Speak is a novel that shows the realistic ups and downs of going through trauma. Melinda starts out in a dark depressive state and she feels isolated and lonely, ” I am outcast” pg 9. As the Novel continues Melinda navigates her way through the school year and she discovers her passion for art, “My stomach flutters. Can he really let us do this? It sounds like too much fun.” pg 15. Melinda is lacking a strong relationship with her parents, and when they notice Melinda has shut down her parents do not take the time to figure out what is wrong. They just assume  Melinda is wanting attention, “Mother: “She’s jerking us around to get attention.” pg 77. I can relate to Melinda’s feeling of people thinking you are just doing something for attention. In my one pager I made the top of it symbolize how Melinda started sad and dark, and at the end it is bright and colourful. Melinda is a strong girl who overcame the unimaginable.