* It is a fictional story: It is not a true account of a real person's experience. The character of Melinda Sordino and the events that unfold in the novel are entirely created by the author.
* The characters are fictional: While the author likely draws inspiration from real life experiences, the characters in the book are not real people. Their personalities, relationships, and struggles are imagined and developed by Anderson.
* The plot is fictional: The events that drive the narrative, like the incident at the party and Melinda's subsequent silence, are fictionalized. While they could be inspired by real events, they are not documented factual occurrences.
* The setting is fictional: While the setting might be inspired by real places, it is not presented as a specific, identifiable location. The school, town, and other places in the story are fictional constructs.
While "Speak" explores themes that resonate with real-life experiences like sexual assault, teenage angst, and finding your voice, it is ultimately a work of fiction created by the author's imagination.