Discussion+Director

Week #1: Lizzie Roy

1. How would you have handled Dr. Hugely's news about Melody if you were her mother?

I think I would have acted similar to Melody’s mother. I would have been frustrated and mad at Dr. Hugely if he told me my daughter was stupid when I know she is smart. I would probably get sick of people telling me my daughter was stupid and most likely be relieved to yell at someone and get it out. Kaitlin

I think I would have reacted similar to Melody's mom. I would be sick of hearing how there is no hope for my daughter when she really is a genius inside. It is not Melody's fault she is disabled. She can't help that she is unable to do some things so I would have yelled at Dr. Hugely too. It is frusterating to hear lies when you strongly believe something, like Melody being smart. Maris(blue)

I think I would of been speechless! It would take me a while to process what I had just been told. I think once the news finally hit me I would probably cry for a little bit, but then I would think she is my daughter and she can do anything! I would enroll her in school because I believe that Melody is very smart no matter what anyone says! If you believe in a person you never give up on them no matter what! Rachel

I think hearing agian and agin that my daughter isn't capable of anything and that there is no hope for her would be hard to hear and after awhile I would probably do a similar thing as Melodys mother did. As a mother Im sure that it would be very stressfull for her and as Melody it is even more stress full to have to deal with all the other disabled children in her class.

I think I would have been very mad at Dr. Hugely just like Melody's mother was because I would not be able to handle it very well. I agree with Samantha on how hear over and over again that my daughter isn't capable of handling herself would be very hard to hear and I think if I was mad enough I would have done the same thing that Melody's mother did. So I understand where Melody's mother is coming from. Emma

2. How do you think the aids for Melody's class feel dealing with disabled children all day?

My mom is an aid at Barlow Park and she works with disable children every day. When my mom comes home she is usually sore because she has a bad back. Some days are better than others for her. Sometimes she will be crabby and upset from work and some days she’ll be happy which usually means she had a good day. Kaitlin

I think the aids feel that they are doing a good deed by helping them even though it might get tough. It may be tough at times with all the different personalities and needs of the children but the aids always seem to know how to handle it. I feel proud of anyone that tries so hard to make other people happy. The aids of Melody's class should feel good about themselves and try to have a good time with the disabled kids. Maris

I think that the aids feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I also think they enjoy their jobs. Like Maris said that the aids may think it is tough dealing with different personalities and needs, but I think that in the end they feel good knowing that they are helping for a good cause! Rachel

I think that it would become a little crazy at times and a little uncontrolable but at the end of each day I think like rachel and mairs said that they would feel good knowing that they are helping the disabled children that are in need of asistence during the day. samantha

I think the aids- like Rachel- sometimes seem overwhelmed with all the kids and their different disabilities, but it does seem like they like their jobs because they know that they are helping the kids perform better in school and help learn to control their outbursts. Just like Samantha, Rachel and Maris said, its seems like that they feel good knowing they are helping these kids. Emma

3. Why do you think Mrs. V. is so nice and kind to Melody and her family?

I think Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she knows Melody can do anything she sets her mind to. Mrs. V. believes in Melody and that’s why I think she’s so nice. Kaitlin

I think that Mrs. V is being so nice to Melody and her family because she know how hard it is must be to have to go through this kind of thing. She may also be nice to them because they are nice to her and trust her to help Melody in any way she can, so Mrs. V doesn't want to let them down. Emma

I think that Mrs. V is so nice to Melody because she believes in her. She is the one that forced Melody to roll over on her stomach and even though it was tough for Melody, she did it. I think that Mrs. V knows that Melody is capable of doing everything any normal kid can do. Rachel

I think that Mrs.V is nice to Melodys faimly because, she is very confident in her and knows that she can do anything she sets her mind to. When you have some one that belives in you I think that really special to have that kindof person in your life. samantha

Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she might feel bad for them. Melody is unable to talk, walk, and write so I think Mrs. V. feels she is doing helping out the family alot. Melody's parents can always be there for her so Mrs. V is like a substitute that understands Melody. Maris 4. If you had written this book would you have made Melody's condition so severe? Why or Why not?

I would have made Melody’s condition the way the way the author did to show what some kids have to go through every day. I would have made her condition so sever because it can help people understand what it would be like to have a disability like that. Kaitlin

If I had written this book I would have kept the same seriousness of Melody's condition because in real life this thing may happen all the time and then I would write how Melody and her family try to get through this road block in their lives. Emma

I would have kept the same seriousness too because kids actually do go through these severe disabilities in life, and it gives hope to people. If I were disabled and I read this book it would give me hope that I can do anything that I try hard at no matter what the circumstance. Rachel

I think I would have because this really dose happen in the real world and I think it is imortant to understand that is just isnt some made up story that just came out of know where that is reality and a very serious thing that can happen when you are born. It give anyone hope they can do anything!! samantha

If I wrote this book, I would not make Melody's condition as bad as it is for her now. It's sad to think that a child has to go through something like this. Although, the severeness of her condition does bring a twist of drama to the story that makes readers want to continue reading. Melody is original and unique. Maris 5. What do you think will happen when Melody's parents or Mrs. V. die?

If Melody’s parents die Mrs. V would most likely adopt Melody. If Mrs. V dies than Melody’s parents would have to find someone else to watch her. If they all die than I don’t really know what would happen. Kaitlin

I think that it will be hard on Melody because those are the people that really support her. Obviously the doctors don't think she can do anything but the answer to this really depends on Melody's self modivation. If she is motivated to keep trying in life then she will get far. Rachel

To me this one is very hard to anserwer becaues so far in the book she really has not been on her own for a long period of time like she would be if they were to die. But there is hope for everyone so you never know. samantha

If Melody's main people in her life perished, I'm not sure how Melody would cooperate. It seems like she is used to being alone because nobody truly understands here. But then again, Melody can't do everything on her own. She needs somebody there to support her, like Rachel mentioned. Melody would probably be very troubled, but that's how she has to live normally. Maris

I think that Melody would be devestated to learn that someone who loves her some much sadly passed away. I'm sure it would also give Melody some more responsibility to be able to learn from this sad part in her life and give her hope that she will get better. Emma 6. If Melody went to Ripon Middle School how do you think she would be treated? If Melody went to ripon middle shool I think she would be treated the same way she is being treated now by most of the students here. I would become Melody's friend and help her out, but thats me. Melody isn't much differant that us because we all have problems its just that hers are shone on the outside. (Kaitlin)

It is hard to say! Since there are so many personalities and mixed emotions all over I think Melody would get treated bad and good. Personally I would be shocked at first just because I havn't been around a lot of people with severe disablities, but then I would think what it would be like to be Melody. I would befriend her and help her and just be there if she ever needed a friend. I wouldn't be overly helpful though because I don't want Melody to think she can't do anything, and she always needs people. Rachel

The world is very crul sometimes and it is hard to predict how she would be treated but also the world can be very nice. I think like rachel said above this that she would get treated good and bad at the same time good because I know that there are alot of nice people that would care for her and bad because some people have no feelings for other people. samantha

Melody would be treated both bad and good. I feel that some students would pity her and try to be as nice as possible, like the aids in Melody's classroom. Other students would spit mean names at her. I do not think our school handles people that are different very well. Just because someone isn't the same as everyone else, they are picked on and made fun of. It's reallly not fair to those who can't help being different so I think Melody would struggle with that. She would have friends to lean on like the other girls said above, but there is a good chance she would be treated badly as well as good. Maris

It seems hard to tell whether or not she would be treated good or bad. Just because she is different it doesn't mean that people can't get along with her and live to learn with her disability. I know that if she went to Ripon Middle School I would try to understand her in any way I could. Emma

Week #2 Discussion Director questions: Rachel Peppler

1. If you were Mrs. Billups how would you of reacted to Melody's mom's outburst? If I were Mrs. Billups, I would quit my job after Melody's mother embarrassed me in front of the class and aids. To be told that you are doing a terrible job is very nerve wracking. I feel that I would try a different job with normal kids and learn from my mistakes. I would NOT teach the children lessons over and over so that would avoid another out burst from an enraged parent. This is what I would do if I were Mrs. Billups. Maris

If I were Mrs. Billups I would have quit teaching and move to different state. I would get a new job and life so that I could just forget about what happened. I would also make sure nothing like that happened again. Kaitlin

If I were Mr. Billups, I would have acted the same way- shocked and not knowing what to do. I think that it was kind of Mr. Billups fault though because he should have handled it a little less harshly than he did. I might have quit my job, but if I chose to keep doing what I was doing then I would make sure that nothing like that ever happened again, and if it did then I would tell the family nicer and in a different way than he did in the book. Emma

The way that I would of reacted to Melodeys Mothers outburst would of been me being very ebarassed and as Mairs said would want to quit my job. I think it would be very dicouraging to be told that the job that I chose to do I wanst good at. I for susre would be speachless. But on the other side if i was a teacher even for speacical needs you would never catch me teaching the same things over and over again.Samantha

I wouldn't have quit my job or moved, like Maris, and Kaitlin, I don't think that getting chewed out means you should leave and never come back, but I would start to teach differently.(Liz)

2. Infer how Melody feels about having a new baby sister. Why do you think this? I think Melody is jealous and sad. Can you imagine having a sibling that could do everything you can't? It is devastating for Melody to have to watch her parents care for her sister. Penny can do anything and Melody is stuck inside her own mind. I think that Melody wishes she was Penny because Melody gets very sad when she sees her parents following her siser around with a video camera and paying more attention to Penny than Melody. Melody's feelings must be hurt. :( Maris

I can infer melody was scared but now she’s jealous and happy. I inferred melody was jealous because her little sister can do all the things that she can’t. I also inferred Melody was happy because she has someone to keep her company even though Melody can’t talk to her. Kaitlin

I think that Melody was both happy and a little jealous. I think she was jealous because then her parents might not pay as much attention to her as they did before Penny was born. As most people are, she was probably happy to have a little sister because then she could have a companion when her parents were not around. Emma

I can infer that at first melody was jealous because having a brother or sister that can do stuff that you cant would get very upseting. But in also I think that she was happy becaues most people that I know would be happy and excited to get a new syblying but also she could of been sad because she wansnt going to get as much attention.Samantha

I think that she might feel jealous and happy! Jealous becuase she will probably get more attention and happy to have a sibling.(Liz) 3. If you were a student in the music room how would you react to the disabled kids joining your class? I think that if I were a student in the music room, I would become friends with the disabled kids. I am sure that the childeren would want to be treated like normal kids so I wouldn't give them any special treatment. I think that if people were treated like babies all the time with a bunch of special care, it would get on the nerves of the people who are being treated that way. If the kids with disabilities joined the music class I was in, I believe that we would become friends instantly. Maris

I think it would be kind of cool to help the disabled kids and become their friends. I think I would feel sorry for them though because they wouldn’t be able to fully participate in the class. Kaitlin

If I was one of those students then I would have been a little confused on what was actually happening, but after a while I would get more comfortable with it and I would want to become their friend because then I could assist them in any way possible. Emma

If I was a student I think I would be find with a disabled kid in my class beacuse in my church I am around disabled kids there to somtimes and they are all really nice and freiendly and full of life. Samantha

I would think that it was strange for them to be coming all of the sudden, but good for them. I would also worry about how other students would react to them, acting like Claire and Molly. (Liz) 4. Predict the outcome if Penny was born with a disabilitie. Would this be good or bad? The outcome if Penny, Melody's baby sister, had been born with a disablility like Melody's would be bad and good. I feel that the parents would have too many problems on their hands and have to be on constant alert to take care of the girls. That would cause alot of stress and probably make the kids feel bad about themselves as if they were a burden. I think Melody wouldn't feel so alone though. I understand that having a disablilty is hard and think that if Melody had someone to be with, she would handle tough situations better because there would be someone with her to feel the same pain. Although, I think that Penny being born normal brings a new emotional twist for Melody so I prefer that Penny is normal because the outcome if she did have a disablilty would be different. Maris

If penny was born with disabilities it would most likely have a bad outcome but it would make melody happy to have some to understand her pain and quilt. This would have a bad out come because the parents would get very tiered with two disabled girls. One parent might have to quit their job just to make enough time for them. This would put lots of stress and pain on their parents and that would just make Melody and her baby sister feel bad. Kaitlin

If Penny had been born with a disability, it would have been both a good and bad outcome. It would have been bad because then it is another disability that Melody's parents have to work with. It would have also been a good outcome because then Melody wouldn't feel like the only one who has a disability in the family. Before Penny was born I'm sure that Melody's parents were terrified that Penny would have a disability, so when she was born they probably felt like there was a big weight lifted off their shoulders. Emma

I think it would be both good and bad. It would be good because then Melodey woyuld havwesomeone that has things in common with her and they might get along better. But also it would be bad because being the parent and having two disabled kids would be very stressfull and hard to handel.Samantha

I think it would be better if Melody's parents had another disabled child becuase they would know how to deal with it, but I also think it would really wear on them. I think that Melody would have gotten even less attenion if she had a disabled baby sister too.(Liz) 5. If you were a scientist what invention would you create to help kids communicate if they can't talk? What unique qualities would you add to your invention? This is a great question. Its making me think harder than any of the other questions because I'm not really the inventor type. If I were to invent a device to help disabled childeren talk, I think it would involve a device that went into their blood stream and up to the brain. I know it sounds painful but if it worked, scientists could access all of their thoughts and see what they really feel and think about things since they are unable to say so. I would also add an animal quality because animals are proven to soothe people. I think that if I included and animal thought translater, the disabled kid wouldn't feel so alone. This invention is how I would help communicate with people who can't speak. Maris

If I were a scientist I would invent some think with a keyboard but with it alphabetized so it’s easier for them to get used to. This invention would talk for them and they could turn the volume up and down. If they couldn’t type then I would invent something that would read their mind and for school it could raise a hand so they can answer the teachers questions it would write for them and if they can’t walk it would be able to clip on to a wheel chair. Kaitlin

I'm glad you asked this question because it defiantly made me think harder and dig deeper. If I was a scientist I would make something like Flinn made on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. (i know, stupid connection) It would have the same qualities just like the one in the movie, but this one would be meant for kids who couldn't communicate, just like Melody. It would be like a head band that would have a walkie-talkie attached to it, so that when they tried to answer a question or ask something they could achieve it easily. Emma

I would invent something where u have to touch with any part of your body a certain number of times to have the letters. Then someone over the machine could say it outloud. I'm also really glad you asked this question, I really made me think!(Liz) 6. Do you think it is a good idea that the teachers put the disabled kids in a class with "normal" kids? Why do you think this? I think it is a good idea for the disabled kids to interact with the normal kids. I think that everyone should be treated equally and no body should be excluded if they want to participate. Maris

I think it is an excellent idea that the teachers placed the disabled kids in a class with different people because then they could interact with other kids that might not be like them. I think it is an excellent idea because no one should be treated unfairly just because they have a disability. I also think this because, just like how you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, you shouldn't judge a person by how they act or look. Emma

I think it is a good idea for the disabled children to be in a class with the normal students because then they can find out what it’s like to be in a “normal” classroom. They can also participate in activities that they usually would not do. Kaitlin

Yes and no becuase people like Molly and Claire could be rude and mean, and people like Rose could be nice and sweet to them. I also think that the teachers should get Molly and Claire type people in a lot of trouble for that kind of stuff. (Liz) Week:3 1.When it says that Melodys favorite color is purple and then she quickly gose to green. Why do you think that is her favorite color?

I think that she changed her favorite color because she thought that green was more cheery and exciting than the color purple is. She might have also done that because it might brighten up Catherine's day instead of purple. Emma

2. How would you diffrinate Penny and Melody?

3.How can you epress what Melody would feel if the compitition was canceled? I think she would feel sad and very upset if the competition was canceled. If that were to have happened, she might have felt like her whole team studied for nothing. She most defiantly felt sad because she and her whole team studied really had to prepare for this competition. Emma

4.Do you agree with the her getting one of those speaking computers or do you just think it is a wast of money? I think it was a great thing to get for her! She was hoping that someday she could speak and now she can! In a way though, Melody still probably wishes that she could really TALK to her parents or her sister. She may be able to talk through a machine to her family and friends, but it isn't the same as really talking to them. Emma

5.would you change the way that Penny and Molodey act together.Like as being sisters would you change the way they act to eachother? I don't think that I would change anything the way that they act towards each other because they seem to be very caring to each other. Penny seems to understand that Melody has a disability because she really likes to comfort Melody any way she can. Emma

6.Can you explain the joy that Melody had when she first gets the Medi-talker?

The joy that Melody felt when she first got the Medi-talker, can't really be put into words but I'm sure that she was overjoyed! She was probably extremely, extremely happy that she got this machine because she knew that she might finally be able to talk to her family and friends. Emma

Samantha Beahm

Week 4: Pages 155-206 What was the importance of the scene before the TV show started? That there were people out there that wouldn't make fun of Melody for being disabled adn there are people other than her family that care about her. (Liz) I think this part is important because the people on the tv show specifically made pressing buttons easier for Melody. That shows that they really care about Melody, and the want her to succeed! Like Lizzie people weren't making fun of her because she is disabled, they are treating her like any other kid. Rachel I think the importance of the scene right before the show started was very important because then Melody could know that she can answer the same questions that her teamates can answer to. Emma

I think the improtance of the scene right before the show started is very imortant. I think so because melody couldnt of been made fun of for her disablity.Samantha Beahm

I think this part was important because it showed Melody that many people were there for her and to cheer her on. Kaitlin Do you think Melody’s tornado explosions will effect how people treat her on the show if she were to have one? I think that she would get taken out of the competion and Molly and Claire would make fun of her. I think people in the town who see it might be more accepting becuase the people who would watch would probably be older and more mature. (Liz) I think the same as Lizzie, as much as I hate to say it I think they would take her off the show and she would get made fun of by kids like Claire and Molly. It stinks that kids have to be that way because what if something happened to you like you got in an accident and could never walk again and you got made fun of? I think that Claire and Molly need to spend one day maybe even one hour in Melody's shoes and I am sure they would act different. Rachel I defiently think that people will think differently of her if she has an outburst on the show. They might think that she is very different than other people because of her outburst. If I were to watch a show and something like that happened I would think that person may be different than me but htey can't help that they do that- its because of their condition. Emma

Yes I do. I do think that Peole would think or even treat her diffrent if she had an out burst on the show. I honestly think some people would not say very nice things about her because some people have no self control and are not very mature. Like Liz said I think the people in her town would understand more because they know of her codition.Samantha Beahm I think it might scare a couple people at first and it would make her team mates feel embarrassed but after awhile I think most people would start to ignore it. Kaitlin Predict how people would treat Melody if she won the competition. I think that her family would be very HAPPY for her! The rest of the comunity would be astonished and amazed by her, I think. (Liz)

I think that Melody would become very popular very fast!! It would just prove that disabled kids can do the exact same thing as "normal" kids. I think that Melody's parents, and Mrs. V would feel very proud to because they have always known Melody is smart. Rachel I think that everyone will think differently of her if she won the competition because lots of other people would know what Mrs. V, Catherine, and Melody's parents already know- she is very intelligent. They might also finally treat her as a normal person. Emma I think that it would be great if she won! Also I think alot of people would have alot more respect for her as a person. They might actully treat her like a normal kid.Samantha Beahm

I think she would get a lot of attention and her team mates might get annoyed. Her family, Mrs. V, Mr. Dimming, and Catherine would be very proud of her and it could make her famous. Kaitlin

Why do you think the author chose to include Claire in the competition? To have that seen were Molly and Claire are talking about her rudely, and Melody says that it can't bring her down. (Liz)

I think the author chose to do this because it adds more of a "spark" to the story. How many stories have you heard that don't include a villian (or mean person) getting in the way of your goals? I don't think this would be much of a story if the author didn't add Claire to the competition. I also think it is more like reality. This is a problem that so many kids go through, and maybe this story could help them get through their problem. Rachel So that it seems like someone will get in Melody's way of a chance to get on the team. (though it didn't work) Otherwise it doesn't seem like Claire is a huge character in the book and doesn't play a huge role in the book. Emma I think like Emma said that it would seem like a less of a chance for Melody to get on the team. I think the author did this to add a littel twist in the book. Samantha Beahm

I think the author chose to have Claire in the competition because it makes the story seem like some that really happened. It gives the story an extra spark and I think that’s one of the main reasons she would put Claire in the competition. Kaitlin

If you were Melody, how would you deal with bullies like Claire and Molly? I don't think theres really any way to deal with them other than educate them on the subject. In Melody's case it might be easier for her to tell a family member or teacher but I don't think she would really take the easy way out. (Liz) I don't really know....I think that at first I would try to ignore them. Knowing me I would probably get really frustrated, but I would still be nice to them. I think that maybe somewhere along the line Claire and Molly would come around if I was nice to them. Rachel I would just prove to them that I am no different than they are and also prove to them that I am just as smart or even smarter than they are. Emma I think that bullys are a serious problem and it is good for the author to put Claire and Molly in the book to make people aware of bullys.Samantha Beahm

If I was melody I think I would be too scared to do anything at first. I might get annoyed after awhile but otherwise I’m not sure what I would do. Kaitlin

What can you infer about Rose’s odd behavior toward Melody? Rose doesn't think that Melody belongs in the competion and is a little jelous that a "disabled kid" could be as smart as her. (Liz) I think Rose is very jelious that Melody made it into the competition. I think that she has a fear that Melody may "show her up" in someway during the competition. I also think that's why Claire and Molly are so mean to Melody because I believe that they fear Melody will "show them up." Rachel I think that Rose is very out of the ordinary coming from Rose and I think that she may be a little jealous of Melody, because Melody made the team and Rose didn't. Emma

I also think that Rose is jelous that someone with a disablity could actully beat her. But she also needs to relize that just because she isnt normal dosnt mean that she is dumb.Samantha Beahm

I think it’s because rose is jealous that Melody did better than her when she is disabled. Kaitlin Maris

Week 5: Kaitlin Miller

How would you feel if you were Melody and your friends didn’t tell you they were going out to eat for breakfast before they left? I would feel left out, and lonely. It stinks when a whole group of your friends go out to eat together or something, and they don't invite you along. I think that doesn't make them very loyal, or caring friends. Rachel I also would feel left out but a littel mad in a way. I think that her friends arent very loyal to her. It was not very nice to just leave her there and I think they owe her and aploige.Samantha

I would feel very left out, sad, and depressed. I would also aplogize if I were one of the kids, it is possible that it was planned by the teacher and the kids parents. (Liz) Predict what would happen if the whiz kids team lose. How do you think Melody would feel? I think Melody would take all the blame herself for losing. A natural feeling for a person is when your team loses something, and you think it is all your fault, and you don't deserve to be on that team. I have felt like that at sporting events when our team loses a game, I sometimes feel like it's my fault. Knowing the people on Melody's team I think that they would also blame it on Melody that they lost, because they think Melody is an "easy target." Rachel I would say that if the whiz kids lost Melody might feel that it was her fault of her teams lose. When your working as a team all of the peole have to work together and even if you make one mistake it could cause a lose and that could make you think that you were the reson.Samantha

I think she would feel half and half up set and happy. Up set becuase they had all worked so hard to get there and happy becuase it would be like her revenge agaist them leaving her. If I were her I would probably feel more happy but Melody is very forgiving, umlike her family members. (Liz) Do you believe melody should still consider Rose her friend? Why or why not? I don't think that Melody should consider Rose to be her friend. In the beginning of the story Rose was the only person to come up to Melody, and act like Melody is her friend. I hate to say it but I think that Rose is a follower not a leader. She was mad at Claire and Molly for laughing at Melody in the beginning of the story, but now she is getting influenced to be back with the "popular girls." I also think she is jelious that Melody even got in the competition, and she wants to get back at her somehow. Rachel I think that being Melody it would be just another time that she would haveto forgive somone. I can imagine that she has to forgive people alot in her life like when people would laugh at here she cant just be mad at them forver and she just hasto forgive them for the way they acted. But I think that she should not forgive her because when think someone is your friend and they just kind of turn there back of you I know that it would be hard to forgive.Samantha

I don't think she should have ever considered Rose her friend considering she barely talked to Melody and she was a part of leaving Melody behind. I agree with Sam on everythhing too. (Liz) Why do you think Claire told the news reporter she was melody’s friend? I think it was all for popularity purposes. Claire always feels she needs to be better than everybody else. I think she told the reporter she was Melody's friend because it would make her look better. But you never know, maybe Claire said that as a hint to Melody that she wants to be friends with her. You can never judge a book by it's cover. Rachel I think the same as Rachel it was all for her reputation.Just to look better. The way that claire is trying to be perfect and I dont see why she would have any other reson to be nice to her now.Samantha

So she looked good on T.V., I also think she was really nervous or should might not have said it becuase she is so prejudce against Melody's condition. I think the people watching in town will be shocked also, for the people who know her. (Liz) What do you predict would happen if Melody and her family took the 7:23 flight to D.C.? For sure Melody would miss the competition. That would really stink for Melody because she worked extra hard to get on the team. If I were Melody's mom I would be very determined to get Melody there because no one deserves to be treated unfairly. I think it was VERY immature for Mr.Dimming to change the flight without even calling Melody! Rachel Yes she would never make it to her competiton and that would really be a downer for her she needs to make it there on time.Samantha I don't think it would make anything better, she would jsut get even more up set and depressed. I think it was just a smart idea to stay home bucause she would miss the competion either way. If you were Melody how would you react to not being able to go to the national competition? I would be crushed that I couldn't go. It is a national competition. This competition has the label of, " The best people go here because they have shown us they are the smartes team." I wish that this didn't happen to Melody because so many bad things have already happened to her. I think that Melody thought she made a difference to the team (which she did) but her team just basically told her she isn't good enough for us so we are just going to leave her. That is very sad:( Rachel I would be very very mad and like ubove i would be crushed.Samantha

I would be really up set and angry! I would also want revenge against everyone that did go. I would also be very, Very, VERY, SAD! (Liz) Week #1: Lizzie Roy

1. How would you have handled Dr. Hugely's news about Melody if you were her mother?

I think I would have acted similar to Melody’s mother. I would have been frustrated and mad at Dr. Hugely if he told me my daughter was stupid when I know she is smart. I would probably get sick of people telling me my daughter was stupid and most likely be relieved to yell at someone and get it out. Kaitlin

I think I would have reacted similar to Melody's mom. I would be sick of hearing how there is no hope for my daughter when she really is a genius inside. It is not Melody's fault she is disabled. She can't help that she is unable to do some things so I would have yelled at Dr. Hugely too. It is frusterating to hear lies when you strongly believe something, like Melody being smart. Maris(blue)

I think I would of been speechless! It would take me a while to process what I had just been told. I think once the news finally hit me I would probably cry for a little bit, but then I would think she is my daughter and she can do anything! I would enroll her in school because I believe that Melody is very smart no matter what anyone says! If you believe in a person you never give up on them no matter what! Rachel

I think hearing agian and agin that my daughter isn't capable of anything and that there is no hope for her would be hard to hear and after awhile I would probably do a similar thing as Melodys mother did. As a mother Im sure that it would be very stressfull for her and as Melody it is even more stress full to have to deal with all the other disabled children in her class.

I think I would have been very mad at Dr. Hugely just like Melody's mother was because I would not be able to handle it very well. I agree with Samantha on how hear over and over again that my daughter isn't capable of handling herself would be very hard to hear and I think if I was mad enough I would have done the same thing that Melody's mother did. So I understand where Melody's mother is coming from. Emma

2. How do you think the aids for Melody's class feel dealing with disabled children all day?

My mom is an aid at Barlow Park and she works with disable children every day. When my mom comes home she is usually sore because she has a bad back. Some days are better than others for her. Sometimes she will be crabby and upset from work and some days she’ll be happy which usually means she had a good day. Kaitlin

I think the aids feel that they are doing a good deed by helping them even though it might get tough. It may be tough at times with all the different personalities and needs of the children but the aids always seem to know how to handle it. I feel proud of anyone that tries so hard to make other people happy. The aids of Melody's class should feel good about themselves and try to have a good time with the disabled kids. Maris

I think that the aids feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I also think they enjoy their jobs. Like Maris said that the aids may think it is tough dealing with different personalities and needs, but I think that in the end they feel good knowing that they are helping for a good cause! Rachel

I think that it would become a little crazy at times and a little uncontrolable but at the end of each day I think like rachel and mairs said that they would feel good knowing that they are helping the disabled children that are in need of asistence during the day. samantha

I think the aids- like Rachel- sometimes seem overwhelmed with all the kids and their different disabilities, but it does seem like they like their jobs because they know that they are helping the kids perform better in school and help learn to control their outbursts. Just like Samantha, Rachel and Maris said, its seems like that they feel good knowing they are helping these kids. Emma

3. Why do you think Mrs. V. is so nice and kind to Melody and her family?

I think Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she knows Melody can do anything she sets her mind to. Mrs. V. believes in Melody and that’s why I think she’s so nice. Kaitlin

I think that Mrs. V is being so nice to Melody and her family because she know how hard it is must be to have to go through this kind of thing. She may also be nice to them because they are nice to her and trust her to help Melody in any way she can, so Mrs. V doesn't want to let them down. Emma

I think that Mrs. V is so nice to Melody because she believes in her. She is the one that forced Melody to roll over on her stomach and even though it was tough for Melody, she did it. I think that Mrs. V knows that Melody is capable of doing everything any normal kid can do. Rachel

I think that Mrs.V is nice to Melodys faimly because, she is very confident in her and knows that she can do anything she sets her mind to. When you have some one that belives in you I think that really special to have that kindof person in your life. samantha

Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she might feel bad for them. Melody is unable to talk, walk, and write so I think Mrs. V. feels she is doing helping out the family alot. Melody's parents can always be there for her so Mrs. V is like a substitute that understands Melody. Maris 4. If you had written this book would you have made Melody's condition so severe? Why or Why not?

I would have made Melody’s condition the way the way the author did to show what some kids have to go through every day. I would have made her condition so sever because it can help people understand what it would be like to have a disability like that. Kaitlin

If I had written this book I would have kept the same seriousness of Melody's condition because in real life this thing may happen all the time and then I would write how Melody and her family try to get through this road block in their lives. Emma

I would have kept the same seriousness too because kids actually do go through these severe disabilities in life, and it gives hope to people. If I were disabled and I read this book it would give me hope that I can do anything that I try hard at no matter what the circumstance. Rachel

I think I would have because this really dose happen in the real world and I think it is imortant to understand that is just isnt some made up story that just came out of know where that is reality and a very serious thing that can happen when you are born. It give anyone hope they can do anything!! samantha

If I wrote this book, I would not make Melody's condition as bad as it is for her now. It's sad to think that a child has to go through something like this. Although, the severeness of her condition does bring a twist of drama to the story that makes readers want to continue reading. Melody is original and unique. Maris 5. What do you think will happen when Melody's parents or Mrs. V. die?

If Melody’s parents die Mrs. V would most likely adopt Melody. If Mrs. V dies than Melody’s parents would have to find someone else to watch her. If they all die than I don’t really know what would happen. Kaitlin

I think that it will be hard on Melody because those are the people that really support her. Obviously the doctors don't think she can do anything but the answer to this really depends on Melody's self modivation. If she is motivated to keep trying in life then she will get far. Rachel

To me this one is very hard to anserwer becaues so far in the book she really has not been on her own for a long period of time like she would be if they were to die. But there is hope for everyone so you never know. samantha

If Melody's main people in her life perished, I'm not sure how Melody would cooperate. It seems like she is used to being alone because nobody truly understands here. But then again, Melody can't do everything on her own. She needs somebody there to support her, like Rachel mentioned. Melody would probably be very troubled, but that's how she has to live normally. Maris

I think that Melody would be devestated to learn that someone who loves her some much sadly passed away. I'm sure it would also give Melody some more responsibility to be able to learn from this sad part in her life and give her hope that she will get better. Emma 6. If Melody went to Ripon Middle School how do you think she would be treated? If Melody went to ripon middle shool I think she would be treated the same way she is being treated now by most of the students here. I would become Melody's friend and help her out, but thats me. Melody isn't much differant that us because we all have problems its just that hers are shone on the outside. (Kaitlin)

It is hard to say! Since there are so many personalities and mixed emotions all over I think Melody would get treated bad and good. Personally I would be shocked at first just because I havn't been around a lot of people with severe disablities, but then I would think what it would be like to be Melody. I would befriend her and help her and just be there if she ever needed a friend. I wouldn't be overly helpful though because I don't want Melody to think she can't do anything, and she always needs people. Rachel

The world is very crul sometimes and it is hard to predict how she would be treated but also the world can be very nice. I think like rachel said above this that she would get treated good and bad at the same time good because I know that there are alot of nice people that would care for her and bad because some people have no feelings for other people. samantha

Melody would be treated both bad and good. I feel that some students would pity her and try to be as nice as possible, like the aids in Melody's classroom. Other students would spit mean names at her. I do not think our school handles people that are different very well. Just because someone isn't the same as everyone else, they are picked on and made fun of. It's reallly not fair to those who can't help being different so I think Melody would struggle with that. She would have friends to lean on like the other girls said above, but there is a good chance she would be treated badly as well as good. Maris

It seems hard to tell whether or not she would be treated good or bad. Just because she is different it doesn't mean that people can't get along with her and live to learn with her disability. I know that if she went to Ripon Middle School I would try to understand her in any way I could. Emma

Week #2 Discussion Director questions: Rachel Peppler

1. If you were Mrs. Billups how would you of reacted to Melody's mom's outburst? If I were Mrs. Billups, I would quit my job after Melody's mother embarrassed me in front of the class and aids. To be told that you are doing a terrible job is very nerve wracking. I feel that I would try a different job with normal kids and learn from my mistakes. I would NOT teach the children lessons over and over so that would avoid another out burst from an enraged parent. This is what I would do if I were Mrs. Billups. Maris

If I were Mrs. Billups I would have quit teaching and move to different state. I would get a new job and life so that I could just forget about what happened. I would also make sure nothing like that happened again. Kaitlin

If I were Mr. Billups, I would have acted the same way- shocked and not knowing what to do. I think that it was kind of Mr. Billups fault though because he should have handled it a little less harshly than he did. I might have quit my job, but if I chose to keep doing what I was doing then I would make sure that nothing like that ever happened again, and if it did then I would tell the family nicer and in a different way than he did in the book. Emma

The way that I would of reacted to Melodeys Mothers outburst would of been me being very ebarassed and as Mairs said would want to quit my job. I think it would be very dicouraging to be told that the job that I chose to do I wanst good at. I for susre would be speachless. But on the other side if i was a teacher even for speacical needs you would never catch me teaching the same things over and over again.Samantha

I wouldn't have quit my job or moved, like Maris, and Kaitlin, I don't think that getting chewed out means you should leave and never come back, but I would start to teach differently.(Liz)

2. Infer how Melody feels about having a new baby sister. Why do you think this? I think Melody is jealous and sad. Can you imagine having a sibling that could do everything you can't? It is devastating for Melody to have to watch her parents care for her sister. Penny can do anything and Melody is stuck inside her own mind. I think that Melody wishes she was Penny because Melody gets very sad when she sees her parents following her siser around with a video camera and paying more attention to Penny than Melody. Melody's feelings must be hurt. :( Maris

I can infer melody was scared but now she’s jealous and happy. I inferred melody was jealous because her little sister can do all the things that she can’t. I also inferred Melody was happy because she has someone to keep her company even though Melody can’t talk to her. Kaitlin

I think that Melody was both happy and a little jealous. I think she was jealous because then her parents might not pay as much attention to her as they did before Penny was born. As most people are, she was probably happy to have a little sister because then she could have a companion when her parents were not around. Emma

I can infer that at first melody was jealous because having a brother or sister that can do stuff that you cant would get very upseting. But in also I think that she was happy becaues most people that I know would be happy and excited to get a new syblying but also she could of been sad because she wansnt going to get as much attention.Samantha

I think that she might feel jealous and happy! Jealous becuase she will probably get more attention and happy to have a sibling.(Liz) 3. If you were a student in the music room how would you react to the disabled kids joining your class? I think that if I were a student in the music room, I would become friends with the disabled kids. I am sure that the childeren would want to be treated like normal kids so I wouldn't give them any special treatment. I think that if people were treated like babies all the time with a bunch of special care, it would get on the nerves of the people who are being treated that way. If the kids with disabilities joined the music class I was in, I believe that we would become friends instantly. Maris

I think it would be kind of cool to help the disabled kids and become their friends. I think I would feel sorry for them though because they wouldn’t be able to fully participate in the class. Kaitlin

If I was one of those students then I would have been a little confused on what was actually happening, but after a while I would get more comfortable with it and I would want to become their friend because then I could assist them in any way possible. Emma

If I was a student I think I would be find with a disabled kid in my class beacuse in my church I am around disabled kids there to somtimes and they are all really nice and freiendly and full of life. Samantha

I would think that it was strange for them to be coming all of the sudden, but good for them. I would also worry about how other students would react to them, acting like Claire and Molly. (Liz) 4. Predict the outcome if Penny was born with a disabilitie. Would this be good or bad? The outcome if Penny, Melody's baby sister, had been born with a disablility like Melody's would be bad and good. I feel that the parents would have too many problems on their hands and have to be on constant alert to take care of the girls. That would cause alot of stress and probably make the kids feel bad about themselves as if they were a burden. I think Melody wouldn't feel so alone though. I understand that having a disablilty is hard and think that if Melody had someone to be with, she would handle tough situations better because there would be someone with her to feel the same pain. Although, I think that Penny being born normal brings a new emotional twist for Melody so I prefer that Penny is normal because the outcome if she did have a disablilty would be different. Maris

If penny was born with disabilities it would most likely have a bad outcome but it would make melody happy to have some to understand her pain and quilt. This would have a bad out come because the parents would get very tiered with two disabled girls. One parent might have to quit their job just to make enough time for them. This would put lots of stress and pain on their parents and that would just make Melody and her baby sister feel bad. Kaitlin

If Penny had been born with a disability, it would have been both a good and bad outcome. It would have been bad because then it is another disability that Melody's parents have to work with. It would have also been a good outcome because then Melody wouldn't feel like the only one who has a disability in the family. Before Penny was born I'm sure that Melody's parents were terrified that Penny would have a disability, so when she was born they probably felt like there was a big weight lifted off their shoulders. Emma

I think it would be both good and bad. It would be good because then Melodey woyuld havwesomeone that has things in common with her and they might get along better. But also it would be bad because being the parent and having two disabled kids would be very stressfull and hard to handel.Samantha

I think it would be better if Melody's parents had another disabled child becuase they would know how to deal with it, but I also think it would really wear on them. I think that Melody would have gotten even less attenion if she had a disabled baby sister too.(Liz) 5. If you were a scientist what invention would you create to help kids communicate if they can't talk? What unique qualities would you add to your invention? This is a great question. Its making me think harder than any of the other questions because I'm not really the inventor type. If I were to invent a device to help disabled childeren talk, I think it would involve a device that went into their blood stream and up to the brain. I know it sounds painful but if it worked, scientists could access all of their thoughts and see what they really feel and think about things since they are unable to say so. I would also add an animal quality because animals are proven to soothe people. I think that if I included and animal thought translater, the disabled kid wouldn't feel so alone. This invention is how I would help communicate with people who can't speak. Maris

If I were a scientist I would invent some think with a keyboard but with it alphabetized so it’s easier for them to get used to. This invention would talk for them and they could turn the volume up and down. If they couldn’t type then I would invent something that would read their mind and for school it could raise a hand so they can answer the teachers questions it would write for them and if they can’t walk it would be able to clip on to a wheel chair. Kaitlin

I'm glad you asked this question because it defiantly made me think harder and dig deeper. If I was a scientist I would make something like Flinn made on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. (i know, stupid connection) It would have the same qualities just like the one in the movie, but this one would be meant for kids who couldn't communicate, just like Melody. It would be like a head band that would have a walkie-talkie attached to it, so that when they tried to answer a question or ask something they could achieve it easily. Emma

I would invent something where u have to touch with any part of your body a certain number of times to have the letters. Then someone over the machine could say it outloud. I'm also really glad you asked this question, I really made me think!(Liz) 6. Do you think it is a good idea that the teachers put the disabled kids in a class with "normal" kids? Why do you think this? I think it is a good idea for the disabled kids to interact with the normal kids. I think that everyone should be treated equally and no body should be excluded if they want to participate. Maris

I think it is an excellent idea that the teachers placed the disabled kids in a class with different people because then they could interact with other kids that might not be like them. I think it is an excellent idea because no one should be treated unfairly just because they have a disability. I also think this because, just like how you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, you shouldn't judge a person by how they act or look. Emma

I think it is a good idea for the disabled children to be in a class with the normal students because then they can find out what it’s like to be in a “normal” classroom. They can also participate in activities that they usually would not do. Kaitlin

Yes and no becuase people like Molly and Claire could be rude and mean, and people like Rose could be nice and sweet to them. I also think that the teachers should get Molly and Claire type people in a lot of trouble for that kind of stuff. (Liz)

Week 4: Pages 155-206 What was the importance of the scene before the TV show started? That there were people out there that wouldn't make fun of Melody for being disabled adn there are people other than her family that care about her. (Liz) I think this part is important because the people on the tv show specifically made pressing buttons easier for Melody. That shows that they really care about Melody, and the want her to succeed! Like Lizzie people weren't making fun of her because she is disabled, they are treating her like any other kid. Rachel I think the importance of the scene right before the show started was very important because then Melody could know that she can answer the same questions that her teamates can answer to. Emma

I think the improtance of the scene right before the show started is very imortant. I think so because melody couldnt of been made fun of for her disablity.Samantha Beahm

I think this part was important because it showed Melody that many people were there for her and to cheer her on. Kaitlin Do you think Melody’s tornado explosions will effect how people treat her on the show if she were to have one? I think that she would get taken out of the competion and Molly and Claire would make fun of her. I think people in the town who see it might be more accepting becuase the people who would watch would probably be older and more mature. (Liz) I think the same as Lizzie, as much as I hate to say it I think they would take her off the show and she would get made fun of by kids like Claire and Molly. It stinks that kids have to be that way because what if something happened to you like you got in an accident and could never walk again and you got made fun of? I think that Claire and Molly need to spend one day maybe even one hour in Melody's shoes and I am sure they would act different. Rachel I defiently think that people will think differently of her if she has an outburst on the show. They might think that she is very different than other people because of her outburst. If I were to watch a show and something like that happened I would think that person may be different than me but htey can't help that they do that- its because of their condition. Emma

Yes I do. I do think that Peole would think or even treat her diffrent if she had an out burst on the show. I honestly think some people would not say very nice things about her because some people have no self control and are not very mature. Like Liz said I think the people in her town would understand more because they know of her codition.Samantha Beahm I think it might scare a couple people at first and it would make her team mates feel embarrassed but after awhile I think most people would start to ignore it. Kaitlin Predict how people would treat Melody if she won the competition. I think that her family would be very HAPPY for her! The rest of the comunity would be astonished and amazed by her, I think. (Liz)

I think that Melody would become very popular very fast!! It would just prove that disabled kids can do the exact same thing as "normal" kids. I think that Melody's parents, and Mrs. V would feel very proud to because they have always known Melody is smart. Rachel I think that everyone will think differently of her if she won the competition because lots of other people would know what Mrs. V, Catherine, and Melody's parents already know- she is very intelligent. They might also finally treat her as a normal person. Emma I think that it would be great if she won! Also I think alot of people would have alot more respect for her as a person. They might actully treat her like a normal kid.Samantha Beahm

I think she would get a lot of attention and her team mates might get annoyed. Her family, Mrs. V, Mr. Dimming, and Catherine would be very proud of her and it could make her famous. Kaitlin

Why do you think the author chose to include Claire in the competition? To have that seen were Molly and Claire are talking about her rudely, and Melody says that it can't bring her down. (Liz)

I think the author chose to do this because it adds more of a "spark" to the story. How many stories have you heard that don't include a villian (or mean person) getting in the way of your goals? I don't think this would be much of a story if the author didn't add Claire to the competition. I also think it is more like reality. This is a problem that so many kids go through, and maybe this story could help them get through their problem. Rachel So that it seems like someone will get in Melody's way of a chance to get on the team. (though it didn't work) Otherwise it doesn't seem like Claire is a huge character in the book and doesn't play a huge role in the book. Emma I think like Emma said that it would seem like a less of a chance for Melody to get on the team. I think the author did this to add a littel twist in the book. Samantha Beahm

I think the author chose to have Claire in the competition because it makes the story seem like some that really happened. It gives the story an extra spark and I think that’s one of the main reasons she would put Claire in the competition. Kaitlin

If you were Melody, how would you deal with bullies like Claire and Molly? I don't think theres really any way to deal with them other than educate them on the subject. In Melody's case it might be easier for her to tell a family member or teacher but I don't think she would really take the easy way out. (Liz) I don't really know....I think that at first I would try to ignore them. Knowing me I would probably get really frustrated, but I would still be nice to them. I think that maybe somewhere along the line Claire and Molly would come around if I was nice to them. Rachel I would just prove to them that I am no different than they are and also prove to them that I am just as smart or even smarter than they are. Emma I think that bullys are a serious problem and it is good for the author to put Claire and Molly in the book to make people aware of bullys.Samantha Beahm

If I was melody I think I would be too scared to do anything at first. I might get annoyed after awhile but otherwise I’m not sure what I would do. Kaitlin

What can you infer about Rose’s odd behavior toward Melody? Rose doesn't think that Melody belongs in the competion and is a little jelous that a "disabled kid" could be as smart as her. (Liz) I think Rose is very jelious that Melody made it into the competition. I think that she has a fear that Melody may "show her up" in someway during the competition. I also think that's why Claire and Molly are so mean to Melody because I believe that they fear Melody will "show them up." Rachel I think that Rose is very out of the ordinary coming from Rose and I think that she may be a little jealous of Melody, because Melody made the team and Rose didn't. Emma

I also think that Rose is jelous that someone with a disablity could actully beat her. But she also needs to relize that just because she isnt normal dosnt mean that she is dumb.Samantha Beahm

I think it’s because rose is jealous that Melody did better than her when she is disabled. Kaitlin Maris

Week 5: Kaitlin Miller

How would you feel if you were Melody and your friends didn’t tell you they were going out to eat for breakfast before they left? I would feel left out, and lonely. It stinks when a whole group of your friends go out to eat together or something, and they don't invite you along. I think that doesn't make them very loyal, or caring friends. Rachel I also would feel left out but a littel mad in a way. I think that her friends arent very loyal to her. It was not very nice to just leave her there and I think they owe her and aploige.Samantha

I would feel very left out, sad, and depressed. I would also aplogize if I were one of the kids, it is possible that it was planned by the teacher and the kids parents. (Liz) Predict what would happen if the whiz kids team lose. How do you think Melody would feel? I think Melody would take all the blame herself for losing. A natural feeling for a person is when your team loses something, and you think it is all your fault, and you don't deserve to be on that team. I have felt like that at sporting events when our team loses a game, I sometimes feel like it's my fault. Knowing the people on Melody's team I think that they would also blame it on Melody that they lost, because they think Melody is an "easy target." Rachel I would say that if the whiz kids lost Melody might feel that it was her fault of her teams lose. When your working as a team all of the peole have to work together and even if you make one mistake it could cause a lose and that could make you think that you were the reson.Samantha

I think she would feel half and half up set and happy. Up set becuase they had all worked so hard to get there and happy becuase it would be like her revenge agaist them leaving her. If I were her I would probably feel more happy but Melody is very forgiving, umlike her family members. (Liz) Do you believe melody should still consider Rose her friend? Why or why not? I don't think that Melody should consider Rose to be her friend. In the beginning of the story Rose was the only person to come up to Melody, and act like Melody is her friend. I hate to say it but I think that Rose is a follower not a leader. She was mad at Claire and Molly for laughing at Melody in the beginning of the story, but now she is getting influenced to be back with the "popular girls." I also think she is jelious that Melody even got in the competition, and she wants to get back at her somehow. Rachel I think that being Melody it would be just another time that she would haveto forgive somone. I can imagine that she has to forgive people alot in her life like when people would laugh at here she cant just be mad at them forver and she just hasto forgive them for the way they acted. But I think that she should not forgive her because when think someone is your friend and they just kind of turn there back of you I know that it would be hard to forgive.Samantha

I don't think she should have ever considered Rose her friend considering she barely talked to Melody and she was a part of leaving Melody behind. I agree with Sam on everythhing too. (Liz) Why do you think Claire told the news reporter she was melody’s friend? I think it was all for popularity purposes. Claire always feels she needs to be better than everybody else. I think she told the reporter she was Melody's friend because it would make her look better. But you never know, maybe Claire said that as a hint to Melody that she wants to be friends with her. You can never judge a book by it's cover. Rachel I think the same as Rachel it was all for her reputation.Just to look better. The way that claire is trying to be perfect and I dont see why she would have any other reson to be nice to her now.Samantha

So she looked good on T.V., I also think she was really nervous or should might not have said it becuase she is so prejudce against Melody's condition. I think the people watching in town will be shocked also, for the people who know her. (Liz) What do you predict would happen if Melody and her family took the 7:23 flight to D.C.? For sure Melody would miss the competition. That would really stink for Melody because she worked extra hard to get on the team. If I were Melody's mom I would be very determined to get Melody there because no one deserves to be treated unfairly. I think it was VERY immature for Mr.Dimming to change the flight without even calling Melody! Rachel Yes she would never make it to her competiton and that would really be a downer for her she needs to make it there on time.Samantha I don't think it would make anything better, she would jsut get even more up set and depressed. I think it was just a smart idea to stay home bucause she would miss the competion either way. If you were Melody how would you react to not being able to go to the national competition? I would be crushed that I couldn't go. It is a national competition. This competition has the label of, " The best people go here because they have shown us they are the smartes team." I wish that this didn't happen to Melody because so many bad things have already happened to her. I think that Melody thought she made a difference to the team (which she did) but her team just basically told her she isn't good enough for us so we are just going to leave her. That is very sad:( Rachel I would be very very mad and like ubove i would be crushed.Samantha

I would be really up set and angry! I would also want revenge against everyone that did go. I would also be very, Very, VERY, SAD! (Liz) Week #1: Lizzie Roy

1. How would you have handled Dr. Hugely's news about Melody if you were her mother?

I think I would have acted similar to Melody’s mother. I would have been frustrated and mad at Dr. Hugely if he told me my daughter was stupid when I know she is smart. I would probably get sick of people telling me my daughter was stupid and most likely be relieved to yell at someone and get it out. Kaitlin

I think I would have reacted similar to Melody's mom. I would be sick of hearing how there is no hope for my daughter when she really is a genius inside. It is not Melody's fault she is disabled. She can't help that she is unable to do some things so I would have yelled at Dr. Hugely too. It is frusterating to hear lies when you strongly believe something, like Melody being smart. Maris(blue)

I think I would of been speechless! It would take me a while to process what I had just been told. I think once the news finally hit me I would probably cry for a little bit, but then I would think she is my daughter and she can do anything! I would enroll her in school because I believe that Melody is very smart no matter what anyone says! If you believe in a person you never give up on them no matter what! Rachel

I think hearing agian and agin that my daughter isn't capable of anything and that there is no hope for her would be hard to hear and after awhile I would probably do a similar thing as Melodys mother did. As a mother Im sure that it would be very stressfull for her and as Melody it is even more stress full to have to deal with all the other disabled children in her class.

I think I would have been very mad at Dr. Hugely just like Melody's mother was because I would not be able to handle it very well. I agree with Samantha on how hear over and over again that my daughter isn't capable of handling herself would be very hard to hear and I think if I was mad enough I would have done the same thing that Melody's mother did. So I understand where Melody's mother is coming from. Emma

2. How do you think the aids for Melody's class feel dealing with disabled children all day?

My mom is an aid at Barlow Park and she works with disable children every day. When my mom comes home she is usually sore because she has a bad back. Some days are better than others for her. Sometimes she will be crabby and upset from work and some days she’ll be happy which usually means she had a good day. Kaitlin

I think the aids feel that they are doing a good deed by helping them even though it might get tough. It may be tough at times with all the different personalities and needs of the children but the aids always seem to know how to handle it. I feel proud of anyone that tries so hard to make other people happy. The aids of Melody's class should feel good about themselves and try to have a good time with the disabled kids. Maris

I think that the aids feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I also think they enjoy their jobs. Like Maris said that the aids may think it is tough dealing with different personalities and needs, but I think that in the end they feel good knowing that they are helping for a good cause! Rachel

I think that it would become a little crazy at times and a little uncontrolable but at the end of each day I think like rachel and mairs said that they would feel good knowing that they are helping the disabled children that are in need of asistence during the day. samantha

I think the aids- like Rachel- sometimes seem overwhelmed with all the kids and their different disabilities, but it does seem like they like their jobs because they know that they are helping the kids perform better in school and help learn to control their outbursts. Just like Samantha, Rachel and Maris said, its seems like that they feel good knowing they are helping these kids. Emma

3. Why do you think Mrs. V. is so nice and kind to Melody and her family?

I think Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she knows Melody can do anything she sets her mind to. Mrs. V. believes in Melody and that’s why I think she’s so nice. Kaitlin

I think that Mrs. V is being so nice to Melody and her family because she know how hard it is must be to have to go through this kind of thing. She may also be nice to them because they are nice to her and trust her to help Melody in any way she can, so Mrs. V doesn't want to let them down. Emma

I think that Mrs. V is so nice to Melody because she believes in her. She is the one that forced Melody to roll over on her stomach and even though it was tough for Melody, she did it. I think that Mrs. V knows that Melody is capable of doing everything any normal kid can do. Rachel

I think that Mrs.V is nice to Melodys faimly because, she is very confident in her and knows that she can do anything she sets her mind to. When you have some one that belives in you I think that really special to have that kindof person in your life. samantha

Mrs. V. is nice to Melody and her family because she might feel bad for them. Melody is unable to talk, walk, and write so I think Mrs. V. feels she is doing helping out the family alot. Melody's parents can always be there for her so Mrs. V is like a substitute that understands Melody. Maris 4. If you had written this book would you have made Melody's condition so severe? Why or Why not?

I would have made Melody’s condition the way the way the author did to show what some kids have to go through every day. I would have made her condition so sever because it can help people understand what it would be like to have a disability like that. Kaitlin

If I had written this book I would have kept the same seriousness of Melody's condition because in real life this thing may happen all the time and then I would write how Melody and her family try to get through this road block in their lives. Emma

I would have kept the same seriousness too because kids actually do go through these severe disabilities in life, and it gives hope to people. If I were disabled and I read this book it would give me hope that I can do anything that I try hard at no matter what the circumstance. Rachel

I think I would have because this really dose happen in the real world and I think it is imortant to understand that is just isnt some made up story that just came out of know where that is reality and a very serious thing that can happen when you are born. It give anyone hope they can do anything!! samantha

If I wrote this book, I would not make Melody's condition as bad as it is for her now. It's sad to think that a child has to go through something like this. Although, the severeness of her condition does bring a twist of drama to the story that makes readers want to continue reading. Melody is original and unique. Maris 5. What do you think will happen when Melody's parents or Mrs. V. die?

If Melody’s parents die Mrs. V would most likely adopt Melody. If Mrs. V dies than Melody’s parents would have to find someone else to watch her. If they all die than I don’t really know what would happen. Kaitlin

I think that it will be hard on Melody because those are the people that really support her. Obviously the doctors don't think she can do anything but the answer to this really depends on Melody's self modivation. If she is motivated to keep trying in life then she will get far. Rachel

To me this one is very hard to anserwer becaues so far in the book she really has not been on her own for a long period of time like she would be if they were to die. But there is hope for everyone so you never know. samantha

If Melody's main people in her life perished, I'm not sure how Melody would cooperate. It seems like she is used to being alone because nobody truly understands here. But then again, Melody can't do everything on her own. She needs somebody there to support her, like Rachel mentioned. Melody would probably be very troubled, but that's how she has to live normally. Maris

I think that Melody would be devestated to learn that someone who loves her some much sadly passed away. I'm sure it would also give Melody some more responsibility to be able to learn from this sad part in her life and give her hope that she will get better. Emma 6. If Melody went to Ripon Middle School how do you think she would be treated? If Melody went to ripon middle shool I think she would be treated the same way she is being treated now by most of the students here. I would become Melody's friend and help her out, but thats me. Melody isn't much differant that us because we all have problems its just that hers are shone on the outside. (Kaitlin)

It is hard to say! Since there are so many personalities and mixed emotions all over I think Melody would get treated bad and good. Personally I would be shocked at first just because I havn't been around a lot of people with severe disablities, but then I would think what it would be like to be Melody. I would befriend her and help her and just be there if she ever needed a friend. I wouldn't be overly helpful though because I don't want Melody to think she can't do anything, and she always needs people. Rachel

The world is very crul sometimes and it is hard to predict how she would be treated but also the world can be very nice. I think like rachel said above this that she would get treated good and bad at the same time good because I know that there are alot of nice people that would care for her and bad because some people have no feelings for other people. samantha

Melody would be treated both bad and good. I feel that some students would pity her and try to be as nice as possible, like the aids in Melody's classroom. Other students would spit mean names at her. I do not think our school handles people that are different very well. Just because someone isn't the same as everyone else, they are picked on and made fun of. It's reallly not fair to those who can't help being different so I think Melody would struggle with that. She would have friends to lean on like the other girls said above, but there is a good chance she would be treated badly as well as good. Maris

It seems hard to tell whether or not she would be treated good or bad. Just because she is different it doesn't mean that people can't get along with her and live to learn with her disability. I know that if she went to Ripon Middle School I would try to understand her in any way I could. Emma

Week #2 Discussion Director questions: Rachel Peppler

1. If you were Mrs. Billups how would you of reacted to Melody's mom's outburst? If I were Mrs. Billups, I would quit my job after Melody's mother embarrassed me in front of the class and aids. To be told that you are doing a terrible job is very nerve wracking. I feel that I would try a different job with normal kids and learn from my mistakes. I would NOT teach the children lessons over and over so that would avoid another out burst from an enraged parent. This is what I would do if I were Mrs. Billups. Maris

If I were Mrs. Billups I would have quit teaching and move to different state. I would get a new job and life so that I could just forget about what happened. I would also make sure nothing like that happened again. Kaitlin

If I were Mr. Billups, I would have acted the same way- shocked and not knowing what to do. I think that it was kind of Mr. Billups fault though because he should have handled it a little less harshly than he did. I might have quit my job, but if I chose to keep doing what I was doing then I would make sure that nothing like that ever happened again, and if it did then I would tell the family nicer and in a different way than he did in the book. Emma

The way that I would of reacted to Melodeys Mothers outburst would of been me being very ebarassed and as Mairs said would want to quit my job. I think it would be very dicouraging to be told that the job that I chose to do I wanst good at. I for susre would be speachless. But on the other side if i was a teacher even for speacical needs you would never catch me teaching the same things over and over again.Samantha

I wouldn't have quit my job or moved, like Maris, and Kaitlin, I don't think that getting chewed out means you should leave and never come back, but I would start to teach differently.(Liz)

2. Infer how Melody feels about having a new baby sister. Why do you think this? I think Melody is jealous and sad. Can you imagine having a sibling that could do everything you can't? It is devastating for Melody to have to watch her parents care for her sister. Penny can do anything and Melody is stuck inside her own mind. I think that Melody wishes she was Penny because Melody gets very sad when she sees her parents following her siser around with a video camera and paying more attention to Penny than Melody. Melody's feelings must be hurt. :( Maris

I can infer melody was scared but now she’s jealous and happy. I inferred melody was jealous because her little sister can do all the things that she can’t. I also inferred Melody was happy because she has someone to keep her company even though Melody can’t talk to her. Kaitlin

I think that Melody was both happy and a little jealous. I think she was jealous because then her parents might not pay as much attention to her as they did before Penny was born. As most people are, she was probably happy to have a little sister because then she could have a companion when her parents were not around. Emma

I can infer that at first melody was jealous because having a brother or sister that can do stuff that you cant would get very upseting. But in also I think that she was happy becaues most people that I know would be happy and excited to get a new syblying but also she could of been sad because she wansnt going to get as much attention.Samantha

I think that she might feel jealous and happy! Jealous becuase she will probably get more attention and happy to have a sibling.(Liz) 3. If you were a student in the music room how would you react to the disabled kids joining your class? I think that if I were a student in the music room, I would become friends with the disabled kids. I am sure that the childeren would want to be treated like normal kids so I wouldn't give them any special treatment. I think that if people were treated like babies all the time with a bunch of special care, it would get on the nerves of the people who are being treated that way. If the kids with disabilities joined the music class I was in, I believe that we would become friends instantly. Maris

I think it would be kind of cool to help the disabled kids and become their friends. I think I would feel sorry for them though because they wouldn’t be able to fully participate in the class. Kaitlin

If I was one of those students then I would have been a little confused on what was actually happening, but after a while I would get more comfortable with it and I would want to become their friend because then I could assist them in any way possible. Emma

If I was a student I think I would be find with a disabled kid in my class beacuse in my church I am around disabled kids there to somtimes and they are all really nice and freiendly and full of life. Samantha

I would think that it was strange for them to be coming all of the sudden, but good for them. I would also worry about how other students would react to them, acting like Claire and Molly. (Liz) 4. Predict the outcome if Penny was born with a disabilitie. Would this be good or bad? The outcome if Penny, Melody's baby sister, had been born with a disablility like Melody's would be bad and good. I feel that the parents would have too many problems on their hands and have to be on constant alert to take care of the girls. That would cause alot of stress and probably make the kids feel bad about themselves as if they were a burden. I think Melody wouldn't feel so alone though. I understand that having a disablilty is hard and think that if Melody had someone to be with, she would handle tough situations better because there would be someone with her to feel the same pain. Although, I think that Penny being born normal brings a new emotional twist for Melody so I prefer that Penny is normal because the outcome if she did have a disablilty would be different. Maris

If penny was born with disabilities it would most likely have a bad outcome but it would make melody happy to have some to understand her pain and quilt. This would have a bad out come because the parents would get very tiered with two disabled girls. One parent might have to quit their job just to make enough time for them. This would put lots of stress and pain on their parents and that would just make Melody and her baby sister feel bad. Kaitlin

If Penny had been born with a disability, it would have been both a good and bad outcome. It would have been bad because then it is another disability that Melody's parents have to work with. It would have also been a good outcome because then Melody wouldn't feel like the only one who has a disability in the family. Before Penny was born I'm sure that Melody's parents were terrified that Penny would have a disability, so when she was born they probably felt like there was a big weight lifted off their shoulders. Emma

I think it would be both good and bad. It would be good because then Melodey woyuld havwesomeone that has things in common with her and they might get along better. But also it would be bad because being the parent and having two disabled kids would be very stressfull and hard to handel.Samantha

I think it would be better if Melody's parents had another disabled child becuase they would know how to deal with it, but I also think it would really wear on them. I think that Melody would have gotten even less attenion if she had a disabled baby sister too.(Liz) 5. If you were a scientist what invention would you create to help kids communicate if they can't talk? What unique qualities would you add to your invention? This is a great question. Its making me think harder than any of the other questions because I'm not really the inventor type. If I were to invent a device to help disabled childeren talk, I think it would involve a device that went into their blood stream and up to the brain. I know it sounds painful but if it worked, scientists could access all of their thoughts and see what they really feel and think about things since they are unable to say so. I would also add an animal quality because animals are proven to soothe people. I think that if I included and animal thought translater, the disabled kid wouldn't feel so alone. This invention is how I would help communicate with people who can't speak. Maris

If I were a scientist I would invent some think with a keyboard but with it alphabetized so it’s easier for them to get used to. This invention would talk for them and they could turn the volume up and down. If they couldn’t type then I would invent something that would read their mind and for school it could raise a hand so they can answer the teachers questions it would write for them and if they can’t walk it would be able to clip on to a wheel chair. Kaitlin

I'm glad you asked this question because it defiantly made me think harder and dig deeper. If I was a scientist I would make something like Flinn made on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. (i know, stupid connection) It would have the same qualities just like the one in the movie, but this one would be meant for kids who couldn't communicate, just like Melody. It would be like a head band that would have a walkie-talkie attached to it, so that when they tried to answer a question or ask something they could achieve it easily. Emma

I would invent something where u have to touch with any part of your body a certain number of times to have the letters. Then someone over the machine could say it outloud. I'm also really glad you asked this question, I really made me think!(Liz) 6. Do you think it is a good idea that the teachers put the disabled kids in a class with "normal" kids? Why do you think this? I think it is a good idea for the disabled kids to interact with the normal kids. I think that everyone should be treated equally and no body should be excluded if they want to participate. Maris

I think it is an excellent idea that the teachers placed the disabled kids in a class with different people because then they could interact with other kids that might not be like them. I think it is an excellent idea because no one should be treated unfairly just because they have a disability. I also think this because, just like how you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, you shouldn't judge a person by how they act or look. Emma

I think it is a good idea for the disabled children to be in a class with the normal students because then they can find out what it’s like to be in a “normal” classroom. They can also participate in activities that they usually would not do. Kaitlin

Yes and no becuase people like Molly and Claire could be rude and mean, and people like Rose could be nice and sweet to them. I also think that the teachers should get Molly and Claire type people in a lot of trouble for that kind of stuff. (Liz)

Week 4: Pages 155-206 What was the importance of the scene before the TV show started? That there were people out there that wouldn't make fun of Melody for being disabled adn there are people other than her family that care about her. (Liz) I think this part is important because the people on the tv show specifically made pressing buttons easier for Melody. That shows that they really care about Melody, and the want her to succeed! Like Lizzie people weren't making fun of her because she is disabled, they are treating her like any other kid. Rachel I think the importance of the scene right before the show started was very important because then Melody could know that she can answer the same questions that her teamates can answer to. Emma

I think the improtance of the scene right before the show started is very imortant. I think so because melody couldnt of been made fun of for her disablity.Samantha Beahm

I think this part was important because it showed Melody that many people were there for her and to cheer her on. Kaitlin Do you think Melody’s tornado explosions will effect how people treat her on the show if she were to have one? I think that she would get taken out of the competion and Molly and Claire would make fun of her. I think people in the town who see it might be more accepting becuase the people who would watch would probably be older and more mature. (Liz) I think the same as Lizzie, as much as I hate to say it I think they would take her off the show and she would get made fun of by kids like Claire and Molly. It stinks that kids have to be that way because what if something happened to you like you got in an accident and could never walk again and you got made fun of? I think that Claire and Molly need to spend one day maybe even one hour in Melody's shoes and I am sure they would act different. Rachel I defiently think that people will think differently of her if she has an outburst on the show. They might think that she is very different than other people because of her outburst. If I were to watch a show and something like that happened I would think that person may be different than me but htey can't help that they do that- its because of their condition. Emma

Yes I do. I do think that Peole would think or even treat her diffrent if she had an out burst on the show. I honestly think some people would not say very nice things about her because some people have no self control and are not very mature. Like Liz said I think the people in her town would understand more because they know of her codition.Samantha Beahm I think it might scare a couple people at first and it would make her team mates feel embarrassed but after awhile I think most people would start to ignore it. Kaitlin Predict how people would treat Melody if she won the competition. I think that her family would be very HAPPY for her! The rest of the comunity would be astonished and amazed by her, I think. (Liz)

I think that Melody would become very popular very fast!! It would just prove that disabled kids can do the exact same thing as "normal" kids. I think that Melody's parents, and Mrs. V would feel very proud to because they have always known Melody is smart. Rachel I think that everyone will think differently of her if she won the competition because lots of other people would know what Mrs. V, Catherine, and Melody's parents already know- she is very intelligent. They might also finally treat her as a normal person. Emma I think that it would be great if she won! Also I think alot of people would have alot more respect for her as a person. They might actully treat her like a normal kid.Samantha Beahm

I think she would get a lot of attention and her team mates might get annoyed. Her family, Mrs. V, Mr. Dimming, and Catherine would be very proud of her and it could make her famous. Kaitlin

Why do you think the author chose to include Claire in the competition? To have that seen were Molly and Claire are talking about her rudely, and Melody says that it can't bring her down. (Liz)

I think the author chose to do this because it adds more of a "spark" to the story. How many stories have you heard that don't include a villian (or mean person) getting in the way of your goals? I don't think this would be much of a story if the author didn't add Claire to the competition. I also think it is more like reality. This is a problem that so many kids go through, and maybe this story could help them get through their problem. Rachel So that it seems like someone will get in Melody's way of a chance to get on the team. (though it didn't work) Otherwise it doesn't seem like Claire is a huge character in the book and doesn't play a huge role in the book. Emma I think like Emma said that it would seem like a less of a chance for Melody to get on the team. I think the author did this to add a littel twist in the book. Samantha Beahm

I think the author chose to have Claire in the competition because it makes the story seem like some that really happened. It gives the story an extra spark and I think that’s one of the main reasons she would put Claire in the competition. Kaitlin

If you were Melody, how would you deal with bullies like Claire and Molly? I don't think theres really any way to deal with them other than educate them on the subject. In Melody's case it might be easier for her to tell a family member or teacher but I don't think she would really take the easy way out. (Liz) I don't really know....I think that at first I would try to ignore them. Knowing me I would probably get really frustrated, but I would still be nice to them. I think that maybe somewhere along the line Claire and Molly would come around if I was nice to them. Rachel I would just prove to them that I am no different than they are and also prove to them that I am just as smart or even smarter than they are. Emma I think that bullys are a serious problem and it is good for the author to put Claire and Molly in the book to make people aware of bullys.Samantha Beahm

If I was melody I think I would be too scared to do anything at first. I might get annoyed after awhile but otherwise I’m not sure what I would do. Kaitlin

What can you infer about Rose’s odd behavior toward Melody? Rose doesn't think that Melody belongs in the competion and is a little jelous that a "disabled kid" could be as smart as her. (Liz) I think Rose is very jelious that Melody made it into the competition. I think that she has a fear that Melody may "show her up" in someway during the competition. I also think that's why Claire and Molly are so mean to Melody because I believe that they fear Melody will "show them up." Rachel I think that Rose is very out of the ordinary coming from Rose and I think that she may be a little jealous of Melody, because Melody made the team and Rose didn't. Emma

I also think that Rose is jelous that someone with a disablity could actully beat her. But she also needs to relize that just because she isnt normal dosnt mean that she is dumb.Samantha Beahm

I think it’s because rose is jealous that Melody did better than her when she is disabled. Kaitlin Maris

Week 5: Kaitlin Miller

How would you feel if you were Melody and your friends didn’t tell you they were going out to eat for breakfast before they left? I would feel left out, and lonely. It stinks when a whole group of your friends go out to eat together or something, and they don't invite you along. I think that doesn't make them very loyal, or caring friends. Rachel I also would feel left out but a littel mad in a way. I think that her friends arent very loyal to her. It was not very nice to just leave her there and I think they owe her and aploige.Samantha

I would feel really left out and angry. I don't think that they could really be called my friends if the kind of deserted me like they did. I would feel left out because it would seem like they don't even care about me and don't think that my opinion matters, but it does!! Emma

I would feel very left out, sad, and depressed. I would also aplogize if I were one of the kids, it is possible that it was planned by the teacher and the kids parents. (Liz) Predict what would happen if the whiz kids team lose. How do you think Melody would feel? I think Melody would take all the blame herself for losing. A natural feeling for a person is when your team loses something, and you think it is all your fault, and you don't deserve to be on that team. I have felt like that at sporting events when our team loses a game, I sometimes feel like it's my fault. Knowing the people on Melody's team I think that they would also blame it on Melody that they lost, because they think Melody is an "easy target." Rachel I would say that if the whiz kids lost Melody might feel that it was her fault of her teams lose. When your working as a team all of the peole have to work together and even if you make one mistake it could cause a lose and that could make you think that you were the reson.Samantha

If the wiz kids team lost Melody might feel like it was their own fault because they left her behind. I'm not saying that they other members of the team arn't smart its just that they seemed to be doing a lot better when they had Melody on their team. In a way Melody might also feel as if it was somewhat her fault because she might think that her not watching the news or something and thinking of the worst, that was the reason that she didn't make it to the early flight. Emma

I think she would feel half and half up set and happy. Up set becuase they had all worked so hard to get there and happy becuase it would be like her revenge agaist them leaving her. If I were her I would probably feel more happy but Melody is very forgiving, umlike her family members. (Liz) Do you believe melody should still consider Rose her friend? Why or why not? I don't think that Melody should consider Rose to be her friend. In the beginning of the story Rose was the only person to come up to Melody, and act like Melody is her friend. I hate to say it but I think that Rose is a follower not a leader. She was mad at Claire and Molly for laughing at Melody in the beginning of the story, but now she is getting influenced to be back with the "popular girls." I also think she is jelious that Melody even got in the competition, and she wants to get back at her somehow. Rachel I think that being Melody it would be just another time that she would haveto forgive somone. I can imagine that she has to forgive people alot in her life like when people would laugh at here she cant just be mad at them forver and she just hasto forgive them for the way they acted. But I think that she should not forgive her because when think someone is your friend and they just kind of turn there back of you I know that it would be hard to forgive.Samantha

I don't think Melody should still consider Rose her friend because she probably didn't do anything to stop the team from leaving without her. Maybe she did do something to try to stop them from leaving without Melody, but she just gave in to what the rest of the team was saying. Even though Rose was the only one who actually came up to her and was nice to her, she might have just been put up to it by her friends, but I'm not really sure of a positive answer. Emma

I don't think she should have ever considered Rose her friend considering she barely talked to Melody and she was a part of leaving Melody behind. I agree with Sam on everythhing too. (Liz) Why do you think Claire told the news reporter she was melody’s friend? I think it was all for popularity purposes. Claire always feels she needs to be better than everybody else. I think she told the reporter she was Melody's friend because it would make her look better. But you never know, maybe Claire said that as a hint to Melody that she wants to be friends with her. You can never judge a book by it's cover. Rachel I think the same as Rachel it was all for her reputation.Just to look better. The way that claire is trying to be perfect and I dont see why she would have any other reson to be nice to her now.Samantha

I think the same as Samantha and Rachel- it was just for publicity. I don't think that Claire was actually serious about her being Melody's friend. She may have said this to make it seem like it she isn't the bad guy but just another "friend" of Melody's. Emma

So she looked good on T.V., I also think she was really nervous or should might not have said it becuase she is so prejudce against Melody's condition. I think the people watching in town will be shocked also, for the people who know her. (Liz) What do you predict would happen if Melody and her family took the 7:23 flight to D.C.? For sure Melody would miss the competition. That would really stink for Melody because she worked extra hard to get on the team. If I were Melody's mom I would be very determined to get Melody there because no one deserves to be treated unfairly. I think it was VERY immature for Mr.Dimming to change the flight without even calling Melody! Rachel Yes she would never make it to her competiton and that would really be a downer for her she needs to make it there on time.Samantha I don't think it would make anything better, she would jsut get even more up set and depressed. I think it was just a smart idea to stay home bucause she would miss the competion either way.

I think that they would still miss the competition but they could have possibly met up with the team and talked to them about leaving her behind and not contacting her about going on the earlier flight to D.C. Emma If you were Melody how would you react to not being able to go to the national competition? I would be crushed that I couldn't go. It is a national competition. This competition has the label of, " The best people go here because they have shown us they are the smartes team." I wish that this didn't happen to Melody because so many bad things have already happened to her. I think that Melody thought she made a difference to the team (which she did) but her team just basically told her she isn't good enough for us so we are just going to leave her. That is very sad:( Rachel I would be very very mad and like ubove i would be crushed.Samantha

I would be really up set and angry! I would also want revenge against everyone that did go. I would also be very, Very, VERY, SAD! (Liz)

I would be very devestated to not be able to go to the competition. Especially to a competition in which you could be on Good Morning America and then get a huge tropy to bring back to your town and be congratulated as a big winner and idol to some people. Emma

Week 6: 1. In this weeks reading what do you think frustrated Melody the most? Not being able to tell her mother that she was about to run over Penny! I can't imagine how that must have felt. I agree with Lizzie! I think that it would be very frustrating not to be able to tell my mom if she was going to run over somebody! I think Melody is still a hero though because she did everything that she was capable of doing to get her mom's attention. I am so glad Penny is alive! Rachel I think it frustrated her that all of her friends betrayed her. When she talked to the class, she seemed extremely upset with them all. Maris 2. What do you think Melody's life will be like when she grows up? (job, friends, school, etc.) I don't think Melody will ever get a chance to really be a "grown up" becuase of her condition. She can't take care of herself so she can't move out or she could move into a nursing home type thing but she will never be self-suficant. I think Melody will get a job working at a company that makes machines for people with disablities. Or a teacher for disabled kids. I think she could relate to kids with disabilities because she is first hand with that. I think Melody can prusue any type of future she puts her mind too! Rachel I'm not really sure what Melody could grow up to do. Its tough to think of something because she is so limited to what she can do. I think she will make friends that actually understand her though. I hope that even with a disablilty, she will still go far in life. Maris 3. Why do you think Sharon Draper titled the book Out of My Mind? I think it was becuase Melody always is in a sense "out of her mind", Melody even discribes one part of the book as so. I think that she titled it this because Melody can't talk and she goes through so many struggles in her life. She has a harder life than everybody else, and she gets frustrated at times, but she always figures out a way to fix it! Rachel I think the book is called Out of My Mind because that's all Melody wants. For 11 years, her thoughts have been trapped inside her head and it has been driving her crazy. Melody just wants to get out of her mind. Maris 4. Why do you think the first page of the book was repeated in the end of the book? I think it made a difference in the way we looked at this part, in the begining we thought oh my god she can't talk but is holding it all in and now I feel she's more self sufficent. She's not holding everything in. I also think that Melody has a whole new perspective on life, and this shows how this passage has such a different meaning to her. It shows how much more confidence Melody has, and how much more she is capable of doing from the beginning of the book. Rachel I agree with Rachel. It shows how far Melody has come through out the book. Maris 5. How has Melody changed over the course of the book? Obviously she can talk now, I feel she has gained even more paceintce for people in a different way. The way were she's like everyone else in people will treat her badly sometimes. I think that Melody has so much more self confidence, and she has patience for people. I think that she has learned to cope with situations better without having a tornado explosion, and she knows she is capable of doing anything she puts her mind too. I think Melody has really grown up, and will be very successful in life no matter what her condition is. Rachel I think that she has a new perspective. At the end of the book, she talked about how she saw the H-5 kids differently than in the beginnning. She is more thankful for what she has. Maris 6. If you were Melody, how would you have reacted to Penny getting hit by the car? Emma I would have had a total freak out, melt down, episode whatever you want to call it! I would have been absolutly terrified and so worried about what my mother would think of her self I would just freak out.l I would freak out! I would be crushed like Melody because I would feel bad I couldn't stop my mom from hitting her! I would visit Penny everyday in the hospital too! I would probably cry for weeks, and have meltdowns every hour! Rache If I were Melody, I would have not given up on bugging my mom. It seemed to slow her mom down and not make the impact on Penny as bad. Maris