Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind is a novel by Sharon M. Draper, a New York Times bestselling author. The cover illustration of the fifth edition is by Daniel Chang, and the cover photography is by Cyril Bruneau/Jupiter Images. A reading group guide is enclosed. The book is recommended for ages 10-14 and for grades 5–8. The story was written in first person, featuring Melody Brooks, a girl with cerebral palsy. Plot Melody Brooks is a nearly eleven-year-old girl. Her parents have done everything they can to help her live a normal life, but life is often frustrating for Melody since she cannot speak, move, nor communicate her wishes due to cerebral palsy. As a result, Melody has to fight to get her wishes. At age five, Melody is even diagnosed as "profoundly retarded" by a doctor who suggests putting Melody in a nursing home. In spite of this, Melody's mother enrolls her in Spaulding St. Elementary School to get the education she needs. However, the special education class she is put in, Class H–5, is suited for children with learning disabilities; the class teaches its students the same things every day, i.e., the alphabet. Melody is frustrated by this, as she is advanced beyond the material taught in her lessons but cannot communicate in speech or writing. Her neighbor, Mrs. V, is a kind, but a tough woman. She pushes Melody to do the best she can. When Melody was three, Mrs. V was not impressed by Melody having to rely on her parents for everything. Because of this, Mrs. V forced her to learn how to crawl and roll on the ground. She even taught Melody how to catch herself whenever she fell from her wheelchair. This helped Melody become self-sufficient, but she continues to be reliant on her parents to help feed her and help her go to the bathroom. When Melody turns eight, her mother becomes pregnant with a new baby. During this time, Melody overhears them talking about the new baby and their fears that it will suffer the same disabilities, causing Melody to feel ashamed. However, Melody is happy when the baby, Penny, is born perfectly healthy. Melody envies Penny as she grows and matures since she will never be able to do the things Penny can do. However, Melody loves her little sister and the pleasures Penny brings to the family and to Melody herself. When Melody enters fifth grade, she becomes frustrated by the difficulty of communicating her wants and needs to those around her.