Speak
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Quotes
"You're a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." (p.122) - Mr. Freeman
"Don't get me wrong. I think what you did was kind of cool and getting stuck in MISS wasn't fair. But don't expect to make a difference unless you speak up for yourself." (p.158) - David Petrakis
Review
In the book "Speak", I think there are many important parts and characters to the story. Mr. Freeman is Melinda's art teacher and plays a key role as one of the main characters. He encourages Melinda even when his advice doesn't help Melinda very much. He also tells her not to give up on her tree painting. He says "Art is about making mistakes and learning from them". Even though Mr. Freeman's advice doesn't get through to Melinda drastically, I still consider him one of the main characters because of his hope for Melinda. The main struggle for Melinda struggle for Melinda is her ability to speak towards anyone is her main weak point. She also ha trouble with her friends and with a kid who raped her over the summer named Andy Evans. Melinda called the police to end a party she was having with Andy her friends. This led to Melinda's friends ignoring her during high school.
Tree painting
This is what Melinda works on during her art class with Mr. Freeman.
Not talking
Melinda doesn't socialize with many people throughout the story.