Speak Lesson Plan

How do Melinda and Andy react when they see each other outside of the town bakery?

Melinda reacts very much like a hunted animal, first freezing and then running away after Andy spots her and speaks to her. Andy, on the other hand, approaches her with confidence, smiling and offering her a bite of his doughnut. Even in this very short scene, it should be clear to students that Andy is skilled at exercising his power over Melinda. Some students might point out the word choices the author uses to compare the characters to hunter and prey: Melinda is a “rabbit” and a “BunnyRabbit,” and Andy is a “predator” who “wolfsmiles” at her.

Name the two things Heather does to end...