Speak Out for Girls and Books

Want to help get "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson -- and other essential books about girls by authors like Judy Blume and Jacqueline Woodson -- into the hands of seventh- and eighth-graders? Check out this Donors Choose request from a New York City school teacher who is facilitating a book club for girls. Or consider helping to fund a book club like this in your neighborhood.

"Speak" was a National Book Award finalist. It often makes another notable list -- books that are frequently challenged.

On Friday, Anderson posted on her blog about recent efforts to ban "Speak" and encouraged educators who have taught the book to share their experience. Classroom guides and resources are available on Anderson's website.