Learning about Disability/Motif

A person with a disability is subjected to questions, prejudices, and sometimes even fear. It is important to learn about disabilities to accept disabled individuals and to provide opportunities for them to thrive. In Out of My Heart, Melody Brooks is a 12-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy. Melody has had more than her share of bad experiences. Over the course of a week of bonding with new friends and counselors, Melody learns about the disabilities of others, and learns more about herself.

Melody is accustomed to stares when she and her family are out in public. They eat out only occasionally because Melody has limited control of her muscles, meaning she is prone to spilling things. Melody is sometimes uncomfortable in those situations. She notes that she can sometimes see that people have questions but cannot give them information because they do...