Like the main character in R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, Melody, in Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, was born with a disability — in her case, cerebral palsy, which has affected her body, but not her brain. Wheelchair bound, and unable to speak, she is a member of the class in Room H-5 which is for mentally-disabled youngsters. Even doctors don’t see beyond Melody’s physical handicaps and suggest to her parents that she be institutionalized. However, her parents see a gleam in Melody’s eyes that gives them hope she is more mentally capable than the doctors think.Her neighbor, Mrs. V, also sees Melody’s potential. It turns out that she just doesn’t have the words to let everyone else know that she is bored by repetition, and the mush some teachers thought was all she was capable of doing.
Not surprisingly, in school she is practically invisible, although the mean girls make life tougher than ever. Everything comes to a climax when students are chosen to compete in a Jeopardy-type game against other schools. Melody, with the aid of a talking computer, aces the test and makes the team. Will she be allowed to compete facing the underhanded doings of the mean girls and the lack of support from other team members?
Draper draws a nuanced portrait of a severely challenged fifth grader who is determined to overcome her birth obstacles. Books like Wonder and Out of My Mind remind us to pay attention to the bright gleams that are visible in spite of outward appearances.
Atheneum (2010) Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children’s Services Librarian.
Looking for some spring Saturday fun? Join us for an outdoor parent-child Yoga & Play session! Geared towards toddlers and babies (and their grown-ups). Older siblings are welcome to join the fun too! Led by local yoga instructor & twin-toddler mom Samantha Scinta.
This program will take place outdoors. In case of inclement weather or high…
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Join us on Tuesday afternoons to crochet an amigurumi. "Amigurumi" means crocheted or knitted stuffed toy in Japanese. We'll work on a new critter every month. All supplies (yarn, crochet hooks, and stitch markers) will be provided but feel free to bring your own.
This drop-in program is for ages 13 and up, no registration is…
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WHAT IS THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS?
Battle of the Books is a book-based trivia tournament for Westchester Youth. The Pelham Library will have a 4th-6th grade team and a 7th-12th grade team. We may need to adjust the age groups based on interest level. We will compete against teams from other Westchester libraries. The…
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The Town of Pelham Public Library is pleased to welcome Antoinette Vitale as the new bookkeeper.
Antoinette Vitale is excited to bring her accounting, bookkeeping, and treasury experience to the Pelham Library. Having moved to Pelham with her family in 2010, Antoinette has enjoyed becoming part of this wonderful and warm community. While raising her…
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Our stuffed animal sleepover at the Library was a huge success! We had so much fun hosting your stuffed animals for the night! Watch our video to see all the mischief our overnight visitors got into.
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Anyone else have a case of déjà vu? Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, February 23, 2026. We will be opening with a delayed start on Tuesday. February 24 at noon. Stay safe and warm!
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Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026. We expect to reopen at 10 am on Tuesday, January 27. Stay safe and warm!
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In honor of National Canned Food Month, we are partnering with United Way for a canned food drive benefitting Westchester and Putnam Food Pantries. A box is located at the Library by the Carol Place entrance where you can leave your donations. Thank you for your help! The drive will run from Monday, February 2,…
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January 22, 2026, The Town of Pelham Public Library is seeking a conscientious and detail-oriented part-time Bookkeeper to manage the Library’s financial records and support its day-to-day fiscal operations.
Click here to read the full job posting.
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On Saturday, December 27, 2025, we plan to open the Library at noon and close at 4 p.m. This is subject to change depending on the weather. Please check our voicemail for the most up-to-date information before heading over to the Library. The phone number is: 914-738-1234.
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