Out of My Mind

Draper, Sharon M.  (2010).  Out of my mind.  New York:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

This is a Bluebonnet Award Nominee.

Out of My Mind is an incredible and emotional read.  Sharon Draper has written a beautiful, and at times poetic, novel about an eleven year old girl, Melody, that has cerebral palsy.  Melody cannot talk or walk, but is extremely intelligent and challenges strangers, teachers, and students to finally see that there is more to her than a wheelchair. 

At times I found myself feeling ashamed.  How many times have I made assumptions about someone who is disabled even though I know better?  How many times have I diverted my eyes as to not make myself uncomfortable?  Definitely not something to be proud of.

I also found myself becoming upset and mad at the teacher, Mr. Dimming.  To say the things he did in front of his class are unforgivable.  The embarrassment it caused Melody.  The elation I felt when Melody was finally able to communicate with her family and friends.  I cried when Melody was able, after so many years, to tell her parents that she loved them.  I cheered when Melody's mom did not allow doctors or teachers to treat Melody like a second-class citizen.  I rooted for Melody when she tried out for the Whiz Kids quiz team and was nervous anytime she answered a question.  I was devastated when Melody's plane was cancelled and she was not able to compete in Washington D.C., and I was extremely proud of her when she got the last word at the end of the book.

I admire and respect how Sharon Draper was able to write a book that can cause so many emotional reactions and a create a character that will be remembered. This is a book that I will highly recommend to teachers and students.