Wild Things: YA Grown-Up discussion

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I enjoyed this book. It deals with a mature topic, but not in an explicit way. There was some cursing, but not a lot, and nothing explicit in terms of sex or violence. It's more about living in the mind of a girl who's been raped, and dealing with its aftermath. In her case, she was so traumatized that she hasn't told a soul.

I can understand why some middle schools are teaching this book in English classes. I don't think it's at all too mature for middle school kids. The topic matter is, of course, mature, but the reality is that any girl can be raped, including a girl in middle school. (The main character of this book was raped as an eighth grader.)

In addition, I feel like she wrote this book on a middle school level, perhaps purposely. It's a shame that some school districts are censoring this book. My guess is that those people haven't read it. It's definitely a worthwhile read. In fact, I'm thinking about giving it to a friend of mine who was raped in high school, about 8 years ago. I think it would help her. She's still traumatized by this event, understandably so.

PS - I hope that any schools making this required reading for girls are doing the same for guys. They should be reading this too.

I read this book awhile back, maybe last summer or so.

It was a good read. I read it in a matter of hours. I appreciated the way that it was written. Seeing it through the eyes of the main character. It really let you see in to the mind of a young girl who was raped.

I also thought it was interesting how it is written. It is through they eyes of a depressed girl. Something has happened to her, something big. She has lost friends, almost everyone at school hates her etc. You really feel her pain, her internal struggles, you almost just want to reach out and hug her and comfort her.

There was also a made for tv movie quite a few years ago based off of this book. I think I saw it, or atleast part of it.

I definately think that if someones child is reading this, they may want to read it along with them. That way they can have an easier discussion about the book if the child wants to talk about it.

Definitely, I agree Stephanie. What do you think - can you see this being good for middle and high school kids? I didn't think it was graphic at all, but definitely a book to open up a discussion with.

Middle school I think should be able to read it. I think more so for 7th graders that are half way through and 8th graders. The maturity level of the younger ones may not be quite there.

One reason I think they should read it is because of how fast a lot of the kids think they need to grow up nowadays. They act older, do more "older" activities etc, but they don't fully realize that there are consequences to actions.

I also think this book shows kids a good way to express their feelings. It shows them that art can be used as an outlet, as can writing in a journal.

It also shows that it is ok to go to an adult to talk to them. That teachers are there to listen etc.

There are a lot of lessons that one can take away from this book. And the discussions that it can bring will be priceless.

I really enjoyed hearing everyone's thoughts on this book. I haven't read it, and it is certainly too old for my kids (my oldest is going into 3rd grade). But as a homeschool mom, I think this will be a good book to assign to my daughters to read when they are older. It is certainly a topic I would want to talk to them about.

I agree Rita, if I were homeschooling, I would definitely assign it - to sons and daughters.

OK I skimmed thru all these posts and now I am interested. I am going to pick up my copy from the library tomorrow.

I read this book last week and loved it!

Awesome!

Many of you Tweeters know that there is a big hub-bub about Speak right now. Some misinformed people are trying to ban Speak (among other books) due to it's "soft porn" nature. This is clearly b.s. to any of us who have read the book! Unless I missed the chapter where LHA glamorized Melinda's sexual experience, I'm pretty darn sure it was not a happy thing.

I guess I'm ranting right now because my 14 yr old son just came in to tell me that his girlfriend's friend was raped today. He had no idea this whole Speak Loudly online revolution was taking place. It's just so terribly timely, that I had to post. I'm recommending she read Speak when she's coherent. As of now, she hasn't spoken.

That's awful Angela. I'm so sorry for your son's friend. No one should ever have to go through that.

There are also some bloggers organizing a big to do next week specifically about Speak if anyone wanted to get involved. LHA posted something on her website (HERE about how you can contact people in the city where this guy lived like the newspaper, superintendent etc. I think it's a great opportunity to really make a difference, and hopefully minimize the damage this one @$#%@4 seems to be causing.

(I'm very angry too, if you couldn't tell...)

Banned Books Week starts in about a week...if I remember correctly Speak is on the 100 most challenged books of 00-09....let your communities know you will not stand for such censorship, during banned books week will be a great

There was nothing at all explicit in this book. This person clearly hasn't read it. So annoying that someone's trying to do away with a book that should be required reading for teens! If adults are gonna throw their weight around in reference to this book, it should be to make sure it IS read!

I agree, Angela, that this is the perfect book for your son's friend. I'm very sorry to hear about what happened.

People are ridiculous. In this book the sexual encounter is barely even discussed. LHA takes this topic and writes about it very dilligently. You know what it's about without it yelling it at you. It is maturely written for the age audience she wrote it for.

I've read this book. It's well-written and deals with the subject matter in a way that can open up discussions between adults and young people. It shouldn't be censored, but should be recommended and talked about by parents and teachers who care about how young people relate to each other.