Speak Laurie Halse Anderson Laurie Halse Anderson Born

Speak Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson • Born October 23, 1961 in Potsdam, New York • Laurie Beth Halse • Wanted to be a Doctor • Exchange Student to Denmark for Senior Year • Onondaga Community College for 2 Years

Laurie Halse Anderson • Graduated from Georgetown University in 1984 with a B. S. L. L. in Languages and Linguistics • Married Greg Anderson • Had 2 Daughters – Meredith and Stephanie • Worked as Freelance Reporter • Wrote as a Hobby • 1996 First Book, Ndito Runs, Published • Later 1996 Turkey Pox Published

Laurie Halse Anderson • 1998 No Time For Mother’s Day Published • 1999 Speak Published • Speak Won Numerous Awards -National Book Award Finalist -Printz Honor book -Booklist “Top 10 First Novels of 1999” • 2000 Fever 1793 Published • 2001 The Big Cheese on Third Street Published • 2002 Catalyst and Thank You, Sarah! Published • 2005 Prom Published • New husband, Scot Larrabee • 2007 Twisted Published

Catalyst • Set in the Same High School as Speak • Features a Few Cameo Appearances from Speak’s characters

Rape • “Rape is forced, unwanted sexual intercourse. Rape, sometimes also called sexual assault, can happen to both men and women of any age. " • Teens Help

Depression • constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension • decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies • loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity • a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain • a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much • restlessness or feeling slowed down • decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate • feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt • thoughts of suicide or death

Setting • Syracuse, New York • Late 1990’s

Characters • • • Melinda Sordino Andy Evans Rachel Bruin Mr. Neck Heather Ivy • • • Mr. Freeman Mrs. Sordino Mr. Sordino Nicole David Petrakis

Conflict • Internal • Dealing with Rape • Dealing with Depression • External • Harassment by Andy Evans • Isolation from Entire Student Body • Dealing with Parents

Themes • Rape • High School Cliques • Peer Pressure • Social Alienation • Sexual Harrassment • Bullying • Dysfunctional Family • Depression

Plot Ac tio Ris ing n ctio g. A Exposition llin Fa n Climax Denouement/R esolution

Works Cited • "Depression-Related Mood Disorders. " Depression. com 1997 -2008 23 Jul 2008 <http: //www. depression. com/types_of _depression. html>. • Theo Black and Laurie Halse Anderson, "Biography. " Laurie Halse Anderson. 2002. 14 Jul 2008 <http: //writerlady. com/>.