Speak 1
Who is the main girl in this story?
Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who is grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event that occurred during the summer before her freshman year.
What is Melinda's overall personality?
fearful of most people, depressed, and apathetic.
What new friend does Melinda make on her first day of high school?
Heather, a transfer student from Ohio, on her first day of high school.
How do Melinda and Heather connect as friends?
They initially connect because both of them feel like outcasts at the beginning of the school year.
What happens on Melinda's first day in her Spanish class?
Her teacher attempts a total non-english approach, which just leads to confusion and frustration as Melinda and her classmates struggle to understand the teacher's non-verbal clues and mime.
Who are Melinda's parents?
Jack Sordino (father) and Joyce Sordino (mother).
How is Melinda's home life?
Isolation and avoidance of her parents. She communicates with them mainly through notes, avoids doing homework, and often eats alone, turning the couch to create a mess while eating before hiding her evidence when her parents are home.
What teacher does Melinda not like?
Mr. Neck
How does Melinda describe Mr.Neck?
Describes him as intimidating, and he often mistreats her due to her silence and sullenness.
What later friendship does Melinda make at school other than Heather?
Later, she also develops a friendship with David Petrakis, her science lab partner.
Who was Melinda's former best friend?
Rachel(Rachelle)
Where does Melinda go to school?
Merry Weather High School
What does Melinda do when she sees Andy Evan's?
She bites her lips and nails, becomes paralyzed by silence
Which of her teachers calls Melinda "Hairwoman"?
Her English teacher
What club do Melinda and Heather join at school?
The Marthas
Who are the factions at Melinda's school?
These include the Jocks, Country Clubbers, Idiot Savants, Cheerleaders, Human Waste, Eurotrash, Future Fascists of America, Big Hair Chix, the Marthas, Suffering Artists, Thespians, Goths, and Shredders.
Why does Melinda choose to buy lunch on her first day at school?
So she can bring her lunch to school and avoid the trauma of waiting alone in the cafeteria line.
What state was Melinda in when she was raped?
She was drunk when she was being raped
Where is Melinda raped?
At a high school party
What does Melinda and Heather's club consist of doing?
Which focuses on helping others
Was Melinda in a faction at her school?
No, she is at first an outsider before she meets Heather
Who rapes poor Melinda?
Andy Evans
Why does Melinda vomit during lunch period?
Fellow student Andy Evans and his presence often triggers physical trauma responses in Melinda:she runs when he speaks to her, and vomits when he touches her.
Do melinda and her friend Ivy get back together?
Yes, Melinda and her friend Ivy do eventually reconnect
What is Melinda's true interest at school?
Melinda's true interest at school is her love for art, particularly her art class with Mr. Freeman.