Just Listen ~ Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Speak (2006)
ISBN: 978-0-14-241097-4
371 pgs

Classification: YA Fiction
Genre: Realistic fiction, Chick lit
Age Level: 13+

Reader’s Annotation: Annabel has a secret and her unwillingness to share it is costing her the trust of her most-needed friends.

Summary: Keeping her assault by her best friend’s boyfriend a secret, Annabel Green finds herself ostracized at school. Annabel is also losing interest in the modeling jobs her mother keeps pressuring her to book. Unfortunately, Annabel does not feel comfortable speaking up at home because her older sister’s eating disorder has already caused tension in the family. Annabel slowly becomes friends with Owen Armstrong, whose passion is music, but their relationship is threatened by Annabel’s inability to open up and confide in others. Annabel continues to hold her tongue and alienate those who would help her until a friend inspires her to share her story.

Notes: Just Listen is not quite as harrowing as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, but compelling and just as honest.
Flags: 4

Speak ~ Laurie Halse Anderson

Publisher: The Penguin Group (1999)
ISBN: 0-14-131088X
198 pgs
Classification: YA fiction
Genre: Issues
Age Level: 14+

Reader’s Annotation: While her inner voice is clever, strong, and insightful, Melinda Sordino has no intention of speaking her thoughts aloud, even though her story needs to be told.

Summary: Melinda Sordino realizes what happened to her at a party over the summer, but she has told no one. Now, she is ostracized at school, she has grown apart from her best friend, and she knows she probably will not want to talk even if she had someone to listen to her. The tremendous weight on 14-year-old Melinda’s shoulders seems to have claimed her voice. As she drifts through her freshman year of high school saying as little as possible, it is clear that Melinda needs to find her voice before she drowns in her own silence.

Notes: A spot-on assessment of high school cliques, this is a gripping story how a young girl copes with assault. The novel is an ALA Printz Honor Book (2000), a 1999 National Book Award Finalist, and a Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist.
Flags: 5