Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

 

Melody is in a wheelchair and cannot talk, but she has an amazing brain.  She is rejected by her classmates who don't realize how smart she is.  She convinces her parents to get her a computer so she can communicate with the world.
 Melody's struggle felt personal to me as I know children whose abilities are masked by their so-called disabilities.  I was excited to receive this as a gift from one of my families this year.  I can't wait to share Melody's story with my fourth graders this year.
For an explanation of my rating scale, click here