By interweaving real diary and journal fragments through the narrative, Laurie Halse Anderson has extracted a poignancy that creates a tender and gripping tale of heroism and tragedy, much in the vein of Celia Rees' 'Witch Child'. - The Bookseller
SPEAK: The plot is gripping and the characters are powerfully drawn, but it is its raw and unvarnished look at the dynamics of the high school experience that makes this a novel that will be hard for readers to forget. - Kirkus Reviews
SPEAK: 'Anderson has produced an outstanding book which invites the reader's admiration and empathy ... The power of 'Speak' to evoke a positive response in spite of harrowing realism lies in Anderson's poetic prose and witty first person narration.' - BfK
SPEAK: 'Strong and searching novels that cover very difficult scenarios...The humanity of the protagonist really shines through in the expert characterisation and writing, making these novels really challenge the reader's empathy. I would strongly recommend these stark and thought-provoking titles' - The Bookseller
A compelling read. - Carousel, Winter 2002
