In what tense is the story told? What effect does this choice have on the reader’s perception of the narrative?

Speak is written in the first person, present tense, from Melinda Sordino's point of view. The author's choice of the first person allows the reader to experience what Melinda experiences first-hand... to get inside of her head, to not only hear about her feelings.... but to share them.... the anger, the fear, and occasionally the humor.