part where Melinda and Heather are eating lunch in the cafeteria, I got really mad. I have never really liked Heather but I couldn't believe she could abandon Melinda like that. She even said she knew Melinda was suffering from something but that she didn't want to be friends with Melinda until she sorted out her issues. I find that horrible because when someone is clearly suffering or is depressed, you don't ditch them for "better" or more popular people, you stay with them even if it means the other people won't like you or want to be friends with you. If the other people don't understand, they're not worth your friendship. Also, the way Heather said it to her was really rude and inconsiderate. I'd understand if Melinda did something and Heather was like "I don't want to be friends anymore" but Melinda did nothing and that's why I'm so mad.

I feel bad for Melinda with the Andy case. It seems that no matter how hard she tries, he always seems to find her. I also think he is making things worse by always making sure she knows he knows she's there. For instance, when she was walking to school and he came out of the parking lot and offered her a bite of his donut. He could've just kept going and ignored her, but he felt the need to show her that he recognized her and that he knew she was there. He is just a creep.

The night of the party, I felt so bad for Melinda. I know she was drunk and maybe she shouldn't have been but she obviously didn't think something like that would happen. Andy took advantage of her because she was weaker and drunk and nobody would've listened to her or believed her if she told them what he did. I understand why she called the cops and people should've asked her why she did it instead of yelling at her and hating her.

-Monica Bell

Journal #2

Reading the second quarter we got a lot more into the book, a lot more details were given about everything that was said at the first quarter. We found out more about Melinda, Heather, and all the others that were spoken about.

            When it was said about Melinda going into the closet in the school, and she said how she covered the large mirror with a poster of Maya Angelou, it really showed how much herself esteem is lower than most. She made the closet to her own liking, she cleaned it up a little, mopped the floor. She’s making it her own little place to have, to stay when she needs, for her to calm down, and to clear her head and be by herself... the way she likes it.

When David Petrakis, Melindas lab partner stood up in front of the class and Mr. Neck, and was standing up for the brave student who spoke before, I felt very proud of him. He was right with what he was saying, that every student has the right to say what they have on their mind and that is true.

I was very surprised to read that Melinda and her parents aren't very into Thanksgiving. They celebrate it and her mom cooks a dinner, but in most families, especially mine we go all out. We like to make it our own, we all dress up nice, have a big family dinner and have a big turkey with potatoes and desert and its all delicious. But with Melindas family, her mother rushes to make the turkey last minute and that's the only really special part of their Thanksgiving. Once Melinda has to help to make the dinner, and it doesn't go too well, her dad doesn't even try to help her they just both give into ordering pizza. Doesn't sound like a very traditional Thanksgiving to me.

I found it very cute when Melinda and Heather both got each other gifts for Christmas. I mean, Melinda wasn’t going to bother to get one until she got Heathers gift, but maybe that was only because she didn’t think Heather cared about her that much to do so.

I don’t understand why her school can’t just come up with a new name and mascot for their school. I mean, it really isn’t that hard. It only takes a little thought and effort, and maybe asking the students for their opinion was the wrong idea because the votes are going to be all over the place. They might as well just make it up themselves and have the students deal with it.

You wouldn’t have expected Melinda to do so well with basketball. You’d figure, the way she describes herself and she way she thinks and acts, that she’d never be the athletic type. But then again, she’s only good at basketball, at least from what we know about her so far.

When Heather had a modeling job, and Melinda was asked to put up the posters she made for Heather, She encounters “IT”. We’ve found out more information about him, finally. We had to wait until the end of the second quarter to found out, I was anxious the whole time. While Melinda is putting up the posters around the school “IT” walks up to her “Freshmeat.”. I wonder if he remembers what he did to her. I wonder what even happened with him and her. Hopefully we’ll find out in the next quarter.

-Victoria Tucker

Journal Entry #2 - Sarah Izzard

I found this section of the book very interesting. Some things changed from how they were in the first section like the relationship between Melinda and Heather, the identity of IT and even Melinda’s personality. After reading this part I was very interested to find out what happens next because of the way the story starts to change.

Heather made me really angry in this section because of the way she was treating Melinda. It was like Melinda was her second option all the time, like she wasn't good enough. If I was Melinda i wouldn't put up with that because that is just rude. Heather seems to do everything she possibly can to make new friends, different friends, and fit in with a clique. I really don’t think this is a good idea because these girls really don’t seem to care about Heather the way a true friend would, they seem to only care about what she could contribute to their group. I don’t think the friendship between Melinda and Heather is going to last but she's Melinda’s only friend really so that’s really sad I find.

We find out more about IT as well in this section. It shocked me that this guy had the nerve to come over and basically taunt Melinda when obviously something happened between them for her to get sick when he's around. If it were me in her situation I definitely would have slapped him or at least told Heather later that there’s something wrong with Andy and that they shouldn't all be into him the way they are. I really hope we find out in the next section what happened between her and Andy for her to feel this strongly about him.

Thanksgiving in her house made me sad. In family we get together with other relatives and have a nice time with family all weekend. The fact that her parents are fighting, working and making Melinda’s life miserable is just not right. They're ruining a happy holiday all about being thankful for what you have. Melinda doesn't seem to have much to be thankful for at the moment so the least her parents could do would be to get along for the holidays and set a good example for their kid. If that were my parents I would have told them off instead of hide in my room. Maybe they don’t realize how much they are affecting her. When she scratches herself hiding in the closet with a runaway note on the desk and all her mom tells her is that she doesn’t have time for behavior like that. Melinda really needs to talk to someone, maybe not her parents but someone, because there’s obviously something weighing on her mind and if she doesn't let it out soon then I’m scared for what might happen next.

-Sarah Izzard

Journal #1 - Tina Mahdavi

I am really interested in the book Speak already. I feel like the book was written from an experienced victim of bullying. I’ve seen people at Sir Wil being treated the way Melinda is being treated and reading this book makes me realize how the victim feels. I strongly dislike how Melinda doesn’t stand up for herself. I know she probably feels like she’s going to seem like an attention seeker and no one is going to believe her but I think she should at least tell Heather so she has someone to talk to about it. At the pep rally when Melinda was being bullied by the cheerleaders, I got so worked up over it even though it was just a book, especially when Heather didn’t do anything. She didn’t even stand up for her friend. I HATE HEATHER WITH A BURNING PASSION. She’s is a terrible friend and I think Melinda would be better off not having any friends then having her. Heather is actually a terrible friend. When Melinda went to her house and Heather had an emotional breakdown she said some very rude things to Melinda like, she is so negative and she never tries anything, that she just mopes around like she doesn’t care that people are talking behind her back” Although Heather apologized what she said was completely rude and uncalled for. It’s already hard for Melinda not having any friends, let alone having her only friend think negatively of her.

I feel really bad for Melinda because none of her friends bothered to ask her about the night of the party. No one bothered to see why she called the police. That frustrates me a lot because Melinda is being misunderstood, and I know how frustrating it is to be misunderstood by someone. It’s one of the worst feelings because no matter what you do or say, their opinion of the situation won’t change.

Melinda doesn’t deserve any of the drama at school, she did absolutely nothing wrong. On top of all the drama at school her parents yell at her for her grades. I find Melinda is a strong girl. She handles the situations at school and the constant complaining of her parents, all on her own and she doesn’t complain to anyone about her problems.

-Tina Mahdavi

Journal #2 - Monica Bell

So far, the book “Speak” has been really interesting. There are a lot of events happening and it makes it seem so realistic. The first event in this section that really got a reaction out of me was the part about Mr. Neck and his views on immigration in America. I found that it was very inappropriate to share that with the class and although he is entitled to his opinion, there is a time and place to share it and school is not it. I was very impressed that David stood up to the teacher and when the teacher got mad at him for it, told his parents and got a lawyer involved. Getting a lawyer involved may have been a bit too far, but it did seem to solve the issue with the teacher.

I find Melinda’s sculpture very interesting. I think she was putting her emotions in the artwork and that’s why the teacher saw pain when he saw it. She is clearly suffering emotionally and I think she should tell someone about what happened to her. I understand it’s easier said than done but sometimes you need to do it. I think she is slowly breaking on the inside.

Another part of the book that really stood out to me was the apple picking flashback Melinda had. It shows that maybe her parents didn’t always hate each other and weren’t always so cruel to her. It seems like such a happy memory so it shows that her childhood wasn’t horrible and that a recent event has screwed her up.

At Christmas when her parents bought her an art set, it made me wonder a lot of things. The first thing I wondered was: if they didn’t care about her, then how did they notice that she was into art? I later wondered why she didn’t tell her parents what happened. It seemed like she was going to and it was the perfect opportunity.

The last thing I want to know is why Andy Evans is always trying to get under Melinda’s skin every chance he gets. I also want to know what he did that makes her react the way she does.   

-Monica Bell

Discussion Questions #2 - Monica Bell

1.  What do you think happened the night of the party?
I think Andy did something bad to her. I think he might have raped her because when they were in the cafeteria talking about Andy and they said he'd sleep with anyone, she reacted to it. I think this could've resulted in her calling the police. She could've had something to drink and Andy took advantage of that.

2. Do you think Mel knew Andy before the party?
No, I do not think Mel knew Andy before the party. She doesn't seem to know much about him. She didn't know he went to her school and didn't seem to know his name. When they were in the cafeteria and he walked in, Siobhan says his name and Mel doesn't react until she sees him. She also calls him by "IT".

3. Why do you think nobody asked her what happened at the party?
I think nobody asked her about the party because nobody wanted to be considered her friend and be socially outcast with her so they just went with what everyone else was saying. It was easier for them to not ask and just believe other people than listen and get involved with her problems.

4. Do you think Mel will end up telling someone about what happened at the party?
Yes, I think eventually Mel will end up telling someone about what happened at the party because she can't keep it to herself forever. I think she'll either tell a guidance counsellor or therapist or she'll break down and tell anyone. She might even tell her parents because at Christmas she was so close to telling them but in the end didn't because they walked away.

5. Do you think Mel had her lip biting habit before the party?
No, I think she developed it after the party due to stress and anxiety caused by what happened at the party. She seems to always bite her lips or notice it when she gets nervous or anxious.

6. What do you think Andy did to make Mel react this way towards him?
I think he did something really bad to her at the party like raped her or something along those lines because she constantly refers to him as "IT" which means to her he is not even good enough for "he" or "him" but is an "IT". He could've abused her and everytime she sees him she's reminded of that night and it makes her feel sick. She seems almost scared of him so it had to have been something bad.

7. Do you think Mel uses art to cope with what happened or to express her feelings?
Yes, I think she expressed her feelings through art because when she made her turkey sculpture, she seemed so into making it. When it was finished, Mr. Freeman described what he saw and it described her life almost perfectly. He also said it showed pain and Melinda is clearly suffering from something emotionally and is in emotional pain.

8. Do you think Andy purposely twirled Mel's ponytail at the lunch table to make her react in some way?
Yes, I think he purposely did it because he seems to not care about what he did to her and hasn't apologized or said anything about it. I think he's trying to get under her skin and show that he is aware of what he did and he's not going to do anything about it. I also think he's trying to scare her so she won't tell anyone and get him in trouble.

9. Why do you think Mel runs away and throws up whenever she has an encounter with IT?
I think she does this because everytime she sees him she is reminded of what happened. I think it makes her feel like she can't escape it or him no matter what she does and it makes her sick. She may feel trapped and helpless and thinks she'll have to live like this forever.

10. Why do you think that Mel called the police but didn't end up telling them about what happened?
I think maybe she got scared about what would happen if she did so she called them and then tried to run away, She probably thought would be better than talking to the police and getting people in trouble resulting in them hating her.

Journal Entry #1 - Sarah Izzard

The first section of the book Speak was very interesting to me. Melinda’s character really gets me because so many people are bullied and no one does anything about it. I feel like I can relate to people because I have been socially outcast and bullied before. It wasn’t to the same extent but it’s helping me connect to the book and I’m really enjoying it. I really want to know what happened at the party and why everyone hates her so much. She seems like a nice person who’s just sad and lonely I don’t see how an entire school could hate her so much. Her friend Heather doesn’t seem like she likes her very much either and she just moved there. She doesn’t appear to be a good friend to Melinda and I have a feeling that things won’t end well between them. Her old group of friends won’t so much as look at her so what happened in the summer at the party for things to change so drastically must have been pretty dramatic.
The way the book is written leaves a lot of un-answered questions at this point and I really want to continue reading to find out what happens next. I really want to know who “IT” is. Melinda really doesn’t seem to like this person and I think that they might play into why everyone dislikes her. Maybe “IT” did something or said something to her at the party to make her call the cops. It doesn’t make sense that the only reason she is disliked is because she called the police to the party so something more must have happened that night that no one else really knows about. Hopefully we find out soon because I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

-Sarah Izzard

Journal #1 - Monica Bell

I really like the book Speak. I feel like I can relate really well to Melinda. A couple of years ago I was outcast and had pretty much no friends all because of one mistake. It wasn't as bad as Melinda but I still understand how she felt entering high school with no friends because I had to pretty much do the same. It was hard at first but eventually it got easier and I learned not to care. I feel like the reason Melinda doesn’t try to make friends or join any of the cliques is because she’s either scared of rejection or thinks she’s better off alone without them. I felt like that and became kind of a loner like Melinda.

When I read the part of the book where it’s the pep rally and the girls were confronting Melinda, I got really mad. I was mostly mad at the fact that Heather didn’t stand up for Melinda. If I was there I would’ve probably told off the girls or done something to help Melinda. I know what it feels like to be confronted by older girls and it can be intimidating when you know you have no one on your side or backing you up.

I don’t like Heather. I feel as if she would ditch Melinda as soon as someone better comes along. She also would do anything to be popular or accepted and I find that to be very shallow and fake. I think she is only using Melinda as a friend so she has someone and isn’t totally friendless.

I’m really curious about what happened the night of the party and about “IT”. I’m also curious about why her old friends didn’t ask her about what happened in her own words. If something happened to one of my friends I wouldn’t jump to conclusions or believe any rumours unless they were confirmed by my friend. Either way, I don’t think her old friends deserve her friendship again and I feel like Melinda is better off without them because they don’t seem to really care about her enough to wonder what really went on at the party or to be her friend when she clearly has no one else.

-Monica Bell

Discussion Questions-1st quarter-Victoria Tucker

1. What do you think happened to Melinda and her old "clan" before high school that changed everything between them all?

Maybe some drama had happened, targeting Melinda. Also, it talks about in the book that Mel called the police on Kyle Rodger's party at the end of the summer, so maybe they could be mad at her because of that and turned on her.

2. Do you picture the school Melinda attends is similar to Sir Wilfrid Laurier?

I do not picture the school Melinda attends similar to Sir Wilfred Laurier. There are one or two things. As in no matter what school you go to there will be people who aren't always nice, snobby ignorant or rude, which is similar to a few at Sir Wil and the students at Merryweather High.

3. In your opinion, why do you think it's so tough for Melinda to make new friends once in high school?

I think that her reputation was ruined by calling the police at that party during the summer, maybe the person who threw the party was popular and everyone found out about it. It could also just be because people are very judgemental about how Melinda looks and dresses and seems like. Also could have to do with her lack with confidence in herself, it could discourage her with being social and wanting to try new things and meet new people.

4. Why is Mel putting such an effort in the washroom with Rachel/Rachelle when they are no longer friends and she knows Rachel/Rachelle doesn't like her?

I think Mel put that much of an effort even though Rachel was being very ignorant and making it quite obvious that she wanted nothing to do with her because maybe she wanted to find out why exactly she hates her. Also she could've just wanted to be the bigger person and be friendly but then again we don't have a definite answer.

5. Do you think that the tense relationship Melinda has with her parents is affecting her self confidence and lack of making friends?

I think it does affect Melinda. I think it affects her because your family is supposed to be the closest people to you, the people you go to for advice, the people who will always have your back and they're the people who matter most in your life. I find if you have a bad relationship with your family it makes it tougher on you because you feel like you have no one to really talk to or just in general have nobody. Maybe that's how she feels, and maybe that's why her confidence isn't too high and she is having issues making friends at her school.

6. Someone at the pep rally talks about how Mel called the cops on Kyle Rodger's party at the end of the summer, why do you think she did?

There could be many reasons why Melinda would call the police at the party. She could have been in trouble or see something go on that wasn't right so she could have gotten scared and resorted to that. She could have been mad at somebody for saying something or doing something for her so that she called the police to ruin all their fun. The list could go on and on but those are the two reasons I think are most likely true in that situation.

7. Now that Heather has found other friends to hang around with at school, do you think she'll ditch Mel or they will become more distant quickly?

I think there is a chance for Heather to do so. Why, is because I think Heather will try to fit in and just to have friends she will go to drastic measures to please them. For example dressing a certain way or similar to what they wear, pushing people out of her life if the new friends don't like her (for example Melinda), and changing her personality completely to please them. I really hope she doesn't because I think Melinda wouldn't do the same with her, but who knows I guess we will just have to wait and find out.

8. Who do you think "IT" is?

I think "IT" is a person who Melinda may or may not know too well. The character sounds like someone who is frightening, someone that has a connection to Melinda but nobody knows but the two of them. I think we will be hearing a lot about this "IT" character because it seems to have impacted Melinda a lot, or at least made her very angry and agitated.

 

 

-Victoria Tucker

Journal #1-Speak-Victoria Tucker

       So far, I have really enjoyed reading Speak. It has a different sort of context, not something you regularly see in novels. The way the context is written is in a form of a journal, as if the main character, Mel is talking to you or showing what they are thinking. The book seems to be written not as serious as you see others, as in the way the character is talking or thinking, is similar to how a regular teenager would now a days. I find the book so far very relatable. A teenager starting high school, not sure what to make of herself, obviously not self confident, and terribly scared. I found it weird how in the book at the assembly the first day, they show a slide of a power point I presume, saying "THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL" . Especially the ones that we are told are true, as in "1. We are here to help you." and "3. The dress code will be enforced." I wasn't finding myself bored even reading it from the start, the way most novels are. I've been interested since the first page. When Mel was speaking about "IT" I became very confused. Who is "IT"? It leaves me on the edge of my chair wondering who it could be and what more we would find out about this "IT". I'm afraid that since Heather has started to hang around with a new "clan" at their school, she'll change to please them and her and Mel won't be as close or she will completely forget about her. You would think the school Mel goes to would have similar characteristics as Sir Wilfrid Laurier does, but they're nothing alike. The high school she attends is full of the classic high school cliques. At Sir Wil there is nothing even near that here. Also at Sir Wil most people are very accepting of others and it's encouraged to be but at her school it doesn't seem to be like that at all and not very many of the students seem kind.

-Victoria Tucker