One of the most powerful young adult books I’ve read is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, published in 1999. The main character, Melinda, is raped by a classmate, and the author does a powerful job of describing a victim’s inability to speak out about this crime against her and the peer pressure that silences her more.
Because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s fitting that the publisher, Macmillan, is partnering with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) to raise funds and awareness in the #Speak4RAINN campaign. As the site says: Just $10 provides support for one victim via the National Sexual Assault Hotline. There are other incentives like signed books and a manuscript critique by Laurie (that means you can be chosen to have an award-winning author make helpful comments about your manuscript; worth every penny and more). There’s also a “How Speak Spoke to Me” Creative Contest so that readers can express their feelings.
Follow Laurie on Twitter at @halseanderson and RAINN at @RAINN01 for campaign updates and learn how to get involved. Learn more about the campaign and contest at http://www.macteenbooks.com/speak4rainn/
