Out of My Mind: Summary and book reviews of Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, plus links to an excerpt from Out of My Mind and a biography of Sharon Draper.

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school - but no one knows it. Most people - her teachers and doctors included - don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows... but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write. Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind - that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice... but not everyone around her is ready to hear it. From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

BookBrowse

Accompanying Melody on this journey is a deeply rewarding experience. More than anything else, Out of My Mind is an examination of the spirit of one incredible girl - a fierce and determined and trapped spirit - and her search to find a way to share that spirit with the world. It is a spirit that is easy to love. And Melody is a girl who is easy to love, too.  (Reviewed by Tamara Smith).

Full Review (871 words).

Media Reviews

Shelf Awareness It's impossible to close this book without thinking about the world differently.   The Washington Post - Mary Quattlebaum Details such as the messy particulars of Melody's daily routine, her anger over being babied intellectually and the arguments between her loving but strained parents add verisimilitude to this important novel.   Publishers Weekly A horrific event at the end nearly plunges the story into melodrama and steers the spotlight away from Melody's determination, which otherwise drives the story.   Kirkus Reviews This book is rich in detail of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy.   School Library Journal Starred Review. Kids will benefit from being introduced to Melody and her gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes and reveals the quiet strength and fortitude it takes to overcome disabilities and the misconceptions that go with them.   Booklist Starred Review. Uplifting and upsetting, this is a book that defies age categorization, an easy enough read for upper-elementary students yet also a story that will enlighten and resonate with teens and adults.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by country girl
my idea of the story
This book is OK I guess, but I feel like Melody doesn't want to talk as much as the author wants her to talk.

Rated of 5 by antonia bieber
out of my mind awesome review
This book "Out of My Mind" is a very good book because my Mom works with these type of kids and they are really smart just like melody.

Rated of 5 by Bina
Out of my Mind
I thought that Melody could inspire anyone in the world. Toward the end there was a huge twist. The attention wasn't on Melody anymore. I also loved how Sharon kept you on your toes the whole story. I recommend this book to everyone out there.

Rated of 5 by cc
my review
i think this book was absolutely amazing. It really stops and makes you realize how important it is to not judge and see the world through different eyes. It not only does it help you understand but it makes you appreciative of your life and the...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Payleigh
Out of my mind
My review of out of my mind was an amazing one!I think that the author wrote it steering for all ages to read it. Even though I am only in the fifth grade I love this book and I know so many more will and do to!

Rated of 5 by Bookguy
Sad but Great
An amazing book that is funny sad and catchy. It is a book that is not only fantastic but important too. Everyone should read "Out of My Mind"

...5 More Reader Reviews

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