Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful novel that follows the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a party. Through Melinda’s struggle to find her voice and speak up about the trauma she experienced, the novel explores themes of isolation, healing, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Anderson’s raw and honest portrayal of teenage struggles makes “Speak” a must-read for young adults.