Melinda an incoming freshmen who is excited and giddy about her first year of high school. Along with many friends she decides to go to a high school party. Along with many of her friends she begins to drink. She becomes disoriented and walks outside and runs into an older boy who takes advantage of a young naive drunk girl and forces himself on her. He rapes her and Melinda is shocked, disgusted and in great pain and unable to "speak." She calls 911 but is unable to speak, the police show up and she runs home. As freshmen year begins she is sad, torn and an emotional wreck. Her friends have abandoned her and she becomes isolated living in her own world of chaos. She fights her way through the demons inside her head and learns to "speak" again, saving a friend who had abandoned her.
Personal Reaction:
Wow this book captured my attention from the beginning. It touched me very personally. Melinda brought me with her along the journey of recovery. Rape is an act of violence and is extremely difficult to overcome but Melinda did it. A glimmer of hope for those who struggle with the pain of rape everyday.
Extension Ideas:
Students would be encouraged to write about a time when they felt "silent." A time when they felt they couldn't speak.
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