Shawna Johnson
Shawna Johnson asked Laurie Halse Anderson:

My question pertains to Speak and your use of Picasso as inspiration. Picasso is documented as having been controlling, abusive, unfaithful, and manipulative toward women. I found it interesting that he would inspire Melinda. I am teaching Speak next month. So my question is this: Was the use of Picasso intentional because of his abusive tendencies? Or, was it simply an artist most young adults would know?

Laurie Halse Anderson I wanted Melinda to learn from his shifting views of perspective and visual imagery of fractured self. And yes, he is frequently taught in high school.

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