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The story focuses on a freshman girl, Melinda Sordino. Over the summer, Melinda attends a party with her friends and things go very bad very quick. A senior boy starts giving Melinda attention, and she naively believes that she has a new boyfriend. Once they're alone, things begin to move too quickly, and before her brain can register what is happening, Melinda is attacked.

In a panic, she calls the police but is too upset to explain to anyone what has happened to her and everyone flees the scene.

Without knowing the real story, everyone assumes that Melinda was called the cops because she was too intoxicated. Many students get in trouble and point blame at Melinda for her recklessness.

The book details her journey from denial, to avoidance, and eventually to reclaiming her voice and her identity.

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Changing the World, One Word at a Time! | The Queen Latifah Show

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A Battle            Each day is a battle   A battle to forget     A battle to forgive    A battle to fight the nightmares             A battle to fight the invisible ghost        A battle to fight to survive                A battle to be happy      A battle to be normal  The battle never ends, it’s a constant war within my head      Z.T.

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A Battle            Each day is a battle   A battle to forget     A battle to forgive    A battle to fight the nightmares             A battle to fight the invisible ghost        A battle to fight to survive                A battle to be happy      A battle to be normal  The battle never ends, it’s a constant war within my head      Z.T.

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They Say             They say with time it gets better          They say you stop asking why           They say talking helpsThey say writing helps                They say you're safe They say it can’t happen again        They say he can’t reach you again           They say relax       They say be happy    They say stop looking over your shoulder   THEY don’t know that the fear never stops, never goes away, the shadows never leave, and the hands never stop.               THEY don’t know that he is always behind me, reminding me, reliving it, and never forgetting.THEY don’t know.               Z.T.

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They Say             They say with time it gets better          They say you stop asking why           They say talking helpsThey say writing helps                They say you're safe They say it can’t happen again        They say he can’t reach you again           They say relax       They say be happy    They say stop looking over your shoulder   THEY don’t know that the fear never stops, never goes away, the shadows never leave, and the hands never stop.               THEY don’t know that he is always behind me, reminding me, reliving it, and never forgetting.THEY don’t know.               Z.T.

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Students will be asked to find art, online that relates to our focal text, Speak. The below photograph will be shown as a model. 

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Students will be asked to find art, online that relates to our focal text, Speak. The below photograph will be shown as a model. 

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"I am Outcast." (4)
"You don't understand, my headvoice answers. Too bad she can't hear it. My throat squeezes shut, as if two hands of black fingernails are clamped on my windpipe." (28)

"If there is anyone in the entire galaxy I am dying to tell what really happened, it's Rachel. My throat burns." (5)

"IT happened. There is no avoiding it, no forgetting. No running away, or flying, or burying, or hiding. Andy Evans raped me in August when I was drunk and too young to know what was happening. It wasn't my fault. And I'm not going to let it kill me. I can grow. (198)

"The tears dissolve the last block of ice in my throat, I feel the frozen stillness melt down through the inside of me, dripping shards of ice that vanish in a puddle of sunlight on the stained floor. Words float up... Let me tell you about it." (198)

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Well, you almost had me fooled
Told me that I was nothing without you
Oh, but after everything you've done
I can thank you for how strong I have become

'Cause you brought the flames and you put me through hell
I had to learn how to fight for myself
And we both know all the truth I could tell
I'll just say this is "I wish you farewell"

I hope you're somewhere prayin', prayin'
I hope your soul is changin', changin'
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin'

I'm proud of who I am
No more monsters, I can breathe again
And you said that I was done
Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come
'Cause I can make it on my own, oh
And I don't need you, I found a strength I've never known
I'll bring thunder, I'll bring rain, oh
When I'm finished, they won't even know your name

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Finding Audrey focuses on another female freshman struggling with mental illness. Although Speak focuses on the aftermath of rape, Finding Audrey focuses on the aftermath of untreated mental illness and bullying. These two texts together do an excellent job at shining the light on mental illness and youth.

Audrey, a fourteen year old girl struggling with an anxiety disorder is an easy target for the bullies in her class. After a particularly difficult bout of bullying, Audrey goes through a horrific episode and is trapped inside her own home by fear. Audrey works closely with her therapist to overcome these struggles, and with the help of new found love is able to find courage.

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Finding Treatment

Psychology Today offers a national directory of therapists, psychiatrists, therapy groups and treatment facility options.

SAMHSA Treatment Locator provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment. Phone: 800-662-4357

Learn more about treatment and services.

Suicide and Crisis

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups, mental health professionals, resources on loss and suicide prevention information. Phone: 1-888-333-2377

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and information on domestic violence. Phone: 1-800-799-7233

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They also provide a chat function on their website. Phone: 1-800-273-8255

Learn more about suicide and what to do in a crisis.

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides information on prevention, treatment and symptoms of anxiety, depression and related conditions. Phone: 240-485-1001

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) provides information and referrals on ADHD, including local support groups. Phone: 800-233-4050

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums. Phone: 1-800-826-3632

International OCD Foundation provides information on OCD and treatment referrals. Phone: 617-973-5801

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) maintains the Schizophrenia Anonymous programs, which are self-help groups and are now available as toll free teleconferences. Phone: 240-423-9432

Sidran Institute helps people understand, manage and treat trauma and dissociation; maintains a helpline for information and referrals. Phone: 410-825-8888

TARA (Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder) offers a referral center for information, support, education and treatment options for BPD. Phone: 1-888-482-7227

Learn more about mental health conditions.

Research & Statistics

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on statistics, clinical trials and research. NAMI references NIMH statistics for our website and publications. Phone: 1-866-615-6464

Learn more about mental health statistics.

Financial Assistance

Allsup provides non-attorney representation when applying for SSDI. Phone: 800-279-4357

HealthCare.gov provides specific information about coverage options in your state, includes private options, high risk pools and other public programs. Phone: 1-800-318-2596

Needhelppayingbills.com provides information on state and local assistance programs, charity organizations and resources that provide help paying bills, mortgage assistance, debt relief and more.

NeedyMeds provides information on available patient assistance programs. Phone: 1-800-503-6897

Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage get the medications they need.

Learn more about health insurance and prescription assistance.

Advocacy and Legal

Legal Services Corporation provides civil legal aid to low-income Americans. Use their website to find programs in individual states. Scroll to the bottom of their website to find locate legal aid near you.

National Bar Association provides a directory of state and local bar associations to help find legal representation.

National Disability Rights Network (State Protection and Advocacy Agencies) protects the civil rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in hospitals and state prison systems. Click on the map on the right-hand side of their website to locate the agency near you.

Community Support Services

Clubhouse International provides a directory of clubhouses. Clubhouses provide opportunities for education, employment and social activities. Click the 'International Directory' tab on their website to find contact information for local clubhouses.

www.homelessshelterdirectory.org provides a national directory of homeless shelters, assistance programs, soup kitchens and more.

Job Accommodation Network is an organization that provides resources and guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Their website includes a directory of state vocational rehabilitation offices. Phone: 800-526-7234

2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1 from a local phone or use their website to search for organizations that offer local support resources and services.

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Psychology Today offers a national directory of therapists, psychiatrists, therapy groups and treatment facility options. SAMHSA Treatment Locator provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment. Phone: 800-662-4357 Learn more about treatment and services.

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Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

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Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

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It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance. While most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder and as a result may face discrimination and negative attitudes. ¹ As with physical health, mental health is not merely the absence of disease or a mental health disorder. It includes emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being ² and involves being able to

navigate successfully the complexities of life,

develop fulfilling relationships,

adapt to change,

utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being without discrimination.

realize their potential,

have their needs met, and

develop skills that help them navigate the different environments they inhabit.³

The presence or absence of various combinations of protective and risk factors contribute to the mental health of youth and efforts can be undertaken to promote positive mental health and prevent or minimize mental health problems. Youth with mental health disorders may face challenges in their homes, school, community, and interpersonal relationships. Despite these challenges, for most youth, mental health distress is episodic, not permanent, and most can successfully navigate the challenges that come from experiencing a mental health disorder with treatment, peer and professional supports and services, and a strong family and social support network.

¹ Merikangas, He, Burstein, et al., 2010
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2011; CDC, Health-Related Quality of Life, 2011
³ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999; National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2004

Other Resources on this Topic

Did You Know?

A child's response to toxic stress from negative environments is dangerous and can affect brain development.

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It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance.

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"here's the full diagnosis: Social Anxiety Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Episodes." (23)

"Mentally unstable," says Natalie, practically in a whisper.
"What?" I stare at her, genuinely gobsmacked. (192)

“I think what I’ve realized is, life is all about climbing up, slipping down, and picking yourself up again. And it doesn’t matter if you slip down. As long as you’re kind of heading more or less upwards. That’s all you can hope for. More or less upwards.”

“The trouble is, depression doesn't come with handy symptoms like spots and a temperature, so you don't realize it at first. You keep saying 'I'm fine' to people when you're not fine. You think you should be fine. You keep saying to yourself: 'Why aren't I fine?”