Speak: the Graphic Novel

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

When Speak was first published in 1999, it was groundbreaking. It addressed rape and its aftermath in a way that no other YA book had. Almost 20 years later, it is still taught, challenged, and read widely. It has not become dated; the conversations and concerns in the book are still relevant today. Now Laurie Halse Anderson has teamed up with Emily Carroll to create a graphic novel version of Speak. Drawn in stark, black and white, the book is haunting. As Anderson mentions in the Author’s Note, the world has changed dramatically since the late 1990s, so the updated story mentions cell phones, Instagram, and current political issues. This new graphic novel should be in every library that serves young adults. Anyone who is looking to find their voice will connect with Melinda’s story.

Overall Book Score: excellent