Publisher, Random House Audiobooks (November 2006)

A National Book Award Finalist

Melinda is a friendless outcast at Merryweather High. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, and now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. It is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and who is still a threat to her. It will take another violent encounter with him to make Melinda fight back. This time she refuses to be silent.

About the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson grew up in Syracuse, New York, and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. This is her first novel. She is also the author of three picture books, No Time for Mother's Day, Turkey Pox, and Ndito Runs.

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

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