Laurie Halse Anderson Speak Analysis

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Art gives people who cannot “Speak” a chance to express their own voice and speak to the world. Laurie Halse Anderson, in writing Speak, gives kids hope that there always is someone there to help. Melinda expresses her deep emotion that she doesn’t show anyone, without trying to in her artwork. “I see a girl caught in the remains of a holiday gone bad, with her flesh picked off day after day as the carcass dries out.” Pg.64 Mr. Freeman said this to Melinda after looking at her turkey bones exhibit. Mr. Freeman could realize that melinda based off of her artwork was showing she had a terrible holiday and she is feeling very done with her family. Mr. Freeman is trying to get Melinda to open up and confide in him using art. "You're a good kid.

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