Melody, 12, who has cerebral palsy, is spending a week at a summer camp for disabled kids. Three other campers share her tent. Karyn, like Melody, uses a wheelchair; Athena has Down syndrome; Jocelyn is neuro-divergent. They each have a counselor assigned to them, too. Even though not every other camper uses a wheelchair, or needs assistance eating, or speaks with the help of adaptive technology, Melody quickly realizes that she doesn’t feel different here, and it’s wonderful. Still, not everything is perfect: She and her tent mates bristle at the 24/7 presence of their counselors, no matter how nice they are, and advocate for time free from constant supervision to just hang out as friends. Camp brings other challenges, too. Melody is initially terrified to go swimming, but conquers that fear, as well as her uncertainty about horseback riding. But there are unexpected pleasures, too, including her first crush, on fellow camper Noah. Melody’s engaging voice is immensely enjoyable, offering observations and insights that bring her and other characters into full relief, whether she’s detailing her preference for Nike sneakers and skinny jeans, the distinct tastes and personalities of her fellow campers, or describing physical sensations she’s experiencing for the first time, such as when she’s floating in the pool. This is a welcome sequel to Out of My Mind, the book that introduced Melody and her family. (Ages 9-12)

A New York Times bestseller!

Melody faces her fears to follow her passion in this stunning sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novel Out of My Mind.

Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is a year older, and a year braver. And now with her Medi-talker, she feels nothing’s out of her reach, not even summer camp. There have to be camps for differently-abled kids like her, and she’s going to sleuth one out. A place where she can trek through a forest, fly on a zip line, and even ride on a horse! A place where maybe she really can finally make a real friend, make her own decisions, and even do things on her own—the dream!

By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody’s about to discover how brave and strong she really is.