With my not ever having been a victim of sexual assault, it is almost impossible for me to understand the complicated feelings that silenced Melinda.  I do, however, have nieces who are the same age as Melinda, and I cannot envision their being able to speak up about experiencing sexual assault.  Embarrassment and fear would almost certainly silence them.  I think that most teenage girls would feel this embarrassment and fear, and that it would take a very special relationship with either parents or a teacher for a young person to speak up about this.  Not only was the sexual assault enough to silence Melinda’s voice, but the things that took place after that night at the party, both at home, and at school only worked to silence her more.  I believe this novel is a testament to the devastating effects of sexual assault.  

How was Melinda expected to be anything but silent with what and who surrounded her? It makes me shiver to think that this happens so often, and that many victims of sexual assault will never be able to speak up.  In Melinda’s case she tried desperately to speak up about what happened to her.  So many “what ifs”.  What if her environment at home and school had been different? What if her mom and dad had given more time to the family dynamic?  What if teachers at school (excluding Mr. Freeman) had paid attention?  What if her so called “friends” (Rachel, Heather, Ivy) had really been there for her?  

As a future educator I took something away from this novel that will help me greatly with my students: always listen (and know it won’t always be words that you are listening for).  It was interesting to me to see the different grades at the end of each period, and especially that Art was always an A. One can’t help but think that if it hadn’t been for Mr. Freeman, Melinda might not have been able to finally gain her voice.  Not only did he help Melinda to find her voice, but he also helped her to find the meaning in her life, after she had lost it.