Out of My Mind

Sharon M. Draper

Mar 2010 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

A New York Times bestseller for three years and counting!

“A gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“Unflinching and realistic.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From award-winning author Sharon Draper comes a story that will forever change how we all look at anyone with a disability, perfect for fans of RJ Palacio’s Wonder.

Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.

Ratings and reviews

Melody was born with Cerebral Palsy. She must be buckled in to her wheelchair at all times, she drools and has spasmodic moments, and she can't talk. Even though she can't talk, her mind works all the time. The problem is, no one knows this. A couple of teachers have figured out her gestures and nurtured her learning along the way. Most, along with her doctor, believe she would be better off in a nursing home. Then enter Mrs. V. the neighbor. She babysits Melody and that is when her real learning begins. It starts with learning to roll over and grab things. Throughout the year Mrs. V. teaches her words and sentences and even creates a board for her tray with pictures and words to help her communicate. Then comes the day when she is in fifth grade and put in inclusion classes. Seeing a girl's new computer she communicates with her aide that she wants something like it. After some research they find a machine, the Medi-Talk, that will help her do just that. Imagine every one's surprise when she returns to school after Christmas and is able to communicate. Still not everyone believes she has a high functioning brain. When she makes the Whiz Kid Team and takes them to the next level her teacher is astounded and is apologetic for not realizing or understanding that just because her body was broken didn't mean her brain was. But not everyone else feels this way. I was on an emotional roller coaster through this book. I cheered Melody on when she would accomplish something that was so easy for me and difficult for her. I got angry when people judged her. I devoured this book in just a couple of hours. I think this should be required reading for all students and teachers. Although I borrowed this book from our school library the day it came in, I will make sure that other teachers and students know of its existence and will be purchasing it for my own shelves. Books that teach us such a powerful lesson and make us look at how we look at others don't come along very often. This book was definitely well written.

I was so inspired by this book. At first, I looked at the cover and thought that it was really weird to have a goldfish going out of the fishbowl. Then, the book explains it flat out and my mind exploded. It is a really good book for people who like realistic fiction. :)

Wow. I couldn't put this book down after the first chapter. I really think this captured the point of view of someone who can't speak or walk. People don't realize at all how lucky they are. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who loves books. This book really made me look at my life differently -Nini, a 5th grader.

About the author

Sharon M. Draper is a three-time New York Times bestselling author for Out of My Mind, Blended, and Out of My Heart. She’s also won Coretta Scott King Awards for Copper Sun and Forged by Fire and multiple honors. She’s also the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. Sharon taught high school English for twenty-five years and was named National Teacher of the Year. She now lives in Florida. Visit her at SharonDraper.com.