2025
WISE Score
Amazon
Melody takes London by storm, proving that having no voice doesn't mean you have nothing to say—even if the royal guards are a bit stiff.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Sharon Draper hasn't lost her touch. This third installment is a must-read for any kid who liked the first two, or really any kid who needs a perspective shift.
It avoids the 'boring sequel' trap by moving the action to London and focusing on global advocacy. It's the kind of book that makes you want to be a better person without lecturing you about it. If your kid is into stories about real-life hurdles and big wins, put this at the top of the stack.
Ideal for the 9-13 crowd. It’s sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a 4th grader who's a strong reader.
It's deeply grounded in emotional intelligence. Melody’s journey is about finding her place in a world not built for her, but it avoids being sappy or 'inspiration porn.' The focus on family support and global friendship is top-tier.
While it's realistic fiction, the way Draper translates Melody's internal world and her experience of London—from royal horses to pop stars—is vivid and sensory. It invites kids to imagine life from a vastly different physical perspective.
This is as safe as it gets. There’s no mature content, violence, or language to worry about. The only 'danger' is the emotional weight of seeing Melody face systemic barriers, which is handled with grace.
It’s basically an empathy masterclass. It covers accessibility, self-advocacy, and the I.D.E.A. symposium themes without feeling like a textbook. It's a rare book that actually changes how a kid looks at a sidewalk ramp.
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