Literary Connections
There are many other literary texts which could enhance a study of Speak. Teachers might consider including the texts listed below in a unit centered around the novel.
"Listen" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Visit the link below to read and listen to Laurie Halse Anderson's poem, "Listen," which she crafted from the many letters she has received from fans of the novel, Speak.
http://madwomanintheforest.com/listen/
How does this poem connect to the novel? What does it mean to listen? What does this poem tell us about sexual violence? Have students read the poem and identify the different ways in which Anderson's readers have connected to her novel. Ask students to think about the personal connections they made with the novel. According to the poem, what different kinds of effects did the novel have on its readers? Ask students to think about the effect it had on them.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
In her safe space, the janitor's closet, Melinda hangs a poster of Maya Angelou. Other references to Maya Angelou can be found throughout the novel. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou's autobiography, describes Angelou's own experience with rape. As a result of being raped by her uncle at the age of thirteen, Angelou did not speak to anyone for a whole year. Have students read Angelou's novel (or an excerpt of the novel). Reflect on Angelou's significance in Speak. What are the similarities and differences of the two novels? Why is speaking out so important?
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
While Adichie's novel does not focus on sexual violence, the physical violence that the protagonist of the novel, fifteen year-old, Kambili, experiences in her home is just one more type of violence teens might face in their lives. Similar to Melinda, Kambili must embark on a journey to find her own voice. Students can draw comparisons between the two girls and discuss their similarities and differences in the effects that violence has on them.
"Listen" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Visit the link below to read and listen to Laurie Halse Anderson's poem, "Listen," which she crafted from the many letters she has received from fans of the novel, Speak.
http://madwomanintheforest.com/listen/
How does this poem connect to the novel? What does it mean to listen? What does this poem tell us about sexual violence? Have students read the poem and identify the different ways in which Anderson's readers have connected to her novel. Ask students to think about the personal connections they made with the novel. According to the poem, what different kinds of effects did the novel have on its readers? Ask students to think about the effect it had on them.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
In her safe space, the janitor's closet, Melinda hangs a poster of Maya Angelou. Other references to Maya Angelou can be found throughout the novel. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou's autobiography, describes Angelou's own experience with rape. As a result of being raped by her uncle at the age of thirteen, Angelou did not speak to anyone for a whole year. Have students read Angelou's novel (or an excerpt of the novel). Reflect on Angelou's significance in Speak. What are the similarities and differences of the two novels? Why is speaking out so important?
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
While Adichie's novel does not focus on sexual violence, the physical violence that the protagonist of the novel, fifteen year-old, Kambili, experiences in her home is just one more type of violence teens might face in their lives. Similar to Melinda, Kambili must embark on a journey to find her own voice. Students can draw comparisons between the two girls and discuss their similarities and differences in the effects that violence has on them.