Out of My Mind

***Out of My Mind*** is a book by Sharon M. Draper and was published in 2010 on March 9th by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

## Blurb

Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it - somehow.

## Characters

Melody Brooks

Mrs. V

Catherine

Rose

Penny

Melody's mother

Melody's father

## Reception

Critical reception has been positive and seen as a well-written novel. *Out of My Mind* has received reviews from The Denver Post, The Columbus Dispatch, Publishers Weekly, Children's Literature, Washington Post, The Horn Book, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. The novel received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Reviews praised the book was "rich in detail of both the essential normalcy and the difficulties of a young person with cerebral palsy", and "descriptions of both Melody’s challenges—“Going to the bathroom at school just plain sucks”—and the insensitivities of some are unflinching and realistic". Publishers Weekly criticized that there was a "lack of tension in the plot", although it was "resolved halfway through". Booklist stated that *Out of My Mind* 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". The Bulletin said the novel "[Will make] students think twice about their classmates, acquaintances, and siblings with special needs". The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania) stated "Draper challenges those who read her story to become activists for those who are different". The Denver Post powerfully concluded: "if there's only one book teens and parents (and everyone else) can read this year, *Out of My Mind* should be it." VOYA Magazine praised "Melody's triumphs and setbacks as she strives to become a socially accepted classmate and team member are vividly described in this inspirational novel, which will appeal not only to middle school readers but also to anyone who wonders what might be going on in the minds of individuals with severe physical handicaps".The Horn Book exclaimed that the novel is "a powerfully eye-opening book with both an unforgettable protagonist and a dume cast of fully realized, complicated background characters". Children's Literature said "this is a genuinely moving novel". The Washington Post commented "author Sharon Draper creates an authentic character who insists, through her lively voice and indomitable will, that the reader become fully involved with the girl in the pink wheelchair".

## Awards and Achievements

* New York Times Bestselling Novel for nine weeks
* Over 18 months on the New York Times Best Seller List
* Winner of the 2011 Bank Street College of Education Josette Frank Award
* *Kirkus Reviews* Best Children's Book of 2010
* A *San Francisco Chronicle* Best Book of The Year
* The Virginia Readers' Choice Reading List for 2011-2012
* A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book
* *Essence* Magazine Book of the Year
* A 2011 Notable Children's Book in the English Language Arts
* Top 10 Book of the Year for *Shelf Awareness*
* Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choice of 2011
* 2011 IRA Teachers' Choice Book
* 2011 IRA Young Adult's Choice
* Buckeye Children's Book Award from Ohio
* Sunshine State Young Reader's Award in both the middle school and elementary categories
* Black-eyed Susan Book Award
* Beehive Book Award
* Featured in the July 9 issue of Time Magazine
* Featured in the July issue of Ladies' Home Journal
* On the Indie National Bestseller List
* Receiver of the SAKURA Award
* A NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts