In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson she is trying to show about strength is that people grow and can get stronger throughout time and experience. At first in the story Melinda was a very shy and let people step all over her. For example on page 8 “ Thwap! A lump of potatoes and gravy hits me square in the center of my chest. All conversation stops as the entire lunchroom gawks, my face is burning in their retinas.” What that quote was implying is that people are bullying her because she called the cops at the party yet she says nothing to them or what happens at the party. When her ex best friend Rachel starts dating Andy Evans or Andy Beats she starts to worry about Rachel and leaves her a note saying be careful he's dangerous. That