Out of My Mind

by Sharon Draper

Melody Brooks is an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Melody's body is stiff and uncooperative, forcing her to use a wheelchair. Her mind works well, but she cannot speak. Melody hates her boring special education classes and the fact that she cannot make her thoughts and opinions known, even to her parents. Hence Melody has to fight to get what she wants. Eventually, Melody is given a computer that helps her speak and communicate in a regular fifth grade class. Melody even gets the opportunity to participate in a trivia competition. Unfortunately, even great success cannot change opinions of those who cannot see beyond the physical. This is a fact Melody is forced to face despite everything she accomplishes. Out of My Mind is a novel that takes the reader into the world of an amazing eleven year old girl who eventually realizes she is no different from the kids around her despite her body's disabilities.

Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper was born in Cleveland. She has two younger siblings. Growing up, she played the piano and loved to read. By eleven she had read nearly every children's book in her local library and was given a special library card in order to be allowed to check out adult books! Her writing career began in 1990 when, as a teacher, she was challenged by a ninth-grade student to "write something." She entered a short story entitled "One Small Torch" to a writing contest through Ebony magazine. In 2000, she retired from teaching in order to spend more time on her writing. Sharon lives in Cincinnati with her husband.

Previous entry
No So Different
Next entry
Trampoline Boy
We are each given more of some things and less of others.
Eric Walters
My Name is Blessing
A young African boy runs smiling to school. All but two fingers on his hands are malformed
If they knew me a little better, they would see that I'm not that different.
Shane Burcaw
Not So Different
Shane Burcaw, the author of Not So Different, lies sideways in deep grass. His facial expression is one of surprise
If I'm quiet, I might just hear the stars sing.
Rachna Gilmore
A Screaming Kind of Day
Young girl with hood standing in the rain
Down became up. Dim became bright. Gloom became glad.
Kyo Maclear
Virginia Wolf
illustration of a young girl sitting in a tree looking down at a fantasy version of a black wolf
I wish I could see what you see up there in that blue, blue sky.
Nan Forler
Trampoline Boy
Two young children touch hands as they swing in the air like acrobats