Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Emily Carroll
Year Published: 2018
Genre: YA fiction (graphic novel)
Pages: 372
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location (my 2018 Google Reading map): USA (NY)
FTC Disclosure: I bought this with my own money
Summary (from the inside flap of the book): "Speak up for yourself--we want to hear what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless--an outcast--because of something that happened over the summer. Now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen. So what's the point of talking? Through her work on an art project, Melinda is finally able to face what really happened that night. But before she can make peace with the ghosts of the past, she has to confront the reality of the present--and stop someone who still wishes to do her harm. Only words can save her. She can't stay silent. Not anyone.
Review: I read the original Speak novel when it first came out and thought it was wonderful so as soon as I heard about the graphic novel I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did!
As with the original story, Melinda is facing a ninth grade year as an outcast after calling the police at her first high school party. She cannot face telling anyone the horrors that happened at the party, even though it means failing classes, fighting with her parents, and losing all her friends.
Adding Emily Carroll's illustrations to Halse Anderson's words is genius as they set the mood, convey the sadness and horror, and pull emotion from the reader. Not only are the illustrations shades of black and white, they are bold, descriptive, chaotic, and full of movement.
If you have any interest in this topic or if you enjoyed Speak the novel, this graphic novel is definitely worth your time.
FTC Disclosure: I bought this with my own money
Summary (from the inside flap of the book): "Speak up for yourself--we want to hear what you have to say." From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless--an outcast--because of something that happened over the summer. Now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen. So what's the point of talking? Through her work on an art project, Melinda is finally able to face what really happened that night. But before she can make peace with the ghosts of the past, she has to confront the reality of the present--and stop someone who still wishes to do her harm. Only words can save her. She can't stay silent. Not anyone.
Review: I read the original Speak novel when it first came out and thought it was wonderful so as soon as I heard about the graphic novel I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did!
As with the original story, Melinda is facing a ninth grade year as an outcast after calling the police at her first high school party. She cannot face telling anyone the horrors that happened at the party, even though it means failing classes, fighting with her parents, and losing all her friends.
Adding Emily Carroll's illustrations to Halse Anderson's words is genius as they set the mood, convey the sadness and horror, and pull emotion from the reader. Not only are the illustrations shades of black and white, they are bold, descriptive, chaotic, and full of movement.
If you have any interest in this topic or if you enjoyed Speak the novel, this graphic novel is definitely worth your time.
Challenges for which this counts: none
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