Who is Melody? What causes her to be unable to speak? Why is this a problem? How does Melody communicate with her family? Her friends? Why is this way of communicating not satisfying to Melody? What would she rather have to help her communicate? How does Melody think a proper form of communication would help her get along in the outside world?

Who is Rose? Why does Rose befriend Melody? In what form does their friendship take? Why is Rose unhappy when Melody decides to try for the Whiz Kid competition team? Why is Rose unhappy with the fact that Melody's picture is the only one in the papers after the competition? Is Rose one of those who purposely left Melody behind when the team traveled to Washington, D.C.? Why?

Who is Catherine? What is her job? How does she get along with...