Melody Brooks

Melody is a 12-year-old girl who has always been defined by the cerebral palsy that confines her to a wheelchair. She likes school and learning but has no friends and no connections there. When she hears girls at school talking about the plans for summer camp, Melody sets out to find a camp for herself. She solicits the help of a local librarian, indicating that she is a resourceful child who can make connections. This is also an indication that she wants to have the experiences that other children have. Melody is nonverbal except with a speech device. On the way to camp, she has doubts about her ability to fit in. She wants to change her mind but is unable to say that. By the time she has the device in her hands at camp, her counselor says it is normal to feel nervous at first...