“The story and the form seemed to be a natural fit, but only in the hands of the right artist.” Open this photo in gallery:Įnter Vancouver artist Emily Carroll. “Art and artistic expression play a significant part in Melinda Sordino’s transition from traumatized victim to empowered survivor,” Anderson writes in the foreword to her new, fully illustrated version of Speak. In this much-lauded modern classic of YA literature, high-school freshman Melinda Sordino uses art to help her work through the trauma of sexual violence, providing her with an outlet for the turbulent thoughts she feels unable – and unwelcome – to say. K.The graphic novel format seems tailor-made for Laurie Halse Anderson’s 1999 novel, Speak. Possible Pairings: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, Saints and Misfits by S. This graphic novel adaptation underscores the story’s significance and makes it approachable for a whole new segment of readers. Speak has been a must-read since its original publication. Carefully constructed page designs also help evoke a palpable sense of Melinda’s silence and her introspection for much of the novel. The format allows the story to shift easily between Melinda’s reality and her imaginings. Anderson’s story is complemented by Carroll’s eerie black and white illustrations. In many ways, Speak: The Graphic Novel feels like the form this story should have always had.

Although Speak was originally published in 1999 Melinda’s story remains just as timely and immediate in this new version.

This book is the graphic novel adaptation of Anderson’s award winning novel of the same name. But with her art, a reclaimed supply closet, and some time, Melinda might be able to reclaim her voice in Speak: The Graphic Novel (2018) by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Emily Carroll. Melinda starts the school year as an observer–an outsider. She doesn’t even have to think about what happened at the party. She doesn’t have to worry about trying to talk to David Petrakis. She doesn’t have to think about the best friends who abandoned her or the new girl who calls her a friend when it’s convenient. At school everyone knows that Melinda is the one who called 911 and brought the cops to the biggest party of the summer.Īrt class is Melinda’s one refuge.

Her parents are too busy hating each other and their lives to pay any attention to why Melinda stopped speaking let alone anything else. She’d have the chance to become anyone she wanted. It was a new chapter filled with promise. Melinda remembers when she looked forward to starting high school.

Graphic novel speak