MELODY
What did Melody think was funny about Dr. Hugely? (pg. 19)
He was a large man with a big stomach just like his name.
How has Mrs. V. won the tickets for the aquarium? (pg.115)
She entered an essay contest at the bookstore in the mall.
How is Mrs. Shannon different than the other teachers Melody has had so far? (pg. 92)
She probably read the records from previous years and was willing to improve the kids.
Why does Melody like Catherine the first time she sees her? (page 104)
She talks to her like she was any other student.
“As we drive, Rose chatters with my parents and Mrs. V like she’s known them all her life. I watch it all silently, thinking this has to be the best day of my life.”
What can we infer about Rose’s personality from this quote? (pg. 118)
We can infer that Rose is friendly and confident when meeting others.
Melody says, "Mom and I can sometimes talk without words." What does she mean? (pg. 84)
They know each other so well that they don't need words to communicate.
What does the description of Melody’s mother having “daggers in her eyes” and “balled fists” suggest about her true feelings and actions at the aquarium when she hears Rose and Claire talking? (pg. 120)
She feels protective and angry but chooses to control herself.
What was the first lesson in the inclusion program? (pg. 93)
Music
How does Catherine react to Melody's joke? (pg.140)
She cracks up.
"Rose’s name really fits her—she’s pretty and delicate and nice to be around. If she has thorns like real roses do, I’ve never noticed."
What does Melody mean here about Rose? (pg. 115)
Sh means that Rose is kind and does not seem to hurt others.
How did Melody know all the names of her new classmates in the music class? (pg. 93)
She has watched them on the playground at lunch and at recess for years.
After Melody thanks Mrs. V when she tried the Medi-Talker for the first time, Melody says, "Mrs. V blinks real fast. I do too. She reaches for a tissue. We both need it. " (pg.135)
What can we infer about Mrs. V’s reaction?
She feels emotional because she is proud and moved by Melody’s words.
What did Mrs.Shannon do that is different than the other teachers during parent conferences? (page 103)
She pulled Melody into the circle of teachers who are involved in the inclusion program.
What is the first joke Melody makes for Catherine with Elvira? (pg.140)
Let's go shopping.
After one of the tests, why do Claire and Molly complain to Miss Gordon about Catherine helping Melody. Why does Melody think that's a first? (pg.108)
Melody thinks this is a first because the girls assume "something is easier" for Melody than others.
When Melody takes Elvira to school for the first time, Elvira makes her the center of attention. How is it different from the previous ones? (pg.139)
It is not because of something embarrasing she did.
When Mrs. Brooks said, "But a person is so much more than the name of a diagnosis on a chart!", what did she mean? (pg. 23)
A person has thoughts, feelings, and abilities beyond their diagnosis.
Even though it is a bad thing, Melody felt great when Mrs. Lovelace warned her to be quiet in class. What was the reason? (pg. 101)
She felt like the rest of the kids.
After Claire's comments in class once again, Catherine storms out and says, “What your body looks like has nothing to do with how well your brain works! You ought to know that by looking in the mirror!”
What does Catherine’s reaction most strongly suggest about her attitude toward Claire’s comment and Melody’s abilities? (pg.152)
She is angry because she believes Claire is being unfair and disrespectful toward Melody’s intelligence.
When Melody takes Elvira to her inclusion class for the first time, Connor saves her. Why is that important? (pg.141)
When he gives his okay, the rest of the students decide to leave it alone.
Late one January afternoon I typed, “I hope we have a snow day—no school.” Everybody agreed. For once, I got to speak for the class.
What does the phrase “for once, I got to speak for the class” most strongly suggest about Melody’s experience in that moment? (pg.145)
She feels included and valued because her voice represents others for the first time.
How did the Brooks know Mrs. Violet Valencia? (pg. 40)
Melody’s mom had worked with her as a nurse at the same hospital.
Why do Miss Gordon's students take turns to squeeze into a small space she has built under a table while reading Anne Frank's story? (pg. 106)
Miss Gordon wanted them to understand how Anne Frank might have felt.
What do Melody and Catherine do in class during the rest of the students are making paper snowflakes? (pg. 128)
Web search on communication devices
When Claire was talking about Elvira, she says, "It's perfect for a kid like you." What does she imply? (pg.142)
She thinks the device is suitable for Melody because of her disability, not because it is something impressive or useful.