Set #3:Out of My Mind

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

Draper crafts a wonderful portrayal of Melody a young girl dealing with the limitations of her cerebral palsy. Despite her supportive parents and care-giver, Melody feels trapped in her body.  People doubt her intelligence because of her out word appearance.  In actuality, Melody is highly intelligent.  Technology eventually gives voice to that fact and she becomes involved in her inclusion class.  With study and support she makes an academic competition team.  Displaying remarkable smarts and courage, Melody helps advance her team to the finals.  Through a heartbreaking betrayal  and accident, Melody realizes her own worth.  I found this book to be a wonderful character exploration.  As an inclusion teacher i hope to understand the inner workings of my students.  I found Ms. Drapers' account inspiring and provocative.  The characters where multi-layered and presented realistic points of views.  The themes of acceptance , courage, acknowledgment where presented in an easily accessible way.  Sharon Draper has created wonderful book club questions on her site at: http://sharondraper.com/bookdetail.asp?id=35