Melody Ellison loves singing and gardening, and is inspired by friends and family and the Civil Rights Movement to make changes in her community. Melody's story of leadership and making one's voice heard is sure to engage today's readers as they learn what it was like to be a girl in 1964. This Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader is great for American Girl fans ages 5 to 8. This exciting Step into Reading is based on an American Girl story by Denise Lewis Patrick.

Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own.

Introduced in 1986, American Girl's flagship line of historical characters features 18-inch dolls, books, and accessories that give girls a dramatic understanding of the role women and girls played in shaping our country.

Look out for these other great books:

• Samantha Helps a Friend (American Girl) 9780593381878

• Freedom for Addy (American Girl) 9780593381915

• Molly's Christmas Surprise (American Girl) 9780593381960