Out of my mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum. Melody is an intelligent 11 year old that is unable to express her thoughts and feelings with words because she has cerebral palsy. Through Melody’s dialogue, she describes herself as having a photographic memory and able to retain anything she learns, especially words. At school, she is treated as a student with a learning disability when in reality it is a physical handicap. Once Melody got the computer to allow her to speak what is really on her mind, she wanted to show people that she was smart rather than her thoughts trapped in her head. Draper fully describes the emotional issues that Melody and her parents have to endure because of her disability. The sense of guilt of having and raising a child with a handicap and Melody’s frustration of trying to reach and explain to others is fully portrayed in this story. This story should be read to students at a more mature level such as end of 4th and forward. This book is a great way to discuss how to respect and treat others regardless of physical or mental disability. Students can write a skit or role play to show how mistreating others feel.