I am struggling to write a review of this Caudill nominee. It is a very good, well-written novel, but I cannot say that I enjoyed reading it, despite the fact that I had trouble putting it down. The book was rather depressing and yet I feel that it will become one of those necessary reads. This story puts you in the wheels of an eleven-year-old girl named Melody who was born with spastic bilateral quadriplegia, better known as cerebral palsy. She cannot walk, she cannot talk and she cannot write. It is Melody’s mind that is exceptional.
Can you imagine remembering every conversation you have ever heard since around the time you were two years old? How about remembering every television show that you ever had a chance to watch? And don’t forget all of the videos and DVDs you have watched including all of the nonfiction stuff you were forced to watch. And suppose you had a parent or caregiver that purposely worked on your vocabulary words with you and you can remember them all – how they are spelled as well as their meaning. You have a photographic memory! Can you envision the places you could go?
Yes, but let’s burst your bubble. You have a brilliant mind, but very few people are able to get past your appearance. It’s hard to ignore that you cannot feed yourself and the food that you are able to consume is pretty much baby food consistency. You have very little control of your limbs. Remember that word? They are spastic! Truthfully, you can really only manage your thumbs. You’re thankful you have two in somewhat working order. I am going to mention the fact that you are thrilled that you don’t have to wear a diaper; however, you still have to be taken, carried, to the bathroom… and wiped. This all makes the incontrollable drool and shrieks sound like a normal everyday sneezes. All appearances lead most people to think that you are a… I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, but… a retard.
Of course, your loving parents, despite the burden of taking care of you almost like a baby, know that you are bright. Perhaps your before and after school caregiver has an even greater inkling of your potential, after all, she has always had your back and has pushed you to do more than most doctors thought was possible. Still, it is hard never being able to express yourself in such a way that those who care can understand. If only they could realize the importance of you having the opportunity to show the world who you are on the inside. You could blow them away!
Luckily for Melody, the world takes a promising turn her 5th grade year. Not only is she allowed to begin attending regular classes at her school through a new inclusion program, but her newly provided “mobility assistant” helps her to find an exciting computer that just might put conversation at her fingertips. Thumbtips, rather. Regardless, no more ABCs for Melody. She’s ready to take on History! Her new history teacher, Mr. Dimming, is in charge of the Whiz Kids quiz team at her school. He gives a quiz to his history class to warm them up for tryouts. Melody is the only child to get a perfect score.
Of course, no one believes it. Unfortunately for Melody, when you join the regular students in class, you are likely to be on the receiving end of more stares, more whispers, and still not be able to join in or keep up. There are the bullies, who talk the talk knowing full well that Melody cannot easily defend herself. And they use her when it benefits them personally. Even the nice girl, Rose, who tries to be her friend, has trouble being a true friend. Maybe their friendship is just for appearances?
The book ends with two devastating experiences. It really was agonizing to read. I would almost say it goes too far and yet, I still find it believable (and no one died.)
A useful tool for both young and old to illustrate – don’t underestimate anyone.
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