Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Peer pressure can make you do crazy things.  In Speak, the main character, Melinda, attends the 8th grade end of the year party where her friends are drinking.  Melinda calls the cops, says nothing, and they trace the call, breaking it up.  Oblivious to the reasons behind the call, her friends refuse to speak to her because they think she ratted them out.  But that's okay.  Melinda isn't talking at all--to anyone. She has built up her walls and walks around school, aching for her friends, unable to face the reality of what has happened.  Melinda's parents are concerned while her teachers are both concerned and frustrated.  In this realistic fiction novel, Laurie Halse Anderson delivers a reality of secrets, shame and coping strategies.  Not only should students read this book, but teachers, counselors, parents, EVERYONE should read this book.  We all know a Melinda.  Readers will be shocked at the ending.  Speak is classified as young adult for mature content and mild language.  Made for t.v. movie complete with Kristen Stewart, lead actress in Twilight and comedic actor, Steve Zahn.