Book excerpt: American Girl® Melody™ stands up for what's right in this all-new Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader that takes place in 1964—and includes more than 30 stickers! 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 and includes more than 30 stickers! 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