Booklists

CCBC Review:

Melody, 12, who has cerebral palsy, is spending a week at a summer camp for disabled kids. Three other campers share her tent. Karyn, like Melody, uses a wheelchair; Athena has Down syndrome; Jocelyn is neuro-divergent. They each have a counselor assigned to them, too. Even though not every other camper uses a wheelchair, or needs assistance eating, or speaks with the help of adaptive technology, Melody quickly realizes that she doesn’t feel different here, and it’s wonderful. Still, not everything is perfect: She and her tent mates bristle at the 24/7 presence of their counselors, no matter how nice they are, and advocate for time free from constant supervision to just hang out as friends. Camp brings other challenges, too. Melody is initially terrified to go swimming, but conquers that fear, as well as her uncertainty about horseback riding. But there are unexpected pleasures, too, including her first crush, on fellow camper Noah. Melody’s engaging voice is immensely enjoyable, offering observations and insights that bring her and other characters into full relief, whether she’s detailing her preference for Nike sneakers and skinny jeans, the distinct tastes and personalities of her fellow campers, or describing physical sensations she’s experiencing for the first time, such as when she’s floating in the pool. This is a welcome sequel to Out of My Mind, the book that introduced Melody and her family. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

 

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format: Novel
Subjects: Communication Friendship Independence/Self-Reliance Physical Disability
Diversity subjects: Black/African Latine Cognitive/Neurological Physical

Publishers: Atheneum, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Publish Year: 2021
Pages: 342
ISBN: 9781665902168
CCBC Location: Fiction, Draper

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