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.
K-Day is coming!
The Pelham Public Library’s K-Day is an annual event when Pelham children entering kindergarten can get their first library cards. This year, it will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 10 am-2 pm. We'll have a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and goody bags for the new cardholders.
To save time please, preregister…
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Our Children's Summer Reading Program is hosted on an online platform called ReadSquared. Beginning on June 22, you can register digitally, log your reading minutes, and save up your points for awesome prizes. Take a look at our YouTube video of how to complete the registration. If in person is more your speed, stop by…
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Reading contests for children have been a staple of the Library's Summer Reading program for years. But why let the kids have all the fun? Adults and teens in 9th grade and up can play our Reading BINGO game and enter a raffle to win a brand-new Kindle! Download a BINGO board with instructions by…
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The Town of Pelham Public Library board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Susan Quintin as its newest memeber.
Susan Quintin is a strategic business and product leader with nearly two decades of experience across global financial services organizations, including leadership roles at BNY, London Stock Exchange Group, Russell Investments, and MSCI. She currently serves as…
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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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