Disability is not an inability.
Sharon M. Draper illustrates in her novel that disability is not inability using the character Melody. Melody is a disabled child confined to her wheelchair. People think Melody is unable to do activities done by ordinary children. However, Melody is an optimistic girl who wants to be independent and do what she loves most. For instance, Melody wants to be a sportswoman, but people discourage her because of her disability.
Melody proves everyone wrong when she participates in a horse riding competition. The summer camps have designated spaces for disabled children where they enjoy the sports like any other person. Besides sports, Melody does most of the tasks alone, which include cleaning, cooking, and making decisions that shape her future. Therefore, the author illustrates that disabled children can participate in sports effectively when given a favorable environment to explore their potential.
Family love
The author shows how Melody's family ensures she is happy and comfortable. The parents and Melody's sibling, Penny, are compassionate, affectionate, concerned and protective. Melody's family encourages her to think positively and be confident and optimistic. Readers learn that Melody never lacks anything to make her life comfortable. Penny protects Melody from any harm and helps her to catch fireflies, which they use as a sporting activity.
Stigma
Stigma is among the outstanding themes in the novel. When Melody interacts with other disabled children in the summer camp, she discovers that they are sad and pessimistic because they are stigmatized and ridiculed. Despite Melody's positive experience with her family and neighbors, other disabled children go through stigma. The stories shared by disabled children reveal that they are discriminated against and denied opportunities to exploit their potential.
