"I am surrounded by words. Maybe Millions. I have no idea how I untangled the complicated process of words and thought, but it happened quickly and naturally. By the time I was two, all my memories had words, and all my words had meanings. But only in my head. I have never spoken one single word. I am almost eleven years old (Draper, 2010, p2)."
Plot/ Description: Eleven year old Melody has an incredible mind that soaks up music, knowledge and words like a sponge. She is the smartest kid in school but no one knows. Melody’s doctors, teachers and classmates do not think Melody is capable of learning anything and she is stuck re- learning the ABC’s and watching movies all day in her Special Ed class. Melody would love to speak up and show everyone how smart she is but she can’t. Melody can’t walk, talk or write. She does have magic thumbs that she uses to point to words on her communication table, but Melody is still bound to silence. She feels alone in her head until, she and her classroom aide discover a device that lets Melody speak for the very first time. Melody finds a voice and proves to her family, classmates and teachers how much she is capable of by making the Trivia team and getting her team to the finals, but not everyone is ready to accept Melody. Melody learns that self acceptance is what really matters.
Review: Sharon Draper’s, Out of My Mind, is a story about a girl born with a disability and the ways she fights to have a fulfilling life in the face of prejudice. The novel explores the subjects of family, friendship, genius, fifth grade, communication, cerebral palsy, girls with disabilities and prejudice. It is told in Melody’s voice as she discusses her determination, genius mind and the difficult challenges she faces. Her story also reveals the courage of her support system, as her parents, babysitter and teachers insist that Melody is treated as the smart and gifted child they know her to be. Melody deals with thoughtless teachers, being stuck in Special -Ed, cruel classmates, ugly clothes and bathrooms issues but her dreams and fears are just like any fifth grade girl as she wonders about boys, making friends, music and clothes. This book transcends age levels, adults and children will be captivated by Melody’s courage as she shares her experiences with friends, family and at school, and her wonderful sense of humor.
Personal Thoughts: Melody’s story will stay with me for a very long time. I am a disabled person, and based on my own experiences as a fifth grader, Melody's story is a very realistic characterization of growing up with a disability. Many of Melody’s experiences reflect what childhood is like for people with disabilities. Melody is viewed as the “other,” her jerky movements, wheelchair, eating habits, and drooling make people uncomfortable and often they choose to her ignore her. Even after Melody can talk and she shows people how smart she is, she is still left to eat lunch by herself. Melody learns throughout the novel to let go of her need to be accepted by her classmates and teachers, and to fully embrace her powerful mind and knack for communicating with words. Out of My Mind is a well reviewed core title of Contemporary Realistic Fiction, as Melody’s story speaks up for the rights of all disabled people. Even though she is seen as different by others, her love of music, her sense of humor, her longing for friendship, her family relationship and her own self doubts are plausible for any Tween.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Age 9- 12
Awards: Parent's Choice Awards- Fiction 2010
Awards: Parent's Choice Awards- Fiction 2010
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