This was a powerful book and one that I'm glad I decided to read. I would have never guessed from the cover what it was really about. Given the similarity to other covers that are in the business and self-help genres, realizing that this was a middle-grade book was a bit of a surprise.

But don't let the cover fool you! This story is told from the point of view of a ten-year-old girl named Melody, who is navigating fifth grade while living with the constraints of cerebral palsy. Trapped within her own body, she's never been able to walk, talk, or even eat on her own.

Yet this year, she finally is given a way to communicate. A talking computer becomes her constant aid and she starts to turn heads when her schoolmates and teachers all realize they've been underestimating her for a very long time.

As human beings, we can never really know what's in the heart or mind of another, yet "Out of My Mind" seeks to give readers insight into the struggles and challenges of this other-abled girl. And while we might not always like what she shows us, I think readers of this story will come away with a greater desire to be compassionate and understanding of those whose lives involve so much more challenge than our own.

Review of eBook

Ten-year-old Melody, a brilliant fifth-grade student, has never spoken a single word. The cerebral palsy that keeps her from walking, talking, and even feeding herself, affects only her body. She can read, think, reason, and understand . . . but she has no way to share those thoughts and feelings with others. She is sad that she has never been able to say, “I love you,” to her mother and father.

But Melody is determined to find a way to communicate, to overcome the condition that leaves her trapped in a body that simply won’t work.

And then a talking computer comes into her life.

Told from Melody’s point of view, the narrative pulls readers in from the outset. The characters are well-drawn and believable although the mean-spirited, rude classmates feel like a bit of a cliché. Still, it doesn’t detract from the heart of the story, from showing that disabilities don’t define a person. Here, in the pages of this compelling tale, readers find a protagonist with grit and determination, frustrated but accepting her condition, not seeking sympathy but hoping to find a way to fit in and belong.

At times, the story is overwhelming, but Melody’s thoughts and emotions ring true in the telling of the tale. The support Melody receives from her aide at school, her next-door neighbor, and her family is heartfelt and feels genuine, but readers will hope that the lack of accommodation for this young girl in the school setting, [which seems a bit odd], is not the norm for disabled students.

There aren’t many surprises in the unfolding narrative, but a despicable event near the end of the story works to provide an admonition for the targeted audience, readers ten and up, grades five through nine. However, all readers will find much to appreciate in this heartwarming tale of determination and love. Readers will find Melody’s inspiring story staying with them long after they’ve turned the final page.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers and NetGalley
#OutOfMyMind #NetGalley

Absolutely beautiful story about an amazing 5th grade girl named Melody. To be invited into Melody’s world, a world swirling with activity even though she is bound to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, is a gift like no other. This book is beloved by late elementary and middle schoolers, and now I know why. It’s a magical story. One that will resonate with children and adults. I cannot wait to read Sharon M. Draper’s next book about this courageous, brilliant, funny and lovable young lady, Melody.

This book powerfully tells the story of Melody, a girl who was born with CP. Melody is very aware of what is going on around her, frustrated with the difficulty of communicating her thoughts. This is a must read for upper elementary and middle school readers.

This is a very important read for middle grade children as well as high school level. It helps them to remember not to judge anyone by appearances. Melody’s story is touching and inspiring. My two middle school children loved this book, and I would definitely recommend to others.

Out of My Mind is about a young girl,Melody, who has cerebral palsy and the inability to verbalize her thoughts, and that is all everyone looks at. However, what makes her different is her photographic memory. She absorbs information and just knows so much about, well, everything.
The book does a great job at presenting Melody's thought and emotions. This book is a definite read for young adults, ranging from middle school to early high school. The book presents prejudice in a form that no one really expects. It pulls the reader into the book, so they feel like they are experiencing the emotions firsthand.

This was a sweet book about an eleven year old girl with cerebral palsy who is in a wheelchair and unable to speak. It reminded me quite a bit of Wonder. It was fascinating to be inside Melody's head and understand what her life was like.

For both middle grade readers and adults alike, I think the message in this story is so imporant-- not to judge by external apperances and the importance of understanding what life is like from someone else's perspective. Learning about Melody and what she thinks and feels is so helpful for teaching us all more empathy and understanding for those who are different from us.

I did feel like some parts of this story were not fully realistic? I believe the book is set in 2010, and it just seems like the school would have been more accomodating and helpful to Melody in 2010. The school and disability classroom seemd very outdated. I also felt like the ending was abrupt and out of place with the rest of the book.

Still for middle grade readers this is definitely a book I would recommend. It's a good story with a good message!

All four of my children loved this book. It is an easy, thoughtful read, and brings to the fore disability rights, equality, equity and kindness. The writing is not as smooth as it could be, and sometimes feels stilted and awkward, but overall, it is a kind, thought provoking read, which is loved by all children that have read it.

This book is well-written emanating all important aspects of Melody and her struggles being born with cerebral palsy. The author puts into prospective the differences of handicapped people engaging activities in a room. Melody’s photographic memory using artificial intelligence medium to help her communicate and argue with people is superbly written into the story! Cynthia Lord makes this book easy-to-read with many funny statements and synopsis. It is kids-approved book. A must read for kids and adults too!!!

What a special book this is! Not predictable, not sappy, just very real and full of life. It's about a girl with cerebral palsy, but it's also about anyone with any kind of limiting trait that makes them feel different. It's about brave and thoughtful caregivers, about good and bad teachers, and normal people with normal reactions to others who are different. It's just a wonderful book!

Wow! After fifty years in the classroom, I was convicted, inspired and encouraged. The story of Melody will touch all: parents, classmates, family, teachers and others. She teaches all of us.

This book is amazing. I read it years ago and the story has shaped the way I view people. I highly recommend this book as a must read for everyone
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy
I cannot wait for the sequel

Out Of My Mind is one of my favorite books of all time. I've been teaching this book to my sixth grade students for several years, and they adore it. Melody is a wonderful character and easy to connect to, and seeing the world through her eyes really gives a new point of view to my students. There are a few big twists that my students never see coming (with the doctor at the beginning, and the airport near the end) and we always have to talk them through and decompress a little! Such a fantastic book. I'm so excited that there's a sequel coming out!

Melody was born with a severe form of cerebral palsy (similar to Trueman's Stuck in Neutral) which makes it impossible for Melody to communicate or move without help which makes her feel trapped. She is intelligent and has a photographic memory so when she gets a chance to play for her school's Whiz Kid team, she's beginning to show everyone that although her body doesn't function, her mind does, now that she has a computer that will now share her voice.
I loved that there are highs and lows in the book and the best and worst in people are showcased when they're unsure of people with disabilities. Mrs. V's character is the greatest and most important as she offers tough love that Melody needs to be confident.
Even as her teammates leave her behind for their championship game, Melody goes to school the next day with her head held high. And the reader could have done without the drama of Penny's injury since the book was filled with enough passion and heart. Would definitely recommend along the lines of So B. It and Trueman's.

Mind blowing!! This book really affected how I view people with special needs. Melody is a young girl with cerebral palsy. She is smarter than most people think. Most people underestimate her. I never realized how people with disabilities are lumped together. Every person, no matter what their ability , has strengths and weaknesses.
The story is told from Melody’s point of view. I hung onto every word. We saw her journey in school, as a student who is just “there” to a valued member of the class.
I can’t wait to read the sequel that will be released this fall.
All opinions are my own.

I don't know how I avoided reading Out of My Mind until now. It was originally published back in 2010. At that time I was working part time as a book seller, and it flew off the shelves at Barnes & Noble and my school library shelves. I missed it then. Reading it now was a pure treat. This is the beautiful story of young Melody. She is witty, wise, self-aware, and living solely inside her own mind. She is unable to speak, to move, to walk or do the most simple task for herself. The general assumption is that Melody is mentally, as well as physically impaired. One day she learns of a computer that can help her communicate and she manages, by trial and error, to make it understood that this device is something she must have. The world opens up for Melody - and yet, not everyone is ready to hear what she has to say.

This is such a beautiful story - Melody is a true hero. There is so much in this world we take for granted. Melody never asked for the hand she was dealt, and she never wanted to be the subject of anyone's sympathy. She only wanted to find and use her voice; to be a part of her own life.

Melody is 11 years old and is in the fifth grade. She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheelchair. She also has a photographic memory. Unable to speak, students and teachers don't realize how intelligent Melody really is. Partway through fifth grade, Melody gets an electronic communication device that allows her to speak for the first time and to participate in class. Even though she's now able to speak and let her teachers and peers know that she's a bright girl, will she ever be fully accepted?

#Out of My Mind by #SharonDraper is an amazing book about looking beyond physical appearances and appreciating others for their true selves. This book should be read aloud to students in late elementary school and used for a character study in middle grades. Every single educator needs to read this novel!

This is hands down one of my favorite middle grade books. I love the character development and the drama. I have read this to fourth graders and love how angry they get at the events of the story. I can't wait to read the next book!

Melody can't walk or talk but she can learn and is super smart. This book sets out to break stereotypes of people with disabilities. I read this with my class and used it to help my middle school students realise that what they see is not necessarily what they get. They need to get to know someone before they judge.
Great book!
Many thanks to Net Galley for giving me a copy of the book.

Thank you to#sharonmdraper for writing such a powerfully eye-opening book and to# netgalley for a free digital copy on which to base a fair and honest review.

Out of My Mind shares the experiences of eleven year old Melody who has Cerebral Palsy and has never walked or spoken with her own voice despite brilliance an an unending desire for everyone to hear what she has to say. As a 57 year old reader with mild Cerebral Palsy, I can absolutely say that the novel is deep and real. At times loving and cruel , it a story of strength that should be experienced by people of all ages who want to see what true courage looks like.