She eventually learns of and gets a communication device that allows her to talk with other people. When Melody enters fifth grade, she becomes frustrated by the difficulty of communicating her wants and needs to those around her. However, Melody loves her little sister, and the pleasures Penny brings to the family and to Melody herself.

Melody envies Penny as she grows and matures since she will never be able to do the things Penny can do. However, Melody is happy when the baby, Penny, is born perfectly healthy. During this time, Melody overhears them talking about the new baby and their fears that it will suffer the same disabilities, causing her to feel ashamed. When Melody turns eight, her mother becomes pregnant with a new baby. This helped Melody become self-sufficient, but she continues to be reliant on her parents to help feed her and help her go to the bathroom. She even taught Melody how to catch herself whenever she fell from her wheelchair. V forced her to learn how to crawl and roll on the ground. V was not impressed by Melody having to rely on her parents for everything. She pushes Melody to do the best she can. Melody is frustrated by this, as she is advanced beyond the material taught in her lessons but cannot communicate in speech or writing. However, the special education class she is put in, Class H–5, is suited for children with learning disabilities the class teaches its students the same things every day, i.e., the alphabet. Elementary School to get the education she needs. In spite of this, Melody's mother enrolls her in Spaulding St. At age five, Melody is even diagnosed as 'profoundly retarded' by a doctor who suggests putting Melody in a nursing home. As a result, Melody has to fight to get her wishes. Her parents have done everything they can to help her live a normal life, but life is often frustrating for Melody since she cannot speak, move, nor communicate her wishes due to cerebral palsy. Melody Brooks is a nearly eleven-year-old girl. The story was written in first person, featuring Melody Brooks, a girl with cerebral palsy. The book is recommended for ages 10-14 and for grades 5–8.

The cover illustration of the fifth edition is by Daniel Chang, and the cover photography is by Cyril Bruneau/Jupiter Images. Draper, a New York Times bestselling author. Print (hardcover, paperback), eBook, audiobook

Out of my heart sharon m draper