What a powerful book with an important message for anyone in Melinda’s situation – SPEAK!! Anderson does a wonderful job capturing Melinda’s emotions, anxiety, depression, and isolation. High school can be tough on it’s own but with Melinda’s situation it makes it even worse.  She is left friendless and an outcast after an end of summer party is busted because she calls the cops.  The question is why did she call the cops? Read Speak to find out.