Never Stop Singing: A Melody Classic Volume 2

American Girl: Melody #2

by Denise Lewis Patrick, Juliana Kolesova (Illustrator)

Melody Ellison just turned ten, and she's dreaming of new ways to make her community a better place! When her pastor issues a New Year's challenge, she decides to fix up a neighborhood playground and plant a garden. But when her friends put her in charge, Melody finds out just how hard it can be to lead. From opportunities of a lifetime in Motown, to learning what it means to not give up in the face of setbacks and adversity, Melody discovers that working together makes everyone stronger.

This second volume of Melody's classic stories tells how Melody strives to make justice, equality, and dignity grow in her community.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Childrens, Juvenile, Chapter Books, African American

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2016

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great entry in the American Girl series. It handles the Civil Rights and current events topics in an age appropriate manner, though because of the subject matter, the story reads a bit more like a young adult novel than a middle grades book. I liked Melody and her lovely, lively family. Melody's efforts to improve her community are easily relatable for kids today and show kids can accomplish anything if they work hard. This plot is similar to GOTY Lanie but is much better written and more realistic. I also liked the other ways that the characters fight injustice in their community. I was worried about the music studio plot being a little too fantastical but within the context of the story, it fits and it's only a small part of the story. I did expect the trip to Alabama to be a larger part of the story and it didn't really fit the rest of the plot though it is a good lesson on memory and the meaning of home. The one thing I didn't really like was the heavy handed gardening metaphor but I don't know if kids pick up on that sort of thing.

This series is far more realistic than Maryellen's 1950s sitcom style books and more along the lines of the old Pleasant Company books, especially Addy's stories.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the Melody books are my favorite new AG series!

[Abra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved reading more of Melody's story and thought it was wonderful how the author included so many positive and successful African American role models from history in the story. This book was very educational and has such a positive message for young people. Melody and her family and friends overcame many challenges and they never gave up! They have faith in God and each other during their fight for civil rights. This is definitely a story worth sharing.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great AG marathon continues. Again, reading for the first time as an adult, inspired by the American Girls podcast.

I said that Melody's first book felt more like the story of the Ellison family through Melody's eyes. That continues here, but Melody feels more like the protagonist this time around, perhaps largely because of the leadership role she takes on in fixing up the local park.

Going in, I had the impression — book covers, doll accessories, AG's marketing, etc. — that Melody was about civil rights and Motown. What didn't come through at all, and are arguably more central to her stories, are the gardening and community organizing.

Of course, we know from Book 1 that the Motown singer angle is Dwayne's plotline. Melody gets to be involved in a really cool way in this book, but it really is just one chapter, same as the Langston Hughes signing is a chapter and the protest at Fieldston's is a chapter. I don't think Melody ever had accessories related to those plot points. Apparently she had a "block party set" for a hot minute, and some "travel essentials" that mysteriously don't include a version of the Green Book. I digress, but my point is that the actual focus of the book was a surprise to me; there was definitely a disconnect between the story and the marketing.

Here's what else stood out to me:

- The Ellison fam is still warm and supportive and lovely - a fictional family you'd want to be a part of. And now that they've been firmly introduced, it feels a little less like each member is checking a box in the 1960s Black Life curriculum.
- In particular, Mrs. Ellison's defense of Yvonne's civil rights work is #momgoals and made me tear up.
- I want to introduce Melody's sister Lila to the brilliant ladies of Hidden Figures.
- Outsized influence or not, the Motown piece was really cool.
- Melody is a true plant mom and it is an absolute travesty that her collection doesn't represent that at all.
- The journey of the Junior Block Club is really great.

The style of these books is a significant departure from older AG series, and like so many of the more recent characters, Melody seems to have no flaws? But she's very likable, the books are fun and readable, and I'd be happy to spend more time with these characters.

[RaspberryRoses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really excellent one. Although I question why the title is "never stop singing", since... it's not really *that* focused on singing?

And I do like that about it, tbh. I really like that singing is allowed to be important to Melody while also not being something she wants to pursue professionally - she loves doing it in church, and it is very meaningful to her and her family. But it's also just a hobby! As somebody who did a lot of theater as a kid and was constantly told that I should do it professionally (and never wanted to do that), I dunno. It was a neat little part of the narrative. But it does make it confusing as to why her books are so singing-branded, when they're really more about activism and community and gardening.

I think it was a bit odd to gloss over the assassination of JFK so much - but I suppose they did have a *lot* of history to pack into these books.

My only other quibble is that it feels like Melody is a bit more of a 'flat' character then other past protagonists - she doesn't really have many flaws. Which like... narratively, I wish she did. But also, it feels like oftentimes AG's idea of giving flaws to a girl is to make her do something wildly dangerous. Which just makes me stressed tbh.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really great and scarily pertinent to today’s US. The author did a great job of humanizing these historical events. My only critique was that I was left curious if the block club’s picketing worked at their local store!

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the previous book, I wish more aspects of the 1960’s had been explored in addition to the Civil Rights Movement. JFK’s assassination occurred between the two, and I would have liked to have seen a little more on that than what we got. Sometimes the book took on such an educational tone that the story wasn’t as immersive.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I was harsh on my initial criticism of this series (and the first collection). Yes, some event did seem skimmed over or like quickly mentioned that it happened in passing - but that’s very typical of many AG books. Melody’s whole story was really solid. She’s definitely in my top AG characters. So much was packed in here and I love that they addressed sooo many tough topics, while also giving Melody time to shine in her own way. The thing that really got me about her stories was the family aspect. I don’t think any AG story has made me feel as invested in a family as hers did. I loved that you didn’t only get to know Melody but everyone in her family as well. You really fall in love with the Ellisons and how strong they stand together.

[Abigail F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic follow-up to "No Ordinary Sound." This book really delved into ways that everyone, including children, can make a difference in their community and help move the USA towards actual equality for all. All of our voices matter, and we can all find ways to brighten our communities. This book also highlighted why Civil Rights activists -- both black and white -- were so brave through the true story of Civil Rights activists Andrew Goodman, James Cheney, and Michael Schwerner. On a brighter note, I loved learning a bit more about Motown and Detroit in the 1960s! Another must-read for middle graders!

[Danielle T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this- addressed a LOT of the things going on in 1964, but written for a middle-grade reader. It resonates a lot with today's times because unfortunately, we STILL have the same issues about discrimination against Black people in the United States. The project to restore the park shows actions that kids can take, including how to do a group project by dividing into strength, when to ask for adult help, etc.

Unfortunately, American Girl wikia doesn't have information on changes in the abridged books for either Melody novel, but I don't feel like I lost anything (and again, really appreciated having illustrations like the classic AG historical novels.)

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Loved these books! Book one is a bit better but this was still wonderful as well. It felt less focused but that’s because it’s essentially Melody’s ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Saves the Day’ and ‘Changes’ books rolled into one and the plot didn’t always flow as smoothly. Besides that I continue to absolutely adore Melody’s character and her family. She’s such a natural born leader and she’s one of those character’s that you just know if she were real would grow up and do amazing things in life. Definitely up there as some of my favorite books from AG.

[Kimberly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way the AG books thoughtfully pick out time and locations for their characters. Melody is in Detroit for 1963-1964, and through her, we are able to process all of the major civil rights events and injustices of those years. Motown is woven in, plus lyrics for songs like Lift Every Voice and Sing and We Shall Overcome. I really feel like this book set made the civil rights movement of that era come to life, plus lots of good classroom discussion on how we can do better today.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could never get into this book. It taught us stuff about the time which was nice but I just felt like the same events were happening the entire time. Nothing particularly interesting or exciting happened. It was great to see the kids give back to the community but there was just no need for all those pages to be dedicated to telling just that story. I was disappointed with the melody books :/

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been impressed with the amount of historical detail crammed into these two books. Local trivia plus historical information layer on top of Melody's own story, which is fun and positive in its own right.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It seems a little scattered as it covers eight months time but all the pieces fit together well. I relate to Melody so much. She wants to make her community stronger as do I! I think this is one of the best AG books yet.

[Hayden Byler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! This doll is amazing, and her story is so interesting! Even if you don’t like reading about the past, this is a story about friends, family, and making things right. I definitely recommend reading this book!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melody cleans up a neighborhood park with her friends, records backup for her brother's record, visits relatives in Mississippi, and her sister gets arrested while participating in Freedom Schools in Alabama. I wish these were separate books.

[Skylar Newbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the community and church focus in this one, and the appropriately-leveled realism about being Black in America in the 1960s.

[Avery Denault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that melody had to face a lot of hard things but still kept singing.

[HannahBeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Melody. She seems more real and so does her family. She struggles and learns. She has more than one interest.

[Melissa Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great sequel. I can't wait to read more bout melody

[SashayChantea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good ! I had no idea how well developed Melody's story is. Definitely slept on

[Elsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gotta keep up to date on the recent American girl doll literature

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this! definitely not as emotionally impactful as the first one but a gorgeous step by step guide for kids to take action in their communities

[Jessica Arend · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best AG books I've ever read! It's up there with Addy's series!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Review to come

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Eva B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full series review for Melody:
Easily the best post-Beforever girl and one of my favorites overall. The third act of the first book almost had me in tears--Melody's panic attack at church hit VERY close to home for me. I loved the dynamic with her family and her struggle to "get her voice back" after such a horrific tragedy. I absolutely loved both of her books and I definitely want to buy myself copies of them.

[Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that should be widely read.

Nice to see that Melody is able to get some public recognition that goes beyond her community, but a heavy message of the story is that her life is lived in a specific area bordered by friends and family. And this is true even if that area moves with her, in a sense, when--for example--she visits Alabama.

Venturing beyond that area raises the possibility of danger, from being treated as a shop lifter at the local department store, to having the City lock the park you are trying to restore. And then there are the risks to her sister who joins freedom workers in Mississippi, risks of arrest and even death.

The result is that you have family discussions about organizing boycotts and how family members can't find someone willing to sell them a house. Not to mention spending the summer worrying if the daughter spending the summer in Mississippi will be killed.

Even in the happy world of an American Girl, these things were there--because she was African-American. Every American Girl, and everyone else, should know this and understand it at a deep level.