Melody Brooks has lived
her life unable to speak, unable to write, unable to communicate in any
meaningful way with her family, friends, classmates, and the world. Melody was born with a body that she
has little control over, but a mind that is sharper than most. While cerebral palsy has left her a
prisoner to her wheelchair, totally dependent on the help of others to get her
through each day, she has a photographic memory. She is eager to learn and has a brain that understands new
concepts easily and quickly.
Blessed with parents and friends that love and care for her, as Melody
gets older harsh reality hits – the world is full of people that judge others
by what they see, never taking the time to look below the surface and find
what’s truly there. When Melody was
five years old, a doctor, an “expert” on working with the disabled, informed
Mrs. Brooks that Melody was “profoundly retarded” and recommended placing Melody
in an institution since she was “at a perfect age for her to learn to adjust to
a new environment.” Fortunately, Melody’s parents have
no use for “experts” so they enrolled Melody in public school. Now Melody has to find a way to let
everyone, her family, classmates, and teachers, find out what’s really going on
inside of her head.
Told from the perspective
of Melody herself, the reader is offered a rare glimpse inside the mind of
someone who can hear and understand everything that is happening around her
(including unkind words), but has no way to respond except with shrieks,
grunts, and jerky body movements.
As a reader you’ll find your self totally immersed in Melody’s world,
cheering her on as she refuses to let anyone keep her down!
I consider this book to
be a must read. It will forever
ever change how you view anyone considered “different”, opening up new possibilities
for all!
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