out of my dreams by Sharon M. Draper

What worked:

The story is told in first-person from Melody’s point of view. Cerebral palsy has confined her to a wheelchair and it’s difficult for her to control her muscles. She utilizes a computer-like machine called a Medi-Talker that she’s named Elvira. Elvira allows her to “speak” by converting typed words to sound. Despite her challenges, Melody is a highly intelligent twelve-year-old as she’s in advanced math classes and has a talent for languages. She’s curious about anything she doesn’t know and she’ll quickly jump on the internet to learn more. Melody uses her wits to save an elderly neighbor named Miss Gertie which leads to a trip to England. Melody is a remarkable character and will be an inspiration to young readers.

The author keeps Melody’s disability real as her family and a neighbor chip in to help her. She needs her mother’s help simply getting out of bed in the morning and she gets embarrassed at times about needing assistance to use the restroom. Her food needs special preparation and she can’t manipulate silverware to feed herself. However, her parents and little sister are very supportive and help her without complaint. A neighbor, Mrs. V., has been helping the family since Melody was born and she’s the one who accompanies Melody to London.

Each book has Melody traveling to someplace special where she faces new challenges. The first book saw her competing in a team competition, she goes to camp in the second book, and this time she travels to London for an international conference. Actually, the middle part of the book is almost like a travel documentary of a London vacation. Melody and her friends do a good bit of sightseeing and Miss Gertie’s connections open up unexpected doors. Melody may have saved Miss Gertie in ways she never expected.

What didn’t work as well:

As mentioned, the middle part of the book is spent visiting the sights of London with a lot of factual information shared. These chapters allow her mind to obsess with Imposter Syndrome as she doesn’t understand what her plain self can contribute to an International Symposium for I.D.E.A. Much of the book describes her journey through this time in her life but there’s not a large conflict that needs to be resolved. Speaking at the conference seems to be the problem but it’s not a dramatic one.

The final verdict:

This book is an emotional roller coaster as Melody laughs, cries, and gets excited during her adventure to London. I recommend you give this book a shot but I suggest you read Out of My Mind first to fully appreciate Melody’s life journey.