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voice, and to my husband Greg, who listens.” What
does the dedication suggest about the author, the novel, and the title Speak? • In the graphic novel version of Speak from 2018, Anderson changed the dedication to read: “To everyone seeking their voice and reaching for their power.” What does the new dedication suggest about the author, the novel, and the title Speak? During reading Readers differ, and so do the contexts in which books are read. Encouraging readers to reflect as they read, however, is never wrong. For many readers, it may be enough to suggest that they collect quotes that in some way provoke thoughts or emotions. Others may benefit from having questions to think about as they read. Some example questions are below (see “After reading”). You might also suggest that readers record when they see a specific word, situation, or image reappearing multiple times. Use bookmarks or jot the page numbers down! After reading Speak • After you finish reading, think about the title again. At whom might it be directed? What kinds of things might need to be said? Might there be many people who need to speak, and many different things that need saying? • The book ends with Melinda saying, “Let me tell you about it.” Which events and/or people helped make it possible for Melinda to speak? Sexual assault • Although we, the readers, are inside Melinda’s head and can hear her thoughts, it is not until the last chapters of the novel that we learn in clear language what really happened at the party – the rape. Before this, how does Melinda talk about the sexual assault?