Out of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind (p. 295). New York, New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. At eleven years old, Melody has never spoken a word, but is one smart cookie! Wheel chair bound due to Cerebral Palsy, she is dependent on others to care for her. Things become interesting when Meldoy begins inclusion classes with her other classmates from the H-5 classroom. While on her middle school quiz team Melody and her team advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. This is when things dramatically change for Melody. Her teammates leave without her for the competition and she is faced with a tragic event within her family. Stand with Melody as she keeps pushing forward in her story. You will be amazed, laugh out loud, cry, and see things through her much different perspective. Draper presents a story of Melody and her daily ups and downs within herself, family, school, and society. Although she is unable to speak or care for herself, Melody is stuck inside of her head and is very talkative. She has a photographic memory and is the smartest kid in her middle school. Draper provides a glance at a micro culture of a disabled student who could more than likely out do many of her classmates academically, but is striving to become accepted by her peers. Using Draper’s book would allow older readers the opportunity to identify theme, as well as plot and setting. It also presents the idea that not everyone is the same physically, but all wanting the same in acceptance within in a school society.