Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

     I'm halfway through the book, Speak.  I'm finding it easy to get in the mindset of the protagonist, Melinda Sordino. As she enters the ninth-grade she is full of feelings of alienation from her former friends and is finding it hard to connect with new ones. As I'm reading through the easy to ready chapters I'm drawn into her "story" and the secret she is carrying. I'm reminded of what a challenge high-school really can be for some kids and how we, as educators, aren't always privy to the interaction between them.  I can really see this book leading to thought provoking discussions both inside and outside of the classroom setting.  I'm looking forward to finishing the book and "shadowing"  Melinda as she continues through her freshman year with so much on her mind.