O'ConnorUPLANBRAINSTORM

Although I have to admit that I have never read the book //Speak// by Laurie Hale Anderson, it is a book that I have always wanted to read, but had just never gotten around to actually reading. From what I learned from watching the movie and researching the book on both //Amazon// and //Goodreads// I think that this book would be a great novel for teens to read. It deals with the relatable themes of peer pressure, self-identity, standing up for one’s self, fitting in, high school cliques, etc. This is a novel that all teens will find themselves relating to. By reading, interpreting, and analyzing this book I want students to be able to see the huge impact that novels can have on the reader. I want readers to see how a work of fiction can easily connect to one’s own life. I want readers to see the impact that certain choices can have on the development of one’s character. I also want students to look closely at how outside factors such as (the choices that other people make) can ultimately shape the person that we become. I hope that by having students observe all of these various themes throughout the novel //Speak// students will be able to understand how to look closely at a work of literature and find ways in which to connect it to their own lives; as well as expose students to the reality that everyone has "baggage", whether it be a large or small amount, we all do.