A New York Times Bestseller
A National Book Award Finalist For Young People's Literature
A Michael L. Printz Honor Book
A Publisher Weekly Bestseller
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist
BCCB Blue Ribbon Award Winner
A TIME Magazine Best YA Book Of All Time
A Cosmopolitan Magazine Best Ya Books Everyone Should Read, Regardless Of Age
An ALA Top Ten Best Book For Young Adults
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
California Young Reader Medal
Golden Kite Award Winner
A Booklist Editors' Choice for Youth
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults
PA Carolyn W. Field Award Winner
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
★ "In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager. . . . Yet Anderson infuses the narrative with a wit that sustains the heroine through her pain and holds readers' empathy. . . . But the book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired." –
Publishers Weekly,
Starred Review ★ "An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last." –
The Horn Book,
Starred Review "A frightening and sobering look at the cruelty and viciousness that pervade much of contemporary high school life, as real as today's headlines. . . . The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn . . . a novel that will be hard for readers to forget." –
Kirkus Reviews,
Pointer Review "Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story." –
School Library Journal "A story told with acute insight, acid wit, and affecting prose." –
Library Journal "Melinda's voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. . . . Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers." –
Booklist