Lots of people talk who have nothing to say. But for me, words are my superpower – I use them to fly me to galaxies of understanding, to joke around with friends at a picnic table, or to tell my little sister, Penny, to open the back door so that our dog, Butterscotch, can go out and pee
-- Melody as Narrator (Chapter 3 paragraph N/A)

Importance: These words describe how what could have been a challenge for Melody actually is one of her greatest strengths. She cannot speak on her own, but now that she has an assistive device, she can share her thoughts and feelings with other people. She uses language creatively, and she also uses language to get Miss Gertie the help she needs and later to inspire a shy boy at the symposium.

I took a moment to glance out that window once more, my thoughts racing faster than Penny.
-- Melody as Narrator (Chapter 6 paragraph N/A)

Importance: These words describe one of the...