Laryn+O'Donnell

= Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson =

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= Plot Summary: =

=== This book is written in in 1st person by Melinda. Melinda attends Merry Weather High school. This story talks about how Melinda copes with going through high school alone. he used to have friends, but after a life changing moment at a party, everything changed. instead of being one of the popular students at high school, she is an outcast with no one to talk to but herself.Her grades are terrible and she does not know how to tell people what really happened that night of the party. What happened at the party changed Melinda's life forever. ===

About the Author:
=== Laurie Halse Anderson was born in Potsdam, New York on October 23, 1961. He father was a minister and a poet on the side. When Laurie was younger, she would play on his typewriter. it was said that Laurie had wanted to be a famous writer ever since the second grade. Laurie has won many awards for her books. She especially won an award for Speak. Other famous books by the author are: ===

**//Thank you Sarah!//**[[image:wp-sarah-thmb.jpg width="65" height="64"]]
= Peer Pressure: = === Have you ever went great lengths to fit in? Have you ever gotten forced to do the "cool" thing? If so, this can be known as peer pressure. Peer pressure affects everyone. whether you are young or old. Peer pressure can be a negative and positive effect on you. Depending how you deal with your situation, it can turn out either good or bad. When you decide to go with the crowd, you must stay true to what you think is right. No matter what anyone thinks, you must always stay true to your own opinion to make the best decision. Next time someone is encouraging or pressuring you to do something, ask yourself if this is the right thing. ===

For more information on this topic, click here:
[|http://kidshealth.org/teen/]

= Movie: = **If i were to make //Speak// a movie, the main characters in my book would be Dakota Fanning, Rachel McAdams, and Joe Jonas.**

**I chose Dakota Fanning to play Melinda because i felt that she is a very innocent character just like Melinda's personality from the book.**

**I chose Rachel McAdams to be Rachel. Rachel was the popular mean girl in the story. Since Rachel McAdams has had previous bullying/mean roles in other movies i think she would** **perfectly** **portray Rachel from the story.**

**And finally, i chose Joe Jonas to be Andy Evans. Andy and Joe are alike because they are both attractive, popular and rebellious.**

= About the reader of this book: =

==My name is Laryn O'Donnell. I am in 9th grade. I go to Gahanna Lincoln High School.I play volleyball and basketball. After High school, i want to go to College, and after i want to go to Law School to become a Lawyer. I love fighting for what is right, and helping others. In my family i have a mom, dad, and two sisters. I also have two dogs. I am the youngest child in my family out of both of my sisters. Aside from my family, i love hanging out with my friends. ==