Characters
How old is Melody at the start of the novel?
10 (almost 11)
Who does the MOST to prepare Melody for the Whiz Kids Team selection?
Mrs. V
Why didn't Melody eat pizza after practice?
She can't feed herself and makes a mess.
What famous person does Melody take interest in?
Steven Hawking
Choose the word that BEST completes this statement from Melody: "Everybody uses _______ to express themselves. Except me. And I bet most people don't realize the real power of _______. But I do."
Words
Give an example of how Butterscotch has a 6th sense.
She barks when Melody falls from her chair.
She protects Penny when she leaves the front porch.
She understands when Melody is sad.
Tell three things about Mrs. V
She lives next door and is Melody and Penny's caretaker.
She is a retired nurse.
She helps Melody prepare for the Whiz Kids quiz.
Mrs. V treats Melody with
Tough Love
Mr. Dimming give this to Melody for winning the practice round of the Whiz Kids competition
A candy bar; a Butterfingers
What lie does Claire tell the television reporter?
She is Melody's best friend.
"I know the name of her condition, Doctor," my mother said with ice in her voice.
Another word or phrase for ice in her voice is
anger, indignation, fury
What does Melody's mother do for a living?
Nurse
What does Melody call her tantrums?
Tornado Explosions
Why does Melody's mother cry when Melody says "I love you" with the help of her Medi-Talker?
She has never heard Melody say this before and it is an emotional moment.
"Mom took the CD, dug down in her purse for a moment, gave Mrs. Billups a five-dollar bill, and deftly snapped the disc in half."
Explain the importance of this moment?
Mother is annoyed that Melody's needs are not being met and she will do anything to ensure her daughter gets a good education.
Why is Paul, the stage manager, important?
He creates an answer board that makes it easier for Melody to answer, showing empathy and understanding.
When Melody comes to try out for the Whiz Kids Team Mr. Dimming says "Melody, I don't want your feelings to get injured. The test is very hard." What can BEST be inferred from Mr. Dimming's statement?
Mr. Dimming believes that because Melody is physically handicapped, that she is also mentally.
What color is Melody's wheelchair at the beginning of the novel?
Pink
Who said this quote?
"Your life is not going to be easy, little Melody... If I could switch places with you, I'd do it in a heartbeat. You know that, don't you?"
Melody's father.
Pg. 11
Why is Paul, the stage manager for the Whiz Kid competition, so comfortable around Melody?
He has a son in a wheelchair.
What does Melody's team do that's special for the day of the competition?
Nothing. They have her.
Who does research to help Melody find a computer that would allow her to communicate?
Catherine, her aide.
"She can't even sit up by herself!" Claire replied, her voice petulant."
What does petulant mean?
childishly sulky anger or bad-tempered
Why does Melody say, "numbers seem to sink like rocks"?
She understands words with ease, but she has a harder time with math.
What accessory does Penny almost always have?
A hat!
Why does Melody feel her classmates show a positive interest in her new computer?
Connor gives his "seal of approval" and he is popular
Explain where the students with special needs eat lunch.
In a different section of the cafeteria with help from an aide.
The name of Melody's classroom
H-5
Why doesn't Melody participate in the fast-paced quizzing during practices?
She can't respond quickly enough, but she listens and remembers it all.
What is one theme of this book? Explain your answer with one example from the novel
Teacher decides