Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write.
Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.
From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a very powerful book that really made me stop and think about going beyond what a person looks like. It is really true: treat others the way you want to be treated.
DeleteWhen you go out in public and see a person with a disability, it's hard not to stare. Admit it, we all do it. With a disease like Melody's, you don't exactly know their limits, or what goes through their mind. This book helped me get past the point of appearance and look into what really matters: someone's heart.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Lawson. I agree. I think this book is all about looking past limitations, like her next door neighbor does.
DeleteWhen Penny got hit by a car, I was so scared . . . or I'm not really sure what the word is. Maybe a bit intrigued . . . I was interested. I thought that Penny may be injured and maybe she would have to be hospitalized. Maybe she would be in a wheelchair. It's interesting how words can create so many different emotions. This is a terrific novel that I highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteGreat job explaining a situation from the book.
DeleteMelody is really smarter then what other people think and theres even proof but people don't watch her carefully to see that she is brilliant! I think she could interact with more kids and people if they actually let her and give her the equipment that is needed. I am extremely happy with Rose for talking to Melody and getting to know her if more people did that they would see how great of a person Melody was.
ReplyDeleteWould you talk to Rose if there was a girl like her in our school? Would you look beyond what everyone else sees? Just seem deep questions for you to think about.
DeleteI am very happy for Melody because of the computer she got! She is able to say what she feels and is able to participate in school. The teachers are starting to see she is really smart but they don't believe it which i don't think is very kind of them. They make comments about Melody to other kids to her face and if i was her i would stand up for myself. I am VERY disappointed with Rose she stopped talking to Melody and doesn't stand up for her anymore. I just wish that people would see that her disability just effects her body not her brain. People just need to see her for her and not her disability because she truly is a very bright and kind person!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Rylee. That is one of the reasons I really liked this book. I think it will make a person stop and think differently. This book combined with The Running Dream really sends a great message about people with disabilities.
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