Out of my Mind

By: Sharon M Draper
Location: FIC DRA
Genre: Overcoming Obstacles

“We all have disabilities. What’s yours?” 

Imagine being able to listen, think, watch but never vocally respond. Imagine having amazing ideas and contributions to a conversation- but never be able to share them. Imagine  being able to solve people conundrums and watch as they never solve them themselves. Imagine all this and then imagine what it would be like for those people to think you can't... do.... anything....think...anything....process .....anything.    
They think you cant think! But you can- you are a genius- you just cant speak!                                                                                                                                                                           

Eleven year-old Melody has cerebral palsy. She lives in a world of silence-- unable to talk or write. Although she is extremely intelligent, her classmates and more than a few teachers, see her as simple-minded. When Melody receives assistive technology that allows her to communicate, she finally proves to everyone that she is smart. Melody longs for acceptance, but events beyond her control throw Melody into conflict with her classmates. Touching and honest, the resolution of this conflict is realistic, and does not end perfectly for Melody. 

From the first page, Melody's thoughts and experiences show that language wields the power to free, crush, or illuminate the human spirit.

“Words have always swirled around me like snowflakes-each one delicate and different, each one melting untouched in my hands."