Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Draper, Sharon M. , Out of My Mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN: 978-4169-7170-2.

SUMMARY

Melody has a gift that many people only dream of having: A photographic memory. She remembers words, events, and images as far back as when she was an infant. Words flood her mind. Thoughts and ideas constantly rise up to be heard – only to be crushed against one obstacle: She cannot talk or communicate with others because of the crippling disease cerebral palsy that leaves her body bound to a wheelchair and her thoughts imprisoned in her mind. For eleven years she has lived trapped within her body – until one day her dream comes true, and she is finally able to let her thoughts out and be recognized for her intelligence instead of her disability. Unfortunately, students and teachers in the school are uncomfortable around Melody and are not ready to accept her as an equal. Their behavior leads to a devastating event that affects everyone – including the reader of this powerful novel.

ANALYSIS

Sharon M. Draper strikes hard with Out of My Mind. She leaves no emotions untouched in this book as the reader falls into Melody’s world, captured and held by Melody’s story. Told in first person narrative, Melody immediately draws the readers to her with her words and her story. Melody’s casual teenage conversational speaking style, her simple and honest observations of the people in her life, and her candid and frank descriptions of herself blend perfectly to show Melody’s reality.

Although Draper does not focus on ethnic cultural markers in this novel, slight references suggest that Melody’s family is African American. Melody describes herself as “…a girl with short, dark, curly hair strapped into a pink wheelchair…with dark brown eyes that are full of curiosity. But one of them is slightly out of whack. (Whose) head wobbles a little… (who) drools.” The focus of Melody’s description falls on the physical features affected by cerebral palsy that imprisons her. Another cultural marker comes later in the book when Melody describes her newborn sister, Penny. “…Penny was born perfect and copper-bright, just like her name.” Ethnicity does not play a major, or even a minor, role in the plot of the story.

Draper’s focus primarily settles on the discriminatory actions of “normal” people towards people who differ physically – but not because of ethnic characteristics. Instead, the discrimination is against people with physical disabilities. Melody attends public school but is assigned to a classroom for students with special needs, room H-5. Through her descriptions, we meet children with physical or mental disabilities in her classroom. Ashley, the girl who “…looks like a doll that you see in a box on a shelf, except she’s prettier,” is nine years-old, but her body, set into a wheelchair, is as small as the body of a three year-old. Ten year-old Maria has Down syndrome and loves everybody and everything. Her descriptions continue, drawing the reader into the classroom that most people never visit.

The frustrating conflict for Melody, her inability to show people how much she knows and understands, continues to plague her. She is treated as if she is incapable of learning and only able to respond to “yes, no” type of questions. Then, one day she learns about a computer designed to help people like her to be able to communicate with others. Her parents and school work together to get the computer for her. Once the computer arrives, she finally can open her mind to the world and feel the freedom in expressing thoughts. However, she quickly learns that the students and teachers in the regular education rooms are not as excited as she is. If anything, they are suspicious and uncomfortable.

Melody, though, refuses to be silenced now that she can be heard.  She is determined to let others see she is an intelligent person – capable of matching and even exceeding their highest expectations. However, prejudice and stereotyping comes in all forms – and Melody soon learns that breaking those barriers will be a new challenge that she must overcome.

Out of My Mind is a memorable book – thought provoking, emotionally charged, and in the end enlightening. Sharon M. Draper’s Melody is a hero for all who struggle against unjustifiable prejudice and cruel judgments.

AWARDS/REVIEWS
Sharon M. Draper is a multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner

Booklist starred, January 2010

Kirkus Reviews starred, February 2010

Multicultural Review, June 2010

"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." Booklist Starred, January 1, 2010

"This is a powerfully eye-opening book with both an unforgettable protagonist and a rich cast of fully-realized complicated background characters." Horn Book, March/April, 2010

CONNECTIONS

Out of My Mind would be an excellent novel to read with a class who is on a campus that has children with extreme special needs. Draper’s novel will open the lines of communication and awareness for the regular education students who may otherwise feel uncomfortable discussing the needs and the abilities of the special needs students.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

I work in a middle school that has a room like H-5, and I have students come to my classroom for inclusion.  I was able to relate to many scenarios in this novel. I laughed in some parts, cried in others, and at the end cheered for Melody. I literally could not put this book down until I finished reading it. Melody is amazing!

Out of My Mind. Cover illustration. Internet on-line.  September 15, 2013 from http://www.flr.follett.com/cover?FLR=06961W4&SID=b280253d608c8322604104d465364637&type=cover