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Speak is one of the first books I had to read in grad school for my YA lit class. I remember feeling thinking, wow, this is not what I expected YA lit to be. YA lit was not really a thing when I was actually considered a YA, so this was news to me. I was encouraged that authors were broaching these type of devastating but important subjects and that students had access to these kinds of stories.

When I first saw Shout was being released, I added it to the virtual cart to purchase for the library assuming--based on the title and tree illustration--it was a sequel or companion to Speak. Really, knowing LHA had a new book out was reason enough to purchase without further investigation. Then I went to a booktalk at Anderson's, which is where I learned this was a memoir in verse about being the survivor of rape and sexual assault. I felt like an idiot for not knowing this and subsequently wanted to read it immediately. Because ordering books for the library is more complicated than you'd think, I didn't want to wait, bought a copy there, and dove right in.

This book is a powerful punch to the patriarchy. I hope, like Speak, this book helps the voiceless be heard. Though I have not personally been a victim of physical assault, this got me thinking (yet again) about specific moments where men have said things to me that I knew were inappropriate--sometimes in the moment, sometimes in hindsight--but felt powerless to call them out. I can't even imagine the courage it takes to share these raw memories and emotions but am so glad she did. She writes not just about girls, but boys too who have been prey, in many cases due to the hush-hush of the Catholic church. Keep holding them accountable!

I loved the poems about her time living in Denmark and how that kind of cultural shift experience overseas can completely open one's world. I hope that inspires young readers to consider doing something similar. And in regards to "librarian on the cusp of courage," "inappropriate dictators," and "innocence," we school librarians are just as fired up about the those who try to censor, be it admin, school boards, or parents. Proud to put several copies of this book on our library shelves and will defend its place should the issue ever arise.

Raise your hand if you want to send copies of this to Brock Turner and Brett Kavanaugh....