Out of my dreams

A tween saves her neighbor's life and finds herself on an unexpected adventure. Twelve-year-old Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy, is looking out her window when she sees Miss Gertie, her elderly neighbor, fall. Melody, who is nonspeaking, uses her talking board to call 911. She's hailed as a hero and learns that Miss Gertie was once a celebrated film star who's now isolated from family back home in London. As the news spreads, Miss Gertie and Melody are sought out by the local media. Before long, Melody is invited to attend an international symposium that brings together "gifted and visionary young people" so they can "exchange ideas and strategize solutions to the problems of the world." Melody wonders what she could bring to such a gathering, but it means a trip to London for her and Miss Gertie. Accompanied by another trusted neighbor, Melody has a whirlwind of experiences, mostly positive. A major disappointment--an event she couldn't attend because the space wasn't wheelchair accessible--offers Melody something she can share with other conference participants. Among others from around the world, she connects with Elvira, who does wheelchair ballet and wants to help other wheelchair users participate in it, too. This latest volume is a worthy addition to a highly acclaimed and popular series. Through strong characterization and powerful storytelling, Draper once again successfully brings readers into Melody's mind, allowing them to see the world through her eyes. A warm and beautifully told narrative featuring a beloved character.(Fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 I walked to the podium, tall and confident. I wore a dusky-red velvet dress that swirled lightly with each step I took. A black silk sash and satiny-smooth shoes completed the look. I turned to the crowd and waved. I could hear cheers, yes, cheers, for me, Melody Brooks! "We love ya, Melody!" "You're the best, Melody!" "We are so proud of you, Melody!" "Can't wait to hear from you!" I smiled brightly, acknowledging each person as I passed them. Mom and Dad and Penny were in the front row, and near them I spotted our neighbors Mrs. V and Miss Gertie, and a girl I didn't recognize. And ooh, was that Noah from camp? OMG! My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe he showed up! Reaching the podium, I grabbed both sides, lifted my chin, and took a deep breath. I spoke loudly and clearly, my voice echoing from the microphone. "To all my friends and relatives who have gathered here today, I am so very thankful. And to all of you who don't know the full story of how a surprise trip changed my life and opened new doors for me, here we go!" More applause. Was that music playing in the background? I felt like dancing. My feet wiggled in my shoes, and suddenly I was tipping, tapping, twirling across the stage to the beautiful strains of a soft Strauss waltz. So I danced. Yes, I danced. Right there onstage in front of hundreds of people. The notes and the melody did their own dance in my heart, just like my name. I glided across the stage as lightly as the golden air around me. Music raised me up as I reached for the sky. I stretched, farther, farther, and then... I opened my eyes, as the dream began to crumble into the reality of morning, I realized I could not speak; there was no music, not even any random birds squawking outside. I was in my bed, waiting for my mom to get me up, place me in my wheelchair, and get me ready for the day, which would not, for sure, include dancing! But what a strange dream.... Excerpted from Out of My Dreams by Sharon M. Draper All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.