Melody Brooks lives in a world that is unimaginable for most of us. She was born with cerebral palsy. Her movement is limited, and she cannot speak at all, save for a few grunts and shrieks. Fortunately, she has wonderful parents, who see that her mental capabilities are on par (if not above) her peers. She simply can't express what's in her mind. Up until 5th grade, she has spent her school days in the room with children who have profoundly special needs. But now, her school is mainstreaming Melody and her classmates into the regular classroom, where she is introduced to new opportunities, but also to new challenges.
There are some great things about this book. We get to walk in Melody's shoes for awhile. It's eye-opening to feel the frustration she feels, and live with her as she experiences her triumphs and setbacks. It's an emotionally compelling story. There are parts that will turn your stomach, and parts that will make you cheer.
Here's what drove me absolutely CRAZY about this book. Melody's parents are awesome. Her aides at school are awesome. Her home caretaker is awesome. But her teachers are terrible. All of them. In very, very dramatic ways. Perhaps I'm sensitive about this, being a teacher and all, but her teachers are so shockingly terrible, it took away the book's credibility for me. I have never heard a teacher say or do anything even remotely as awful as these teachers. In fact, most of the adults, except for the ones who are paid to care for her, are as insensitive and cruel as the horrible kids in this book.
So many students love this book, so I think it's definitely worth a read if you are looking for a realistic drama, but for me, it wasn't the greatest.
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