out of my mind

Draper, S. (2010). out of my mind. New York ,NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Melody is an eleven-year old girl with cerebral palsy.  She can't talk, walk, feed herself, and is confined to a wheelchair.  Despite what doctors and teachers have thought, she is intelligent and has a photographic memory.  She is able to think and learn, but not able to communicate her thoughts and ideas.  With the help of her neighbor, Mrs. V., and her aid at school, Melody finally gets a Medi-Talker, which helps her finally communicate.  When she begins classes with mainstream fifth graders, she is able to show her peers that she is just as smart as they are.  Melody makes the Whiz Kids team  at her school and competes in the first round of competitions. But all Melody really wants is to feel accepted and make friends with kids her age.  She is bullied by a group of girls and the other Whiz Kids team members are uncomfortable around her.  When it's time for the competition in Washington D.C., the team leaves without her.  Melody is devastated and knows acceptance is going to be a problem throughout her life.

The theme of this book is acceptance no matter who you are.  It shows that people with disabilities may look different, but they have feelings, thoughts, and wants just like any other person.  This book is great to teach tweens and young adults that people with disabilities want to feel  accepted , just like any other person.