(Age 10+ ) Melody has cerebral palsy. She can’t walk or talk so people tend to think that she isn’t smart, or fun, or someone who you can be friends with. But Melody is the smartest kid in the school, has a photographic memory, sees colour in music (synesthesia), has a great sense of humour, and she’s brilliant in so many ways that people never get to see because communication is so hard for her. The best thing about Melody is that neither she nor her parents allow her to be defined by her illness and the best thing about this book is that it really gives the reader a glimpse of the challenges and misunderstandings that are common to families living with special needs.
Reminiscent of Wonder by R.J Palacio, even though it is classified as a Young Adult novel, it is one of those amazing cross-over books that adults will love as well: easy to read, but with powerful insights and very affecting.
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