out of my mind



Draper, S. (2010) Out of My Mind. New York, NY: Athenaeum Books
Melody head is full of words, colors, and music.  Unfortunately she is unable to express those words since she can’t speak, or even move very much.  All of which is very frustrating when you’re incredibly intelligent.  During her 5th grade year they start up inclusion classes.  The kids in her new class don’t take her very seriously, taking her outward appearance to be what’s on the inside as well.  She starts changing minds when she gets an electronic speaking device. Soon after that, she’s the top scorer on the school’s academic quiz team.  Finally she get all those words stuck in her head out.
I, like many of the characters of this book, did not expect to see much I liked from this story.  I was wrong.  As I read it, I began to understand that Melody is just a girl like any other.  She jokes, she wishes, she has heartbreak like any other person.  That can be a powerful lesson for some. 

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